Low Cost Vans

Just announced this week, CAP and Honda have teamed up to  launch an online Used Car Valuation Tool, allowing owners of any UK registered car to obtain a hassle-free valuation and created to supply impartial and invaluable information when users are thinking about changing their car. All the data is supplied and regularly updated by CAP – the market leading provider of vehicle valuation data – and works on all makes and models. The valuation tool can also be accessed via the Used Car or New Car pages of the Honda website, or direct from a search engine. On the first screen, users are asked to fill in their contact details plus information on the car, including registration number and mileage. They can also specify whether they plan to part-exchange, sell outright to a dealer or dispose of the vehicle privately. After submitting the form, users will then be given the opportunity to view their CAP part-exchange valuation. Keep in mind though that Honda does state that the tool takes no a

Fantastic new spec details on the new Ford Fiesta have just been released. The smart new Ford Fiesta features large-car quality in a small car as engineers deliver benchmark design, craftsmanship and ergonomics. The stylish new Fiesta meets the global trend for downsizing by setting a new quality benchmark with a dynamic exterior and a harmonious and ergonomic interior offering new and enhanced features. “The new Fiesta takes craftsmanship and ergonomics to the next level in the small-car segment, and will shift customer perceptions of what a small car should deliver,” said Ernst Reim, chief interior designer, Ford of Europe. Here are some of the highlights of the new Ford Fiesta, as prided in Ford's recent press release: a trapezoidal front grille bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology a power-dome bonnet design 17in alloy wheels available in a range of vibrant and dynamic colours, including new Copper Pulse, Hot Mustard and Can

After a lot of rain this past week and most of us having to drive through flooded roads, we are now being warned about icy road conditions ahead. It has been a challenging week to say the least; however, it is more important during this rough entry into winter to continue with pre-trip vehicle inspections and to heed the experts’ advice on how to drive safely in these conditions. IAM , the road safety charity, offers weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, with the Met Office having issued warnings of icy conditions across the country, he is advising on driving on frost and ice . IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Now is the time to start thinking about how to adapt your driving to the wintry weather, so that when conditions become dangerously slippery you are ready to react safely.” Here are some very useful tips the IAM advises to help you drive confidently in icy surroundings: 1. Check the weather in advance – don’t ignore police warning

Get ready for the all-new Subaru Forester, coming to the UK in summer 2013, with competitive pricing and improved fuel economy. This will be the fourth generation model with Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road. Confirming the UK launch of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include 150ps 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280ps. Both of the naturally-aspirated engines will feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission is available on both petrol engines.  The Lineartronic transmission has been modified to manage the increased power while also providing improved fuel efficiency, and ensures that both CVT-equippe

Motor Codes, the government-backed self-regulatory body for the motor industry, has issued information to help motorists avoid getting ripped off by dodgy garages. They promote "peace of mind for motorists" and offer much welcomed and helpful tools in finding a trustworthy garage. Below are the details about their initial customer satisfaction Motor Code Report. Gathering public opinion throughout the whole of 2012, automotive industry standards body, Motor Codes, has compiled a report on customer satisfaction with car dealers and service centres across the UK. The Motor Codes Report is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive report on customer service levels in the automotive industry. 25,000 consumers give Motor Codes their verdict on the quality of service received when buying a new car and when having their car serviced. Receiving exceptionally high customer ratings suggest motorists need never again be wary of trusting a garage – as long as they choose one within the government-b

Confused.com insurance has posted an article on their website outlining research results regarding the government plans to increase the number of UK roads which charge tolls. The post titled, " Public reject government road tolls plan ", says a majority of motorists are not in support of such strategies and don't believe the introduction of tolls would have a significant impact on congestion. The information and figures are from a survey of 2,500 British drivers carried out by used car website Motors.co.uk. Confused.com also includes quotes from those who are for the road charge policy and those who are against it. I think we could be heading down a slippery slope with this, as it could lead to larger pay-as-you-drive systems where we are charged even more for the privilege to drive on certain roads/motorways. Yes, we would like to see better road conditions and we understand the need to decrease congestion, but at a time when motorists feel squeezed to breaking point fin

An exciting news brief from Kia has just been released announcing their new Kia pro_cee’d GT. Details follow below. The first glimpse of the Kia pro_cee’d GT reveals a hot hatch perfectly aligned with Kia’s sportiness and “fun to drive” positioning. Based on the all-new pro_cee’d which had its global debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and will go on sale in the Spring next year, Kia’s first-ever hot hatch is expected to launch in the second half of 2013. The pro_cee’d GT will feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDI engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For more information from Kia, please click here .

The FTA has released an update regarding their response to "impact of the Severn Tolls on the Welsh Economy" report. The FTA had approached the Welsh Government in May 2010 with a request that research be carried out as the question of whether the tolls on the Severn Bridge where having a detrimental impact on inward investment into South Wales. First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones has recently said that tolls would be retained on the Severn Bridge above that required to pay for the maintenance, FTA members received the news with disappointment. With many operators already spending tens of thousands of pounds, goods vehicles operators view this unwelcome news which confirms Welsh Government plans post 2018 as a smack in the face for the sector and business as a whole in South Wales, reports the FTA. Ian Gallagher. FTA Policy Manager for Wales said: “ Our members and commuters who have no realistic choice but to use the bridge will not be happy that they will be paying a cha

There have been frequent posts and discussions about young drivers these days. Should they be banned from driving at night, banned from having passengers, should it be compulsory for them to pass a driving course and if so, will it lower their insurance costs? SEAT, in their press release announcing details of their driver training programme/course called SEAT Young Driver , pointed out that Statistics from the Department for Transport show that two out of ten newly qualified drivers will crash within six months of passing the test,   and drivers aged 17-24 are involved in one in four incidents of serious injury or death on the road, despite accounting for one in eight full UK driving licences. It's the only driver training course of its type in the UK. It offers anyone aged between 11 and 17 years old the chance to get behind the wheel with a qualified ADI instructor and learn how to drive. The pioneering SEAT Young Driver programme is proving to have a positive effect on acciden

Last week, The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association - the UK trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles, welcomed news that Transport for London wants to make its emissions-based Congestion Charge discount technology neutral and available to vans. However, it believes that the new emissions threshold of 75g/km CO 2 has been set too low and is merely a revenue-raising exercise. For those who do not drive greener low emissions vehicles and are not eligible for a discount or exemption will have to pay the £10 daily Congestion Charge, which was introduced in February 2003 and is a fee charged on all applicable motor vehicles operating within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in central London.  Currently, light commercial vehicles under 3500kg gross vehicle weight (category N1) are not eligible for the greener vehicle discount. “Adopting a technology neutral stance will bring the Congestion Charge in line with the Plug-in Car Grant

As winter nears, do you wish you had a 4x4 to tackle whatever weather Mother Nature throws at our roads? Getting your hands on one may cost a bit more this winter if you haven't already bought one. According to the latest figures from the vehicle auction company, British Car Auctions (BCA), new data from their press release this week showed that 4x4 values rose sharply in October, climbing by 16% as the first signs of winter appeared. And with long range forecasters suggesting the UK is in for a colder than average winter, 4x4 prices may continue to rise. The BCA had this to say in their release: Average 4x4 values rose to over £13,000 last month, a rise of £1,838 compared to September and well ahead of values recorded throughout the spring and summer months. Tim Naylor from BCA suggests now would be a good time to buy for anyone in the market for a 4x4, as prices may well rise further if the more severe conditions indicated by the Met Office take hold.* Naylor commented “There is

I just read an article from Kwik Fit that warns drivers about the risk draining the battery due to excessive use of In-Car-Entertainment and devices. New research for Kwik Fit reveals that more than 16 million (45%) drivers have at least one factory fitted luxury device in their car. I almost dismissed this advice immediately, as I don't drive an expensively teched-out luxury vehicle, but the report says that the most commonly installed devices in a car are climate control (26%, 9.2 million), heated wing-mirrors (20%, 7 million) and heated seats (11%, 4 million), can all be a major drain on the battery. Hmm, I kept reading and per the article, another drain on the battery is the number of short trips drivers make, as the biggest impact is at the beginning of a journey, and short travel times do not give the battery opportunity to recharge. Previous research by Kwik Fit has also revealed that every week, UK motorists make 52 million trips of fewer than two miles. Roger Griggs, commu

The weather has been pretty miserable lately and the forecast for this weekend is set to continue with more wet and windy conditions. It may be a good time to get in the habit of performing a simple inspection before you drive off, which can help to save you any trouble down the road and reduce the risk of a breakdown. Driving in flooded damp conditions can cause problems with engines and electrical systems, particularly in older vehicles, so in addition to routine maintenance and repair, drivers should consider having a few essentials in the car in case of a roadside emergency. Below is a simple checklist for a pre-trip inspection that should only take a few minutes and a list of emergency items that may be helpful to keep in your vehicle. Pre-trip inspection: Be sure tires, including the spare (be aware if you have one, some new vehicles only provide a repair kit), are properly inflated. Watch out for uneven or worn tread Test your brake lights, headlights and turn signals to mak

Fleet Directory has posted a great article titled, " Revealed: The most and least reliable cars of the last 15 years ," written by John Simpson. I was surprised at the results for top spot in the most reliable table and you may be too. The ranking information in the article was supplied by Warranty Direct as part of its 'Reliability Index' which looks at how often the car breaks down, how much it costs to repair, plus average age and mileage over the last fifteen years since 1997. I won't ruin the results by posting them, so you can see who made the naughty and nice lists for yourself, by reading the article here .

This is a campaign all drivers should get behind. The RHA, Road Haulage Association has announced that they have joined FairFuelUK campaigners at the Palace of Westminster to tell MPs, face to face, about the hardship being forced upon their constituents as a result of high fuel prices. The RHA have posted a press release regarding their Fuel duty – two weeks to make a difference campaign as part of the on-going build-up of political pressure in advance of the Autumn Statement. Here are the details of the release below: “Each of the supporting groups gave a short presentation to the MPs present”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “We were able to provide them with a stark list of facts and figures that really pushed the message home. The good news is that those present certainly appeared to be genuinely concerned”. It was also encouraging was that each and every Member of Parliament in attendance, regardless of political party, was keen to give advice on the best way forward re

Peering from my window this morning, I can tell it's going to be another harsh wet and windy day. Driving in these conditions can be more challenging but living here, where this is a common occurrence, I suppose I don't give a second thought about it when I get into my car. The weather report on the news today says there is an amber warning for some parts and to try to avoid driving if at all possible, but what if you simply cannot stay home and need to drive in this weather? Good thing that Road safety charity the IAM has posted driving advice in response to the current severe weather warnings for heavy rain and wind. They offer sound advice that I think is worth sharing. See the IAM's handy tips below and for more driving advice you can click here to be taken to their informative website.   Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road.

If you've followed the previous steps, you should now have developed a good idea of the type of van that will meet your specific requirements. The next step is to identify detailed vehicle specifications. You will need to make sure that any sales person understands your precise requirements, for the range of vehicle components. This means you must have developed a clear idea of the components you need. This week's guide will look at key areas and requirements as detailed below. The evaluation of your requirements should cover the following key areas: • Wheelbase • Body type • Tyres/wheels • Engine • Fuel • Transmission • Cab type • Active safety systems • Security systems • Environmental performance We will focus on a few components each week, starting with wheelbase and body types. To view the Essential Guide to Van Specification: Core Components , please click here .

I can remember watching sci-fi movies as a kid and staring in awe at the futuristic worlds depicted where hover crafts and vehicles that did all the driving for us were common place. I used to imagine that a world like that might one day come true, but not in my lifetime. Technology has somehow garnered light speed and the early stages of futuristic vehicles are now in the works as we speak. Take for instance the driverless car. Would you go out and buy one today if they were available? Is the technology of today capable of producing a safe enough vehicle? Independent road safety charity, IAM, has posted the results of a recent poll asking that very question (IAM survey – Driverless cars – 1,111 respondents). Here are the details from IAM's latest press release:   Forty per cent of motorists would never consider using a driverless car, according to the IAM‘s latest poll. Furthermore, 65 per cent of people are sceptical as to whether or not driverless technology is actually a good

If a vehicle has a number of factory fitted options on it that could influence the price, valuing it correctly can be a bit tricky.  But the launch of HPI Spec Check , a unique valuation support service from vehicle information expert HPI, simplifies the process of valuing vehicles by drawing upon manufacturer build specification to identify the optional extras fitted on an individual vehicle. This should benefit both dealer and seller, so that neither is unnecessarily undervaluing high-specification, part exchange vehicles. HPI Spec Check provides details of any cost options fitted to a vehicle at the time of build, including the list price of that option.  It also gives the  total price for that particular vehicle when it was new and a  ‘star rating’ from one to five, where one star means a totally standard vehicle, and five stars shows it has a significant quantity of cost options fitted.   By taking into account optional extras, dealers can accurately identify a vehicle that will s

Toyota has recently posted a press release introducing new systems addressing common low and high speed collision risks. At its annual Safety Seminar in Japan this week the company has revealed details of new technology to help prevent collisions – both familiar low-speed parking accidents and high-speed rear-end shunts. In the post Toyota says, safer vehicles and the elimination of road accident injuries and deaths are central to Toyota’s future transport strategy. It also has announced the opening of a new proving ground for testing Integrated Transport Systems (ITS) that use radio communications between vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrians to improve safety. Here are the details from the press release dated November 19, 2012: KEYPOINTS          Toyota produces new systems to help reduce common parking-speed collisions  and high-speed rear-end shunts          Technology soon to be featured in Toyota production vehicles          Opening of new proving ground to test and

Jaguar Land Rover has announced today that they plan to draw the world’s attention to all things British with the debut of three exciting new luxury models in the U.S. at the 2012 Los Angeles International Automobile Show, November 28 – December 9. "This year’s Los Angeles Auto show is one of the most significant U.S. shows in years for Jaguar Land Rover as we introduce three breakthrough new products,” said Jaguar Land Rover North America President, Andy Goss. “Jaguar Land Rover is making major strides to grow the business with highly targeted new products. The new Jaguar F-TYPE, Jaguar XFR-S and all new Range Rover will all make a major impact, specifically in the United States, which will be the world’s largest market for all three vehicles.” During the show expect to see the global debut of the XFR-S model, the fastest and most powerful saloon Jaguar has ever produced. This is the second model in the ultra-high performance R-S range and builds on the already acclaimed XFR. Plu

Just a quick post to inform you about the arrival of the all new RAV4. Toyota announced that they will unveil the new RAV4 at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, prior to the launch of the car in the UK in early 2013. I am excited about this, as I am quite fond of RAV4's myself. Take note that a press conference will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 5.00pm GMT (9.00am PST) at the Toyota stand in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Centre. To keep us well informed and to include a wider audience, Toyota's unveiling will be broadcast live via Livestream at: http://new.livestream.com/toyota . In addition to the press conference, a live interview with Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay will be broadcast live on Livestream from 7.30pm-8.00pm GMT (11:30 am to 12 pm PST) on Wednesday, Nov. 28. For further information on the all new RAV4, please visit Toyota's website here .

Subaru UK has announced in their latest press release that its compact crossover, the Subaru XV, has been named ‘SUV of the Year’ by 4x4 Magazine . Here are the details published on November 16, 2012 below: Putting the XV through its paces, both on- and off-road, 4x4 Magazine crowned the XV its class winner in one of the hardest-fought categories in a special ‘4x4 of the Year’ issue.  The SUV market has expanded rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of compact crossovers, and 4x4 Magazine placed Subaru’s latest All-Wheel Drive model ahead of key rivals from Audi, Kia, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. The judging panel, comprised of members of the magazine’s editorial team, praised the XV’s ‘enjoyable’ and ‘involving’ drive, fuel economy and off-road ability.  Subaru’s industry-leading customer service package, Everything Taken Care of (ETCo), also helped tip the balance in the Subaru’s favour. Commenting on the XV’s victory, Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4x4 Magazine, said: “The SUV clas

For all of you Citroën fans out there, they have just announced the launch of a new Webstore; the home of Citroën & Citroën Racing merchandise. Well placed in time for Christmas, they will offer a range of stylish Citroën products to buy directly from the online shop. If there's a person on your shopping list who is a race fan, then this is the place for you to shop, as the webstore includes Citroën Racing jackets, cufflinks, ‘vuarnet’ sunglasses, miniature Citroën models and a special range of DS accessories. The Citroën Webstore offers all the functionality an internet shopper would expect from a retail website; allowing customers to view in-depth descriptions of products, add items to their basket, pay securely using a credit/debit card, and arrange delivery to their home address. To view all that Citroën's webstore has to offer, please click here .

When purchasing a new van or car, do you factor in the overall cost of running the vehicle or is sticker price your main consideration? What Car ? has posted the results of a survey they've conducted on their website whatcar.com, which shows that only 18% of those polled have considered a car’s overall running costs over three years when buying. The What Car? investigation includes not only price, but also real-world economy and depreciation, as well as rating just how good each car is. They are advising consumers to do the maths before buying a new vehicle. What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “Our results prove it’s vital that people look beyond simply the car’s purchase price, and consider its overall running costs. Motorists on a budget really need to plan their expenditure, and we’ve done that for them with this investigation. We’ve proved that a car with a low list price may not actually be that cheap to run, whereas a car that looks expensive at first can be cheaper

Christmas comes early from TomTom, as they have just announced the release of an update to their Speed Cameras app for iPhone, giving drivers a free 12-month subscription to the Speed Camera service.  The latest version of the app also gives drivers the option to receive warnings for mobile camera hotspots.  The update also allows drivers to stream audio alerts to the TomTom Hands-free car kit, or other A2DP Bluetooth compatible devices, to amplify the sound. The app also includes new features:  drivers will now receive audible and visual speed camera alerts when the app is running in the background or the screen is off. Average speed check support has improved, helping drivers to stay below the limit, even when exiting a tunnel.  The Speed Cameras app for iPhone warns drivers of upcoming fixed and mobile cameras, helping them to stay safe and avoid fines.  It informs drivers of their speed, the speed limit, the type of camera ahead and the remaining distance to reach it.  With the lat

How does a new 4x4 van from just £15,995 on the road sound? SsangYong has announced they are adding a new low priced 4x4 light commercial model to its Korando range - the Korando CSX. The CSX is based on the passenger carrying Korando SX. It is a small delivery van, a go-anywhere vehicle for service engineers or simply a light commercial to ensure you reach your destination whatever the weather or terrain, the 4x4 Korando CSX makes the perfect business partner. The Korando range is also a highly practical workhorse. The completely flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors, and packs a useful 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There’s a load deck length of 152.5 cm, and 96.5 cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and willingly pulls a 2 tonne trailer. The Korando CSX is powered by a new lower CO 2 version of the Korando power unit. Developing 149ps@4,000rpm, this advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine

Live Promotions, event organisers, are launching a brand new motoring festival celebrating classic vehicles both on the ground and in the air. Sywell Classic – Pistons and Props will be held at Northamptonshire’s Sywell Aerodrome on Sat 28 th and Sun 29 th Sept 2013, and will combine classic cars, motorbikes and planes with all aspects of vintage lifestyle and entertainment. Classic motoring clubs are invited to display their marques while historic race cars and motorcycles find a new use for the airstrip for high-octane live action. The organisers are offering clubs the chance to display their vehicles for free, bringing from five to 15 examples of their chosen marque. For each vehicle, the owner will receive two free show passes for the event. This event has nearly all modes of transport covered, as they will also be featuring vintage planes such as Tiger Moths and Spitfires that will put on displays of their own. And while back on the ground, live music and a vintage funfair and s

Suzuki GB PLC has just announced some styling refreshments to its highly popular Jimny compact 4x4 model. The 2013 model is to receive a number of exterior and interior design updates to help modernise its appearance. Don't worry though, Suzuki say it will still maintain the long established tough and capable reputation Jimny has amongst its 20,000 loyal owners in the UK. Design revisions include a new front bumper and grille design, new design bonnet shape incorporating central air intake as well as repositioning of the front fog lamps. The new front bumper design has resulted in a slight increase in overall length of 30mm to 3,675mm – although Jimny will remain the most compact SUV on sale currently in the UK. The interior will boast a new seat fabric trim has been adopted for the SZ3; both SZ3 and SZ4 models have new design front and rear headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings fitted as standard to the rear seats. Breeze Blue has now been added to the optional metallic

The controversial 3p per litre fuel duty hike has been all over the news and on motorists mind of late due to Labour's attempt to convince MP's to delay the rise yet again. Fleet Directory has posted an article titled, " Bid to scrap fuel duty rise fails in Commons " with the latest information regarding the proposal to hold back the rise until April 2013. Are you concerned about the looming fuel duty rise? Having to pay more in the New Year will have an impact on all motorists, especially those struggling to cope now. It's good to know that there is support like the FTA's FairFuelUK  campaign and others looking out for motorists. To read the article which provides details on the voting results, please click here .

The BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) has posted their concerns this week and call for clarity over the introduction of European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for light vans next spring. The BVRLA press release dated November 12, 2012 had this to say: From 29 April 2013, light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes will come into scope of ECWVTA, requiring additional approval for any modifications made to them. Almost all panel vans will have some modification to equip them for service, whether it is ply-lining, racking, lamp beacons or side-steps, and the BVRLA is concerned that each vehicle would have to be individually re-inspected, tested and approved. At the BVRLA’s recent Technical and Operational Management Forum, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) presented details of a ‘light touch’ approval scheme for the more common vehicle modifications, to reduce the burden on fleets, test centres and inspectors. It has agreed to continue to work wit

If you've ever wondered about how certain components of a vehicle work, for instance how disc brakes operate, then Volkswagen has just announced a helpful tool for you.  In their recent press release Volkswagen say, "As cars become increasingly complex, Volkswagen is attempting to cut through some of the technological mysteries with a series of short magazines and a website called Via Vision." Topics covered in the Via Vision series so far in 2012 are: Brakes, Nanotechnology, the MQB platform, Autonomous driving, Car connections (and how automotive companies are related), Convertibles, Aerodynamics and Tyres. Each edition examines a different aspect of vehicle technology, from the MQB platform, through tyres and precious metals to cabriolet roof mechanisms.  The latest Via Vision has just been published, and is now available to view and download. Written in an easy to digest format with ample illustrations, pull-out facts and a foreword by the Volkswagen Group’s Head of

Have you ever been in a queue of drivers stuck behind a HGV lorry going slower than all the other vehicles on the road? How often do you curse the lorry driver who just won't speed up a little and you contemplate overtaking, sometimes not in the safest of conditions, just so you can get on your way? You have to give the lorry driver a bit of a break, as the speed limits for them are slower than for cars on the road. In fact, 40mph is the limit for them on most A-roads. They feel the stress right along with you. The announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) of the consultation: Examining the Speed Limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5T on Single Carriageway Roads could soon see the limit increase to 50mph and according to the RHA , "raising the limit would lead to greater road safety and a reduction in death and injury." The DfT policy* objective is to maximise the benefits of travel to society, taking into account the sum of economic, environmental and

Great news this week announced for learner drivers. Dayinsure, in partnership with Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, has launched a short term motor insurance solution for people learning to drive.   Unlike almost any other offering currently available, Dayinsure Learner can be bought to provide cover from just 1 day up to 3 months. It is available for any motorist aged 17 and over who holds a provisional driving licence and meets the acceptance criteria*. This temporary insurance enables a learner driver to borrow a car to practise driving. The standalone Dayinsure Learner policy helps to address the issues of adding a provisional licence holder to an annual policy which can be expensive, with any subsequent claim affecting the No Claim Discount and invoking a large excess. Brian Spinks, head of broker personal lines, Aviva UKGI explains:  “We fully recognise the difficulties that buying insurance as a learner driver can present, particularly for young drivers and their families.  We a

Be extra careful out there on the roads this month. Confused.com has posted a short article which claims that November is the month when the most crashes occur. In the post titled, " November is worst month for crashes " written by Tim Groves, Confused.com provide the figures based on a study provided from Halfords. Perhaps it's due to the time change and the darkness of night drawing in earlier, but whatever the reason is for the increase in accidents this month, please remember to drive just a bit more cautiously in November folks. To view the study’s accident figures andto read more from the article, please click here .

Ford has just announced that they have started volume production of the new Ford Fiesta ahead of the latest version of Britain’s best seller debuting in UK dealerships from January. On its way soon to a dealership near you, the new Fiesta is offered with 1.0-litre EcoBoost – the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”. An ECOnetic Technology version powered by a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine achieves 87 g/km CO 2. Did you know that Ford has sold more than 15 million Fiestas worldwide since the vehicle first went into production in 1976? To expand on the trivia, 4 million of those have been sold in Britain and the first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911. Back to the new Ford Fiesta, the dynamically styled latest Fiesta features new smart technologies and a breakthrough powertrain line-up. Alongside a bold new exterior and an interior optimised for ergonomics and comfort, the new Fiesta deb

For all of you truck driver fans out there, did you know about Volvo Trucks’ online video series ‘Welcome to My Cab’ ? The show invites viewers into the cabs of truck drivers from around the world. I enjoy watching these stories (myself and a few friends love to watch a certain haulage company show) and it satisfies my curiosity as to what does the inside of that large lorry cab actually look like. They seem to be as diverse as the driver's themselves. In the latest episode, they visit Mr and Mrs Hollins from West Virginia, U.S. who have been working on the road together for 13 years. Rickie and Elizabeth Hollins' decision to buy a Volvo VNL which they have adapted to feature an all-in-one bedroom and bathroom - has been their best ever. "Just being able to lay back and have the comforts of home, being out on the road as long as we do, is awesome," says Rickie Hollins. Meet the happy couple as Volvo follow them during an average day of their lives - out on the road an

The biggest van related news this week has been the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) news reporting that commercial vehicle registrations were down 8.1% in October to 21,661 units, rolling year down 0.9% to 293,312. In addition, truck registrations dip to 3,867 units, down 8.1% in the month, but rolling year up 16.3%to 47,352 and October also saw van registrations down to 17,794 units, rolling year down 3.6%, with 245,960 registrations. "SMMT recently updated its forecast for light van registrations, suggesting a 6.5% drop in van volumes for 2012, a situation reflected by the weak October market that fell 8.1% versus 2011," said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. "Despite almost 10% decline in the month, trucks have performed well in 2012, up 13% for the year-to-date after significant growth in the rigid sector earlier this year." For more details and to view the SMMT's full October 2012 commercial vehicle registrations news release and data

Volvo Trucks have released local news for Wales regarding a local haulage firm's newly acquired Volvo FH which will assist the firm by way of increased productivity. The latest Volvo FH to join the fleet of Karl Jones & Son Haulage Ltd, who operate from a base in Tir-Y-Berth near Bargoed in South Wales, is a day cab 6x4 tractor. The double-drive Volvo logging tractor incorporates an innovative Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) for optimising traction off-road. CTIS is used to improve traction off-road by lowering drive-axle tyre pressures. This can be done on the move, says Karl, thus saving time and enhancing productivity. Karl, who also drives the FH, claims that the combination of double drive, CTIS and the I-Shift automated gearbox’s optional off-road software, ensures that the vehicle is able to keep moving and cross terrain that is simply ‘out of bounds’ to other forestry trucks. In addition, Karl reports that the superb comfort of the cab and the ride, as provided by

It must be the end of the week, as my favourite weekly driving tips from road safety charity IAM Drive & Survive  have just been posted. Head of training, Simon Elstow is advising on driving on frost and ice this week now that temperatures are nearing freezing. Mr Elstow offers seven tips to drive confidently in icy conditions and made this comment, “Now is the time to start thinking about how to adapt your driving to the wintry weather, so that when conditions become dangerously slippery you are ready to react safely.” To read the always helpful tips post titled, " The ice gauge ", please click here .

This week concludes the topic on how to ensure that the van you choose is suitable for you and meets the requirements for the jobs you will use it for. We also look at other factors that impact on the specification and include a table and a simple checklist to help you choose the right van for the job. The second part of the Essential Guide to Van Specification: Ensuring your Van is Suitable is now available by clicking here .  

Ford has released another glowing press release this week announcing the results of a Fleet News 50 survey (FN50) that placed them on top as producing the most reliable commercial vehicles. The iconic manufacturer has had a hard time in the press lately after announcing the imminent closure of two UK plants and in some articles, many are even speculating that the closures could lead to a backlash of British consumers choosing alternative vans in protest. It's good to see though that Ford are persevering and will continue to make reliable commercial vehicles, whether here in the UK or abroad. Here are the details from the official Ford media press release dated November 07, 2012: Ford builds the most reliable commercial vehicles according to a survey of the 50 largest UK contract hire and leasing companies. The Ford Transit came top of the van reliability survey with the Ford Transit Connect, retaining its second place from a year ago. In the manufacturer table, Ford moved up int