Low Cost Vans

Renault is launching a new two wheel drive SUV, the Dacia Duster, into the UK market. This will be a budget friendly option with a suggested entry-level price tag of only £8,995. If you require the more desired 4x4 option, expect to pay around £2,000 more. Although the budget option SUV will have a 1.6-litre petrol engine and basic essential features, it is still a decent amount car for the money. If the proposed price is correct, you could get a brand new SUV nearer a second hand price. For more details and pictures, go to  Dacia.co.uk

Motor Trend has published details of Ford's new self-parking technology and the upcoming Traffic Jam Assist. The current ultrasonic sensor technology allows drivers to parallel-park with a simple touch of a button. Traffic Jam Assist would see further automation using cameras and radar, allowing the car to take over, with handling of the steering wheel in traffic situations no longer required. Perhaps a futuristic car that will do the driving for us is closer than we think? According to the article, Traffic Jam Assist - "It would control throttle, brakes, and steering to keep a car in its lane and gently slow it down or speed it up depending on traffic situations." For more details, view the article here .

This contentious subject has been discussed numerous times by other blogs, but I was interested to read a follow up on the public perceptions of the "White Van Man" (WVM). It became a mainstream term in 1997 when radio DJ Sarah Kennedy used the phrase on the air. With Tesco Bank announcing its foray into van insurance last month, a new article sprang up discussing a different view of the stereotypical WVM. According to Tesco's research, the previous attitudes and ideas about the White Van Man have now changed for the better. Gone are the antiquated images of an aggressive male who monopolises the road and drives a less than tidy vehicle. In fact, nearly a third of van drivers are now women and taking into consideration all of my van driving mates, my car is never as tidy as their van. If you would like to read more about Tesco's research and van insurance, click here

Just a few days ago, it was reported that the unfavourable 3p fuel duty rise had been postponed. The announced U-turn will see the much talked about August rise to be frozen until January 2013. Chancellor George Osborne has said, "We are on the side of working families and businesses and this will fuel our recovery at this very difficult economic time for the world." Is this enough to help struggling businesses and families who have been feeling the strain at the pumps for some time now? I’m not sure. The duty rise has been delayed not abolished completely, so it's still going to be looming over us come 2013. With the price of fuel fluctuating as it does, this announcement is very welcomed news.

From the  1 st of November 2012, European rules require that all new tyres sold are to be labelled with a grading system. These new labels will rate tyre fuel efficiency, wet grip performance, and the exterior rolling noise. This is meant to allow consumers and companies to increase and better control safety and fuel economy. Fuel-efficiency and wet grip performance will be rated using a letter grading system. The grades will range from A down to G. Grade A being the highest efficiency and G the least efficient, while tyre noise will be rated on a decibel system. Starting in July, tyre companies should begin the transition by adding the grading label to all tyres sold.  To see the new labels and for more details, view them on the Michelin tyre website here

I just read an interesting article in business car manager , regarding changes to UK driver's licenses. These modifications may take effect in 2015. If all goes to plan, we would see new biometric data included on plastic laminated cards.  In regards to the supposed changes, just the mention of adding biometrics does raise controversial issues, such as privacy matters and the potential for identity theft. The article didn't cite if any additional personal data would be included. I, for one, am not a proponent of biometric data, however the article states that there may be a benefit to these changes in the way of regulating insurance policies. Another potential license improvement on the horizon for 2015 would be the addition of the Union flag, to appear alongside the current EU flag. More details regarding this can be found posted in The Guardian  . What do you think about biometrics and the Union flag on your future license?

The 2012 range of Renault Master Vans have recently been improved with upgrades in fuel economy, reduced emissions, and even  smartphone/ipod options. They now boast cruise control and variable speed limiter, allowing you to set constant or max speeds. This van range has not been improved since 2010. Only time will tell if these upgrades can increase Renault’s 15 percent market share in the large van category against its main competitors - VW Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter, and the Ford Transit. To read about additional upgrades and to see photos, click here  

Could this be the top eco-friendly van of the future? Nissan has announced its zero emission all-electric van. Meant for the light commercial market, this new CO2 free van will be available in Canada and the USA sometime in 2014. No word yet as to when it will become available in the UK. I’ll be keeping a keen eye on this. I think the e-NV200 will appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers. Aside from the eco angle, an added bonus will be money saved on maintenance and avoiding the ever rising petrol/diesel costs. The 24-kWh battery pack could see mileage on a single charge (similar to the Nissan LEAF) at about 100miles. We will have to keep an eye on this in the next few years to see if it delivers on all that’s promised. Read more details here  

According to a recent article published on Marketwire.com , BMW will be showcasing the New Mini Clubvan at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Its’ concept was originally debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The target audience will most likely appeal to small commercial businesses looking to add a touch of style to their motoring needs. From the BMW press release, this is not just a case of style over substance though. To read more about this UK built minivan, please click here  

The Transit Van Club’s annual Ford Transit Rally will take place on July 21 and 22, 2012. It will be held at The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire. This is a great opportunity to view old and new Ford transits, as well as to congregate and meet up with fellow enthusiasts. Not only can you ogle at Ford’s most popular van, but the Old Ford Rally will be held alongside this event. On display will be a fascinating array of Ford vehicles through out the years, ranging from Model T’s to GT’s and beyond. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here