Low Cost Vans

A new batch of driving tips from IAM Drive and Survive this week centres on the back to school driving run. Writer Simon Elstow raises valuable points for all drivers, not just parents, during the hectic dropping off and picking up of children around the school gates. Familiarising yourself with where school zones and crosswalks are on roads you generally take is just one of the important things to remember when schools re-open in the coming days. Elstow said: “The school run brings with it a 20 per cent growth in rush hour traffic. A little preparation can go a long way to making the school run easier, so take the extra time and plan ahead.” The site offers additional tips alongside the importance of teaching kids to stop at red lights and to always look both ways before crossing the road when walking to school. Please read the Driver training specialist, IAM Drive & Survive school run tips by visiting the website here .

With electric vehicles being more prevalent and as I've read recently, making their accent into holiday Parks, such as Centre Parcs who recently added electric Renault Kangoo Maxi ZE vans to its fleet, I was intrigued to see what else was out there. I laid my eyes on the Twizy. Yes, I know it has been talked about for a little while now, but I've only just seen one actually in motion on the road. Renault say: "Twizy is the first-ever fully electric urban compact two-seater, combining bold design and bright styling while being incredibly fun and easy to drive – especially in a busy city like London, where it can nip around exempt from the congestion charge and squeeze into the tightest parking spaces". I heard that there are two versions of the Twizy, one that requires a driver's license and one, which depending on the country you live, doesn't. I will have to research that information in more in depth and get back to you. And technically it’s not really a car,

Another impressive motor debut will take place at the forthcoming international Paris Motor Show. The new Fiat Panda 4x4 – the only four-wheel drive model in the A segment and equipped with a torque-on-demand transmission system with two differentials and an electronically controlled coupling, will be on display come September 29 in Porte de Versailles, France. The third generation Panda 4x4 with five-doors is lighter than before at 368 centimetres long, 167 centimetres wide and 160 centimetres high with a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an electronic control unit. The two engine versions which are available; the new 85 HP 0.9 Twin Air Turbo and the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel, will both include the latest start/stop technology. "Elegant looks are combined with impressive off-road credentials. New Panda 4x4 is destined to be the benchmark in this particular market segment thanks to its refined style, attention to detail and comprehensive equipment", says Fiat i

Tom Tom has just released the preview date for the latest version of their TomTom HD Traffic for Android, a real-time traffic information service. This new navigation application for Android is being debuted at IFA (the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances) which takes place in Berlin from August 31st to September 5th, 2012. The trade show will feature many upcoming and improved in-car media technology such as; communications devices, mobile data and multimedia sets, navigation sets, traffic information and guidance systems. Yes, there will now be more gadgets being offered that we simply cannot live or drive without and turning our motors into digitally enhanced multi-media hubs on wheels. However, Sat Nav does offer some very helpful tools and Tom Tom has been the leading brand manufacturer of navigation systems in the world since 1991. The TomTom Navigation app for Android will offer drivers: World-class navigation - The latest, most accura

From the latest Isuzu press release: 'The all-new D-Max pick-up has been awarded a four-star safety rating by organisation Euro NCAP, provider of independent vehicle assessment'. William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK commented: “These positive results demonstrate the quality of the new Isuzu D-Max, and especially so given that it has been subjected to the new, tougher Euro NCAP testing criteria.  Customers can now add an impressive independent safety score to the list of attributes that makes the Isuzu D-Max a highly appealing ownership proposition.” The Isuzu D-Max received a whopping 83% in the ‘adult occupant’ category, scoring max points for the protection it provides in the side-barrier test, made possible by its new, stronger, longer and wider chassis (compared to its predecessor).  The Electronic Stability Programme and front seat belt reminder system contributed to the pick-up’s shared leading score of 71% in the ‘safety assist’ category, while scoring 67%  in the

Recent research from the AA shows that a large amount (86%) of drivers want car manufacturers to simply go back to providing quality basics and focus less emphasis on unnecessary expensive options. When reviewing the latest new vehicle offerings coming in later this year and early next, I have been astounded by the tremendous array of technology being installed and the immense extra options that will be included, or being offered at an additional cost, to current car/van buyers. Do we really need a car that can parallel park for us (my hard work perfecting that may now be in vain?) or one with touch screen satellite navigation systems and state of the art media centres? Perhaps these features are what will now be needed to sell more autos, but I manage just fine without them. When I am ready to buy a new car, I am not sure I will feel so giddy about paying more for features that I do not want or may not use, wishing they could be removed so I can pay less for my new vehicle. The AA res

I read an interesting article on MORE TH>N insurance website on how to use your commercial van to better advertise and show off what your business is all about. The MORE TH>N insurance article titled, "Pimping your van: sure way to drive up business?" offers some great advice and features photo's of vans that have been given a makeover to really stand out in the crowd. Some businesses take the subtle approach and simply etch the company details professionally onto the side of the vehicle, but then there are the much more bold attention grabbing approaches to advertising your business. To see examples of these, please view the MORE TH>N article here . There are several ways to customize your company van to appropriately reflect the business' personality and to ensure customers will remember it. Van sign writing should include the basic information for your company; including address, phone number, and website. For those that may need to change the details at

IAM - Institute of Advanced Motorists has just released detailed information regarding its survey on speed cameras. The report, 'Speed Cameras: A snapshot of public opinion' is based on a survey which IAM have commissioned every summer for the last six years. The survey was undertaken by Lake Market Research. The results found that 82% of motorists think it is now acceptable for authorities to use speed cameras, yet 45 per cent still don't quite trust them and believe that the prospect of making money is the main reason for their use. The findings show that many motorists do understand the benefits and feel speed cameras have helped to reduce road deaths since they were introduced. The acceptance rate, however, does vary from region to region with Wales being more wary of speed cameras with 32% of Welsh people thinking speed camera use is not acceptable. That could have something to do with Wales reportedly having the highest rate of people caught speeding. According to IAM

The Qualcomm Halo Sustainable Moto Expo 2012 on September 8 th and 9 th is being billed as, "the world’s first ever low-carbon street race, highlighting Gloucestershire as an exemplar region for business growth, through a sustainable low-carbon economy". The project was conceived by The Rotary Club of Cheltenham North, who’s Trustees hold the majority of the Company's shares, ensuring that profits from the trading of the Company are used for charitable purposes and prescribed by the Rotary Club. It aims to introduce the latest advances in sustainable motor sports and transport, as well as future low carbon possibilities. The expo is a fantastic opportunity to focus on young engineers of the future, giving them the chance to showcase their imagination and talents in the automotive and motorsports sectors. The Greenpower Trust, which promotes educational engineering projects in 500 schools across the UK, will present low-carbon race cars that have been designed by teams f

According to their latest press release, Subaru UK has just announced an enticing lower price offer on its high-performance WRX STI model of just £26,995. Subaru UK has created a further engine upgrade for the STI, allowing customers to create a new high-performance All-Wheel Drive flagship, the WRX STI 340R which is available now. Subaru also say the upgrade is available alongside the 320R (with 320 ps and 450 Nm). The 340R power upgrade will come with £1,599 added to the price; however, both the 340R and 320R power upgrades can be applied retroactively without affecting a car’s warranty. With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in only 4.7 seconds, this now makes the WRX STI 340R powerfully faster by 0.5 seconds compared to the standard WRX STI. “The 340R power upgrade turns our most performance-oriented model into one of the most rapid and charismatic cars available in the UK,” said Darren James, Managing Director of Subaru UK. “The WRX STI was already an exciting car, but imp

Seat has introduced a new automated manual gearbox for the Mii. Seat has made it more economical and lower in CO2 emissions. The new Mii Auto is 2.7mpg more fuel efficient on average than the Mii Sport, which has the same 1.0-litre 75PS engine with a manual gearbox. The automated version adds comfort with more efficiency and accomplishes this by doing away with a manually operated clutch, instead utilising an electric motor linked to a pair of electromechanical actuators to handle gear changes. In their press release, Seat say, "The gearbox is only available with the 75PS engine and in SE trim, making Mii Auto a standalone model. There are currently no plans to offer it with the lower powered 60PS engine (with which it shares identical average economy and CO 2 figures). Performance is only marginally affected by the loss of a manually operated clutch, with the Mii Sport’s 13.2 second 0-62mph benchmark increased slightly to 13.9 seconds in the Mii Auto. Top speed remains at 106mph

The BCA have recently announced, in their latest press release, that the used car market was strong last year, seeing an increase in volume and value in their newly published 2012 Used Car Market Report. Although growth was slower last year and average values remained relatively flat. The Used Car Market Report was written and produced for BCA by Professor Peter N C Cooke and the automotive group at The Centre for Automotive Management, University of Buckingham Business School. According to the 2012 BCA Used Car Market Report, 6.7 million used cars were sold last year for a combined value of £35.7 billion – the highest value ever recorded. However, average car values remained flat at £5,336. They forecast that the trend may change due to economic conditions and the fact that buyers may be changing their habits. It was reported earlier that reduced number of used cars being made available for sale is going to affect the market, meaning used cars prices will rise and as more motorists ho

In the next practical guide on how to use your van more effectively, we will look into the benefits of doing so in more detail and briefly list some of the main legislation, regulations, and laws that van users must adhere to, as compliance is the foundation for improving efficiency and safety. To view the latest page with guidance on how to ensure that your vans are operating efficiently and to promote efficient van operations, please click here .

TyreSafe has released information regarding the launch of a new film for businesses explaining how they can significantly reduce their fuel bills and ensure safer driving by correctly maintaining the tyres on their fleet vehicles. Businesses and fleet operators that implement a tyre maintenance policy will benefit from lower running costs and ensure their vehicles are as safe to drive as possible. In reading the latest statistics from TyreSafe, they estimate that a third of vehicles on the UK’s roads have dangerously under-inflated tyres. With a million new cars registered every year by fleets and businesses, they have expressed their concern for fleets that do not have a tyre maintenance policy in place and would like the film to inspire more businesses to understand that tyre pressure matters. The short film available to watch at TyreSafe, gives a graphic example of how the higher running costs for just one car can quickly escalate when applied to a typical larger fleet. According to

In a new survey released by Audi, they say that despite the UK being one of the biggest convertible markets in the world, most owners are reluctant to open their soft tops. The survey, which was carried out in August by Audi, indicates that just under two thirds (64%) of Britain’s convertible owners either never or rarely take the roof down. Those results are not surprising to those of us who actually live in the UK, with its typically inclement weather. The report did also find that 46% of the owners polled had cited exotic looks rather than wind-in-the-hair driving appeal as their primary reason for choosing a soft top and found women were more likely to choose to drive with the top down than men. Not surprising, the survey claims that the largest age group who prefer open air driving are 25 to 34 year olds, and those living in the East Midlands. Audi says that the UK is the biggest export market in the World for its cabriolets; “Our owners want the choice,” explained Audi UK Directo

The What Car? Green Awards 2012 will take place on September 19 at the Imagination Gallery, London, celebrating the best green cars in several notable categories. This year's awards will be sponsored by EDF Energy who say; "Electric vehicles demonstrate important developments that have been made in low-carbon motoring,” said Angus Wilby, Head of Energy Services at EDF Energy. “As the largest producer of low-carbon electricity in Britain and provider of electric vehicle recharging solutions for homes and businesses, EDF Energy’s sponsorship of the What Car? Green Awards is the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment.” The categories this year will include the best super-mini, small family car, family car, executive car, MPV, alternative-fuel car, SUV, fun car, and the overall winner. Judging will not only take into consideration the CO 2 output, but will evaluate whole-life costs, drive-ability and reliability. Last year’s big winner was the Vauxhall Ampera. 

New data has been released from Clean Green Cars, (whose aim is to provide clear, easily understood advice about choosing and using cars in a more environmentally considerate way) regarding the European Commission’s outline to reduce CO2 emissions. The CO 2 limit set for this year is 130 g/km; however the report shows that the industry, as a whole, will not hit the target. What is also included in the latest Clean Green Cars report is data focusing on individual manufacturers’ average CO2 reduction performance year to date, outlining that not all manufacturers have improved enough to meet the goal. In fact, there are now 15 (out of 31) major manufacturers which are below the overall target figure of 130 g/km of CO 2. Two of the top car manufacturers with the highest CO 2 emissions are Porsche (201 g/km of CO 2 ) and Land Rover (196 g/km of CO 2 ), but since last year they have both cut their emissions by 10%. Surprising to see in the data table was Mini, who in the past has ranked to

Another exciting high class model is making their debut at the Moscow International Motor Show on Wednesday August 29, 2012. Land Rover has just announced that it has upgraded the Freelander 2 with new premium features, making it an even better all-terrain, multi-purpose vehicle. As with all models in the Freelander range, you will still get an economical range of diesel engines such as the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four-wheel drive. For extra economy, the 2.2-litre 150PS engine is also available in eD4 two-wheel drive form. Equipped with six-speed manual transmission and Stop/Start, the eD4 achieves an impressive 47.1mpg (6.0 L/100km) and CO 2 emissions of 158g/km. Jeremy Hicks, Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “In bringing the Freelander 2 right up-to-date, customers are now afforded more choice than ever before combined with new levels of luxury and technology. Fresh styling, generous amounts of standard equipment combined with Land Rover’s leading off-road capabi

A disturbing report from road safety charity Brake has just been released yesterday regarding their concerns about fleets not testing drivers for alcohol. "A Fleet Safety Forum  (fee based subscription) report published today by Brake shows that nearly six in 10 fleets (57%) still do not test drivers for alcohol, and an even greater proportion (63%) do not test for illegal drugs. These figures are included in Measuring the Risk (part 2) , Brake’s report on an annual survey of subscribers to its Fleet Safety Forum." The report is sponsored by Licence Bureau, the first company to develop a unique driving licence verification system based on a three year consent process, accessing the DVLA driver database. Brake’s report was published just a few days after the Department for Transport posted provisional figures for crashes involving drink driving during 2011. These show that deaths resulting from drink drive crashes increased by 12 per cent from 250 in 2010 to 280 in 2011, and s

Drivers using the Severn bridges (M4 & M48) were being warned by unions that they could face severe disruption from next week as toll booth workers threaten to go on strike in a dispute over shift patterns. Strike action including a 24 hour walk out, an overtime ban and work-to-rule is being threatened on Friday 24th August, the start of the Bank Holiday weekend. This crossing is vital to businesses in both England and Wales, as part of the Trans European Network. If such a strike does disrupt trading, then this could have a damaging impact on the economy. Freight Transport Association (FTA) considers any possible congestion at the crossing as a result of the strike action to be "unacceptable", with the only acceptable solution to ease any potential hold-ups to be lifting the toll’s during the proposed industrial action. Ian Jarman, Owens Environmental & Legislation Manager stated: “We would see massive delays at the already busy Severn bridges, which would mount up i

According to their latest press release, Volvo Trucks will launch new versions of the best-selling Volvo FH and the Volvo FH16 on September 5 th . The Volvo FH is being described as more like a car than a truck due to structural improvements giving the new Volvo FH series a stable and flexible design. The new FH series comes with a new Independent Front Suspension (IFS) system for left-hand drive heavy trucks, which means that each front wheel is suspended separately from the other and since both front wheels move independently, the result is gentler, smoother progress on the road. “For almost two decades, the Volvo FH Series has provided haulage companies with safety, efficient transport and high quality. Now, with our new replacements, we are going to be even better in all three areas," says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Truck Corporation. He summarises the new series as, “A truck that will carry us far into the future.” Pictures of the trucks have not been released ahead of th

This week I will be starting a new advice topic that will hopefully be beneficial to you in some way.  The new advice pages aim to provide you with a practical guide on how to use your van more effectively. This practical guide will be most useful for anyone who is running a small- or medium-sized business, often referred to as a small- or medium sized enterprise (SME), and who operates vans as well as self-employed van users, often referred to as sole traders. You can view the first page, which explains the benefits of monitoring your vans performance and keeping track of your expenses, by clicking here .  

Men, add a woman onto your car insurance policy and they could almost halve your car insurance bill by simply being added as an additional named driver on your existing policy, says Confused.com . I found this article when reviewing my car insurance options recently on their website. It was posted on the site on July 26th, 2012 by one of Confused.com's staff writers, but I thought it would be worth it to share some of the highlights from the informative piece on my blog. Some of the article quotes figures about how much money a woman can spend in her lifetime on shopping for things like clothes, beauty products, and socialising compared to what a man spends, but the most important figures and facts are the ones that claim women are better at shopping around for better deals and that women often qualify for cheaper insurance because they are seen as "less risky" by insurance companies. However, don't get too excited just yet. Come December 21st of this year, insurers

The London Lifestyle Awards, "a celebration of London's lifestyle, awarding the talented individuals and companies that make London the greatest city in the world", now in their third year, has announced that Kia Motors UK is the only car manufacturer to be shortlisted at this year’s prestigious event. Kia have been nominated for the “Green Contribution to London” Award due to their work with local school children between the ages of 4 and 10 using the Kia Walking Bus Scheme which promotes walking to school to gain a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise. The Green Contribution category has been whittled down to just 6 competitors with 4,127 businesses originally in the running for all 18 awards. We will have to wait until the winners are announced on October 7th at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham to find out if Kia takes the prize. Until then, there will be a public vote to help decide the winners. Votes can be cast on the London Lifestyle Awards website. Highlights

The September '62-plate' change is nearly upon us. In just a few weeks dealerships across the country will begin taking ownership of vehicles bearing the new registration plate. The vehicle plating system changed in 1999 from alphabetical to the twice-yearly March and September numbers system that uses the year as an identifier. These two specific times of the year are typically the busiest car buying months, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SMMT have an article on their website giving more details regarding the plate change. They also say that they "expect around 330,000 new cars to be registered during September, with motorists spending in the region of £4.95 billion on the latest new vehicles". It's expected that many motorists who are considering buying a new car will do so this September, as opposed to waiting until next year due to the '13' plate coming in March 2013. The SMMT article also provides a shopping li

Aviva is asking their customers to help them test drive a new Android smart-phone application called "RateMyDrive". It's going to be used to help Aviva fairly set the cost of individual rates based on how you drive. The app will track the way your vehicle is driven over the course of 200 miles via GPS and give Aviva a look into your driving style, like how safely you brake, accelerate, and corner. I am not thrilled with the idea of having my insurance company monitor my every driving manoeuvre, but what does inspire me to consider downloading such an app, is the incentive of an up to 20% discount on my insurance rate. Keep in mind though, the discount will depend on your driving score: "You‘ll collect different progress badges along the way, and at 200 miles, the app will give you your individual driving score of 0–10 (10 being the safest)." The application is not yet available for iPhone, but will be in the future. You can view more details about this app on t

An exciting combination from Nissan and Ministry of Sound (London-based clubbing and electronic dance music authority) has just been announced. A music lover's dream, the limited edition Ministry of Sound Nissan Juke is available to order now, priced from £17,895, with just 250 coming to the UK. It can be specified with any engine and transmission in the current Juke range, including the 190PS 1.6-litre turbocharged DIG-T petrol and an 110PS 1.5-litre dCi diesel. Nissan says, "A new feature is a Stop/Start system for the 117PS 1.6-litre petrol engine. Available on all manual transmission Jukes except those in Visia trim, the Stop/Start system costs just £200 extra and reduces CO 2 emissions from 139g/km to 136g/km, while fuel consumption in the urban environment – one of the Juke’s natural hunting grounds – is improved by seven per cent, from 36.7mpg to 39.2mpg. Combined economy also jumps from 47.1mpg to 48.7mpg too." It will also offer a number of special designs and te

I read a great piece on the What Van? website today about 4x4 vans. I think of a 4x4 van as a marriage between a tough off road 4x4 vehicle and a load-carrying road only van, that when combined, become a much more useful utility vehicle. In What Van?'s feature section, the article titled " Sector Analysis: 4x4 vans ", by James Dallas, provides an informative look into the niche 4x4 van market and explains what is on offer from major manufacturers. The brand and model that usually comes to mind when thinking of a 4x4 van is the all mighty Land Rover Defender, popular with farmers and is a seriously rugged 4×4, but the article does a great job of listing alternatives to consider. Although the price can be a prohibiting factor in buying a 4x4 van, versus say an SUV or pick-up truck, a 4x4 is more than just about the work horse aspect. They can be seriously good fun too. To read more about What Van? has to say about main stream 4x4 vans, please click on the What Van? article

Switching off of street lights can lead to seriously compromised road safety. That is the subject of an interesting article I've read, provided by a recent Ring Automotive (supplier of vehicle lights and bulbs in the UK) press release. With more Councils now making the controversial cost cutting decision to turn off or greatly reduce the number of hours street lights remain on, with some turning the lights off between the hours of midnight and 5am, the article believes that in doing so some drivers may struggle to see objects, hazards and other road users clearly. Ring Automotive say that out of 27 councils, 21 have now switched off some street lights after midnight or turned them off altogether. It goes on to quote information taken from Autoglass (vehicle glass repair and replacement company) regarding the dangers of reduced street lighting in their report titled " Blackout Britain - Motorists face dangerous threat as the lights go out ". The Autoglass report, conducted

In Renault’s latest press release, they have recently announced improvements for their Master Van range, such as air suspension available for front-wheel drive Masters, easier to use and better-equipped radios, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity are now standard features across the range, while flagship Sport versions come with a CD player and MP3 playback, as well as a separate display.  Although the launch of the New Master was released back in 2010, Renault has now enhanced fuel economy, lowered emissions and also offers greater equipment. The previous 2010 model Master engine (M9T) was developed especially for Renault’s largest van, a 2.3 dCi powerplant, which is made in Cléon, France, and comes in a choice of three power outputs (100hp, 125hp and 150hp) and its fuel consumption has been improved this year by up to 3.8 mpg (SL/SM dCi 125 Quickshift6 Euro 5 versions), with the core-selling dCi 125 up by 3.3 mpg (SL/SM versions). CO 2 emissions now start at 194 g/km, and are down by

Hyundai UK has announced the launch of its new consumer website, designed to be an intuitive, simple and engaging user experience for people looking to purchase a car.  It will include a new ‘car configurator’ to virtually build your perfect car and a ‘finance calculator’ that enables users to tailor a finance solution that will suit them best. Hyundai says: "A new tool called the ‘car chooser’ introduces the product range and helps customers work out which car will best suit their lifestyle and needs. Options such as: ‘I need room for seven people’ or ‘I’d like to spend £15,000’ can be selected, and then a list of the most appropriate models will be presented." The new website works across all platforms - including tablet devices and mobile phones. If you want to see for yourself how user-friendly and informative it is, then you can view the new official website by clicking here .

Ford has announced pricing and specification details for the new Transit Custom intermediate utility and passenger range. The all-new Ford Transit Custom delivers the best load-carrying ability in its class. The key word and best way to describe it is "more",  with more space, more convenience and more innovative new features and not only are they a more stylish transit than before, but also offer more functionality. Ford designers and engineers gave maximum priority to combining the largest possible load box within the Transit Custom’s streamlined dynamic appearance during the development process. Particular attention was given to the detailed design of the bulkhead and bodysides to optimise the size and practicality of the load space. The new Transit Custom has also been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards and offers customers the safest Transit ever. Over 40 per cent of the body is made from high-strength or ultra-high-st

SsangYong Motor UK has announced the arrival of their new Korando Sports utility pick-up. SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor Company, which is 70 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK. It is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer and the name SsangYong means double dragons. The pick-up was first introduced as a sport utility concept only at international motor shows in 2011, and in production ready form at the 2012 Geneva Motor show. "This is more a passenger car with pick-up versatility,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “Consequently, it offers refinements that few of our competitors can match." The Korando is powered by the latest e-XDi active diesel engine. This new 2 litre engine provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road.

If a smartphone app could accurately determine where you were sitting in the vehicle while accepting an incoming call, would you download and use it? How about if you were driving whilst taking a call and the app had the capability to take over by either silently sending the call to voicemail or even send a text alerting the caller that you couldn't take the call right now as you were driving? I read a really good article on Green Car Congress (a website whose mission is "to provide timely, high-quality editorial about the full spectrum of energy options, technologies, products, issues and policies related to sustainable mobility") titled -   New mobile phone app identifies driver phone use, enabling action to reduce distracted driving , which reported that such an app has been developed by a team at Rutgers University and Stevens Institute of Technology in America aimed to reduce distractions if its user is the driver. The article best explains how the technology for the

  Chevrolet has introduced their latest SUV called the Chevrolet Trax. Here are some of the details about this new SUV that were offered this week via Chevrolet media's press release. This SUV will be Chevrolet’s first entry to the fast growing small SUV segment. Trax will round out Chevrolet’s offer of stylish SUVs alongside Captiva and the 7-seat Chevrolet Orlando. Measuring 4,248 mm in length, and featuring a width of 1,776 mm and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm, Chevrolet’s new small SUV sports powerful body lines that convey agility and movement. Trax comes with a choice of three engines across Europe: 1.4L turbo, 1.6L petrol engine, 1.7L diesel, representing more fuel-efficient engines and on-demand AWD system. It can seat five people in a comfortable high seating position. It will deliver car-like handling while also enabling off-road capability when needed. Not forgetting to include an array of safety features, Trax will be equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (E

Land Rover has just released details of their all-new Range Rover ahead of the scheduled unveiling at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show. In their recent press release, Land Rover has described it as "THE WORLD’S MOST REFINED AND CAPABLE LUXURY SUV".  The new shape of this SUV is cleaner, lighter, and more elegantly defined than the original model which was introduced over 40 years ago. John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability.  However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.” Aside from the new look, what makes this a sure purchase for those who like their smart gadgets and gizmos (and can afford them) is the Land Rover’s Terrain Response® system, whic

The 2012 Paris Motor Show is fast approaching. This grand event takes place at the Paris expo - Porte de Versailles (Paris, France), starting on Saturday September 29 to Sunday October 14, 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. There will be many events taking place at this year’s event, including the EDF electric and hybrid vehicle test drive centre, where you can actually drive an electric vehicle around a track in real conditions. They haven't forgotten about younger visitors either, the FFSA (French Motor Sports Federation) will have an electric karting track in the same Pavilion as EDF, for those aged 6-14. This show is a great place for motor enthusiasts to see all of their favourite makes and models showcased in such a glamorous Parisian setting. A major event like this is where car/van manufacturers launch their new releases and raise their profiles by exhibiting the best they have to offer and more. If you are considering attending this event, the tickets are not on sale yet, but will be sh

Whether becoming tired during a long road journey or simply driving after not getting enough sleep, driver fatigue can be a very serious situation. It's a dangerous condition that accounts for many road accidents each year.  In fact, RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) reports that fatigue-related accidents kill more than 300 people a year in the UK and cause 20% of accidents, especially on monotonous roads. Be careful when driving and try to plan your journeys so that they are not so long as to contribute to fatigue. In today's Essential Tips and Handy Advice page, I have listed a few tips to help counter fatigue/sleepiness if driving. I also included some details on UK Domestic Drivers' rules on hours and breaks. Please click here to view the latest advice page.

In their newest press release this week, Volvo Car UK announces the launch of Business Edition models for the S60, V60 and V70 line-ups that will include "company must-haves" like satellite navigation, Bluetooth, High-Performance audio and rear park assist as standard. Volvo National Corporate Operations Manager Selwyn Cooper comments: "The business community is vitally important to us at Volvo, particularly as we have seen an increase of nearly a third (32 per cent) of business users funding a Volvo through our contract hire and leasing facilities in the first six months of this year. In order to better represent their needs, we are launching our new Business Editions in the S60, V60 and V70 line-up to make it easier for company car drivers to identify the right model for them. The Business Editions replace our ES and ES Nav versions but add more equipment for a lower price tag which will be even more appealing to motorists who are continually looking at ways to reduce

The FTA (Freight Transport Association) has announced on their website that they are to begin offering two new training courses for van operators, the Certificate of Excellence for Van Operators and the Certificate of Excellence for Passenger Van Operators. Mark Cartwright, FTA's Head of Vans and LCVs, said: "Any organisation operating vehicles as part of its business activity must ensure the safety of drivers and the public, as failure to do so can have serious consequences. These courses will provide van operators with a wealth of best practice guidance for operating safely, legally and efficiently and are designed to help raise standards across van operations."   Based on the guidelines contained in the association's Van Excellence Code (the scheme launched in 2010 to promote high standards of van operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of good practice), the course will cover areas such as vehicle maintenance systems, vehicle admini

‘An Evening with Aston Martin Racing’ takes place from 6pm on Thursday 16 August and is being staged at Aston Martin Works’ new state-of-the-art showroom in Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell. This event is to mark the opening of Aston Martin Work’s new dealership.  It's an amazing opportunity for both  Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts to enjoy the unique sights and sounds of the race track, plus an opportunity to meet the Aston Martin race team. In their latest press release announcing this event, Aston Martin include: "the Aston Martin Racing GTE pit crew, will be demonstrating the skill, precision and hours of practice that go into perfecting the art of the perfect pitstop in the Vantage GTE car. The Pitstop Challenge will be described live by a commentator and will be followed by a Q&A session with the AMR team". So if you fancy all that and a champagne reception followed by a barbecue, then save the date and £25.00 per person for tickets.  All profits from the e

  What Car? , the UK’s biggest car-buying brand, with two magazines, a market-leading website, and several established brand extensions has just announced that they are now offering a free car valuation app. What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “The What Car? app will be invaluable to anyone looking to buy or sell a car because it gives unparalleled access to the most comprehensive and reliable data in the marketplace. Wherever or whenever, it will give consumers the confidence that the deal they are making is the right one. The What Car? app will be vital in the car-buying process.” Available for iPhone, Android, Nokia and Windows phones, this app has been developed by Grapple Mobile, a leading mobile innovation and development agency founded in 2010. The new app will feature; Used-car valuations, New-car valuations, What Car? independent expert advice, View similarly priced cars (on iOS, Android and Windows models only), Find the nearest dealer, and Save cars to ‘My Gara

With the price of fuel rising so rapidly and accounting for nearly 30% of fleets operating costs, the next Essential Tip and Handy Advice page will provide tips on driving safely and conserving fuel. Some factors that contribute to your fuel consumption include: You and your driving skills (the driver typically has the biggest impact on both safety and fuel efficiency), the vehicle (age and condition), the weight of your load, road type and traffic conditions, and the weather. I have read that many fleet operators have adopted a "Fuel Management Programme" designed to monitor and manage their fuel costs; from selecting which fuel to purchase to operational efficiency. The latest advice page is now available to read by clicking here .

A mix of science and motors is coming your way. Vauxhall has announced the "Vauxhall Ampera x super/collider Science Weekend" set for August 16 th – 19 th 2012. This will be a free four day science-fest that's part of the ‘Vauxhall Ampera Season’, a series of challenging, informative and entertaining events at the newly unveiled King’s Cross Filling Station. In case you didn't know, the Vauxhall Ampera is the first plug-in, electrically driven car with five doors and an extended range of up to 360 miles. The event begins with an informative installation by Patrick Stevenson-Keating called ‘Future Station.’ His work will display alternative fuel types, questioning what may happen when the oil runs dry and showcase the future of filling stations by proposing a futuristic new aesthetic for the fuel pump, and how it might be powering the electric cars of the future. This may all seem a bit too "out there" and brainy, but science and motors have always gone han

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive's head of training, Simon Elstow, has added a new batch of weekly tips for motorists on the IAM website. The tips for this week cover managing your speed. For example, "Look well ahead and be ready for other drivers’ reactions especially when they spot a camera at the last second. They will often slow down faster and more than they need to". I make sure to browse these tips weekly, as they are usually very helpful and occasionally make for an entertaining conversation piece with my friends. My favourite tip is, "The national speed limit, 60mph, is an absolute maximum, not a target". Good point, one I have had to remind many a friend when driving in a car with them on a Friday night. These tips expand on my recent essential advice page on van speed limits posted yesterday (you can view my page by clicking here ). To read all of this week’s tips from Simon Elstow, please visit the IAM Drive and Survive's drivi

Ensuring that you, the driver, and your passengers are safe when in your van and on the road is the next essential topic. Also, knowing the correct speed limit for your van type is important, so I have included information on speed limits. Did you know that it is estimated that for each 1 mph reduction in average speed, accident frequency is reduced by 5% (statistics from the Department for Transport) Before the start of your journey, make sure to carry out a few basic checks on your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure could cause problems with braking and steering, so make sure you also thoroughly check your tyres before your journey. And it goes without saying, but it's crucial to the safety of all persons in the vehicle, that you should never drink and drive. Go to the Essential Tips and Handy Advice page for more information by clicking here .    

Good news for those wanting to sell on a used car. I have just read that a shortage of stock is being contributed to the rise in used car values according to BCA’s (British Car Auctions) latest Pulse Report. The average car sales values increased to £6,180 in July from £5,964 in June based on BCA's figures. Fleet and lease values have seen an increase as well. Information supplied from the BCA's website says that across the board, used cars averaged 96.94% of trade guide prices in July, up by nearly a point compared to June, while average age and mileage both fell marginally over the month, to 62 months and 59,000 miles. Tony Gannon, BCA’s communications director, said: "“The combination of lower new car sales and the tendency for vehicle owners to extend their replacement cycles simply means less stock is available to be sold”. To read more facts and figures about this upturn in used car values, visit BCA's website here .

Ford has begun testing future technologies with a research programme aimed at advancing car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication on European roads at their European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany. Ford is contributing 20 specially equipped S-MAX models to a 120 vehicle fleet being used to test 20 experimental driver assistance technologies as part of the four-year research project on  Frankfurt roads. "Car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications represent the next major advancements in vehicle safety,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation. “Ford is committed to further real-world testing here and around the world with the goal of implementation in the foreseeable future.” The recent press release about this new technology says: "Experts believe roads could be made safer and traffic congestion reduced by using mobile communications technology to integrate vehicles with each other and with transport

A new car comparison tool has just been announced from Volvo called Volvo Compare. Developed by CAP (provider of vehicle valuation data, new vehicle information and business solutions), it will allow you to compare Volvo's vehicle range of features and prices with all other makes and models in the market. Volvo says that it's the only manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive comparison tool of this type for private motorists, company car drivers and fleet managers. "Volvo Compare is unique in its marketplace by also offering a vehicle registration mark look-up facility so that any vehicle already on the road can be included in the comparisons." I visited the Volvo Compare website to see the tool for myself and it is a very comprehensive site offering comparison details such as; Vehicle Excise Duty, CO2 output, monthly fuel costs, and even compares total cost of ownership per mile. It's worth having a look for yourself as there are many more values to compare. Th