Low Cost Vans

Here are the final two key areas to help you gain a clear idea of the components you need when assessing your van specifications. Vehicle specification is about selecting the right equipment to undertake the work efficiently and safely. I hope this section of the guide has helped you examine and determine what you will need when choosing your next work van. 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   To read the final section of Essential Guide to Van Specification: Core Components please click here .    

So here it is, we've survived the impending apocalypse to see through the final day of 2012. Hope you've all had a fantastic Christmas and will have an even better New Year as well. I am looking forward to an exciting wave of new vehicles coming in the year ahead and anticipate more innovative concepts to be revealed and brought to life throughout 2013. If you plan to do more travelling before the year is up, road safety charity the IAM  has posted their weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on ways to improve your driving for the New Year. IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “The New Year is a common time for people to sit back, reflect and evaluate their goals for the upcoming year. Why not begin by incorporating your driving behaviour into your list of resolutions for 2013?” Here are the NEW YEAR driving tips from the IAM: N ight driving: You must be able to stop in the distance you see to be clear. Use your lig

Ford has just posted a new press release to get us familiar with and excited about their new Ford Fiesta Van. They describe the new van as "an agile and stylish car-derived van for large and small businesses". So what can we expect to see when the Ford Fiesta Van launches in 2013? First of all, you will notice from the photo above, is its new design and styling with Ford's new six-point front grille with chrome bars. The new van will also feature class-leading fuel efficiency. All diesel engines in the new Fiesta Van achieve sub-100g/km CO 2 emissions and 76.4mpg* or better. The Fiesta ECOnetic Van features enhanced fuel-saving technologies to deliver best-in-class 87g/km and 85.6mpg, a feat that no other manufacturer in the class matches. The Fiesta Van’s generous package will include all of the new technology Ford has to offer such as Ford MyKey, Ford SYNC, Active City Stop, and for the first time, the option of 17-inch alloy wheels. For all of those who may be eyeing

Iveco has announced that they are preparing to compete at Dakar 2013 (the world’s premiere off-road rally) with a squad of five rally trucks. The 15-day Dakar challenges teams over some of South America’s most difficult terrain. The Dakar race is open to amateur and professional entries. The 2013 South American endurance route will see racers make their way through Peru, Argentina, and  Chile. The race will be viewed by millions of people from 190 countries. Dakar represents a great opportunity for Iveco to test the performance and reliability of its products over some of the most extreme off-road conditions any vehicle will ever face. Each of its trucks will be put to the test in extraordinary circumstances as they cross three of South America’s largest countries, with the rally being held over more than 8,000 kilometres. Current Dakar champion Team De Rooy will drive one Iveco Powerstar and four Iveco New Trakkers along the route which starts in Peru, before crossing through Argentin

When you hear the words "extreme snow car", what do you envisage? Would it be a monster truck of sorts that could drive over mounds of snow with ease or maybe a hover craft type vehicle that could gently glide over the ice and muck both on and off the road? Well if you need help with visualising what an extreme vehicle would look like, MSN Cars online has posted a feature by Steve Walker that explores the fun filled world of extreme snow vehicles with pictures and all. My favourite extreme snowmobile was the Ford Evos Concept sleigh . Santa sure looks stylish and cosy in that red sleek sleigh. There is a collection of 36 featured vehicles from the humble snowplough to the unbelievably inventive. Some are actually real world vehicles that can be purchased. But before you get your wallets out, we don't have snow in all parts of the UK just yet, and well, you really need to see them first to believe them. You can view MSN's winter guide feature - "Extreme snow car

If you are reading this, then obviously the world has not ended and we can all get back to our daily routines in the run up to Christmas. Thankfully it's Friday and many of us commence our journeys to visit family for the Holidays from today, but in a recent survey by Hyundai, the high cost of fuel has put a halt to a staggering 30% of people's Holiday gatherings. They say that due to the increase of fuel costs in the last five years (nearly a 50% rise) and the higher cost of living which has affected a great deal of households, a large amount of those surveyed cannot afford to visit their family or friends that live 150 miles away or an hour’s journey plus. The concerns rose after such findings is that this may lead to a breakdown of sorts in family relations. Let's not allow that to happen this year. I have searched for top tips on how you can maximise your fuel efficiency while driving to Grandma's house for Christmas. The Automobile Association (AA) has the best pos

It's been an outstanding run for Ford's all new Ranger pick-up, as it picks up a seventh accolade in the last twelve months. It's has been named 4x4 Magazine Pick-Up of the Year 2013. In their latest press release, Ford were proud to point out the number of awards bestowed upon the popular pick-up and  most recently that the Ford Ranger has emerged victorious from a group of seven vehicles reviewed – the most comprehensive pick-up test 4x4 Magazine has ever conducted. So what attributes make this pick-up stand out amongst the rest? For starters, the latest model is more powerful than ever before due to advanced Duratorq diesel engines. Meaning, you can transport a payload of up to 1,340 kg and tow up to 3,350 kg. Plus, it's the first pick-up ever to have achieved a prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. If you also include the Rangers streamlined body shape that was designed to significantly improve fuel economy, its durability, and the comfy interior, then it’s

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced that they are going on the road next year to host a series of workshops that will help businesses get to grips with the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. If you are not familiar with the ECWVTA , the Department for Transport defines it as, "The European approval scheme based on the concept of 'type approval' and put simply; this process provides a mechanism for ensuring that vehicles meet relevant environmental, safety and security standards." Organised in collaboration with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), these SMMT workshops are applicable to body builders and convertors of Category O types (trailers) and Category N (light, medium and heavy trucks). Taking place at locations across Great Britain in February 2013, the workshops will cover how to obtain approval quickly and easily, with guidance from experts and companies that have alread

There has been a load of advice published (from many different sources) the past few months advising us on how to stay safe on the roads this winter and GEM Motoring Assist launched its winter driving eBook to provide yet another useful resource for motorists. Continuing to develop its winter driving campaign after a week of severe weather across the UK, this collection in the eBook has been designed to collate GEM’s tips, checklists and hints from both its winter driving leaflet and video, in one accessible place. The eBook also includes additional information on travelling abroad, winter driving hazards and debunks certain winter driving myths. David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments: “We want to make it as easy as possible for drivers to get hold of crucial winter driving advice and the eBook is another trustworthy resource we now provide. Whether motorists prefer to keep a leaflet in the glove box, watch a winter driving video online, or read an eBook to gather th

This might sound like an extreme form of a New Year's resolution diet, but parting with your two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in favour of putting it in your fuel tank instead, might be a novel way to lose weight and save money. Sounds crazy, but that's what was in the motoring headlines yesterday. I read about this in an interesting article from The Telegraph that claims that scientist from Manchester University have found a way to create fuel from a compound found in ice cream and items such as soap and shampoo. They claim that this just might be a viable alternative to fossil fuel, although it may also take a few years to perfect it. So we may not be shovelling the dessert in its frozen form directly into our vehicles ( Great, I don’t have to choose between Fuel or Food) and it may not exactly become the next breakthrough fuel source for our vehicles, but it's good to know that scientists are researching and discovering feasible future fuel alternatives. To read the

Do you struggle to find a gift for the person on your list that pretty much already has everything? Well, if he/she is drives, then the gift Cyclops is calling "a gift that will help protect your driving licence for months or even years to come" could make the ideal present. Cyclops, suppliers of leading navigation and automotive brands, is a UK company currently leading the way in speed camera alert technology. They launched their first GPS Driver Safety System in 2002. This year they have created The Cyclops Speedwatch version 2 , which is the world’s first community based, real-time intelligent speed camera alert system. Of course there's an app for that and Cyclops' technically advanced and inexpensive iPhone app, now available at an annual special Christmas subscription of £9.99 plus VAT, will help to provide peace of mind whilst driving. It achieves that by alerting drivers to the over 17,500 vehicle speed cameras of various types including all fixed, average,

Isuzu owners will be well  looked after this time of year with a comprehensive winter preparation programme at their local dealer. Isuzu has just announced the launch of and details about their  ‘Isuzu Winter Level Check and Free Top Up,' which is free-of-charge. With the winter weather set in, Isuzu couldn't have timed it better to help its customers stay safe on the roads. Participating Isuzu dealers will check all major fluid levels (engine, transmission and axle lubricants, coolant and washer bottle) as well as tyre pressures, and top up any of these to the recommended level, all at no cost and with no strings attached. William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “We want to make sure that all Isuzu owners are 100 per cent prepared for the winter weather.  The majority of vehicle breakdowns during the colder months can be avoided if a series of relatively straightforward checks are performed.  This free‑of‑charge programme is part of Isuzu’s commitment to its cus

The Ford Fiesta has long been considered a much-loved must-buy for many reasons including being considered the most comfortable, top performing, easily affordable, and not to mention best overall vehicle made by Ford. It's not just celebrated abroad, but Ford Fiesta has been Britain’s best-selling new car since its launch in 2008. Ford has announced that its most popular and well loved vehicle has also been named Used Car of the Year 2012 by CAP, the leading independent car information experts. On top of CAP’s list of criteria when choosing its Used Car of the Year were affordability, practicality, reputation and popularity in the used car market. Mark Norman, of CAP, said:  “It is always tempting for the motoring media and other industry observers to take ‘the petrol head’ approach when giving awards to cars which excite them, but the CAP Used Car of the Year Award recognises the contribution a car makes to both consumers and dealers.” Ford also say, "Ford Fiesta continues to

In this continuation of the Essential Guide to Van Specification: Core Components , we look at another two key areas in evaluating your requirements; cab type and active safety systems. Many vans now come equipped with a variety of in-vehicle entertainment options and sat nav packages. If you will spend long periods on the road and in your cab, these may be worth investing in or looking further into. Active safety system refers to safety systems that help avoid or minimise the effects of a crash. These systems can include; anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, chassis assist, intelligent speed adaptation, brake assist, traction control, or collision warning/avoidance. To read this week's Essential Guide, please click here . 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 have already

My favourite weekly driving tips from road safety charity IAM have been released. They offer a wealth of motoring tips and this week they come from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is giving advice for staying safe and secure at Christmas in a post on the IAM website titled, " Do the jingle bell lock ." IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Christmas shopping brings with it countless stresses, but getting your car broken into is one you can avoid by remembering a few festive tips. The combination of cold weather and the approach of Christmas sends shoppers to local shopping centres and supermarkets. Don’t let your car become a target for thieves while you wander round the lingerie department.” Aside from reminding you that thieves Christmas shop too, be careful not to leave valuables exposed in your car and be sure to keep all purchases out of view or place in the trunk, IAM's post offers a few more handy tips and advice which you can read by cl

Could it be the end of the road for the tax disc? For many years (nearly 90, I think) this circular piece of paper has proudly been displayed in our vehicle windscreens to represent proof that we have indeed paid our road tax duty, but the BVRLA have just posted news that the government is giving serious consideration to abolishing the tax disc. Unfortunately no, not the tax itself, just the physical piece of paper. Shucks! The BVRLA, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, has welcomed the news and it's a major victory for the association, which has been campaigning for the Department for Transport to axe the tax disc for a number of years as part of a wider streamlining of DVLA services. Once used as a visible means of demonstrating that a vehicle has been taxed, the disc is no longer required because this can instantly be confirmed by accessing DVLA computers. “It is great that the Red Tape Challenge we participated in last year is continuing to bring results,” said BVRL

The all-new MINI Clubvan is to take centre stage at next year’s International Commercial Vehicle Show 2013. Organisers of the show, which is owned by the CV Show LLP comprising of the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), happily posted the news this week that MINI UK has taken the decision to grandstand its stylish light commercial vehicle in April 2013 after its initial unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Speaking of the Clubvan’s debut at next year’s Show, James Morrison, Corporate Marketing Manager for MINI UK said, “We are delighted that the MINI Clubvan will be there at the 2013 International Commercial Vehicle Show. We are looking forward to showing how the Clubvan effortlessly combines both the practicality of an 860-litre load capacity with premium features already familiar to existing MINI customers. The MINI Clubvan offers commercial

More details have been released on Fiat's new Panda 4x4 and Panda Trekking this week. Fiat Group Automobiles UK have officially announced the pricing of the cutely named third generation vehicle. The 4x4 version was first introduced in 1983. The new Panda 4x4 is the off-road version of the new Panda and offers a captivating mix of excellent on-road manners with off-road sure-footedness, thanks to its permanent four-wheel drive system. The attractive car features body-coloured ‘4x4 style’ bumpers with satin aluminium finished skid-plate, roof rails, side mouldings with ‘4x4’ logo, black wheel arches and side skirts, 15-inch dark alloy wheels and raised ground clearance suspension. The full engine line-up comprises the award-winning TwinAir 0.9-litre petrol (85hp), giving the Panda 4x4 a top speed of 103mph (Trekking 106mph), official Combined Cycle fuel consumption of 57.6mpg (61.4mpg) and a CO 2 figure of 114g/km (105g/km). The MultiJet (75hp) can reach 99mph (100mph), returns 60.

I found an interesting article recently that suggests that taller vehicles such as vans can make fantastic more reliable radio relays. The technology designed to allow automobiles to "talk" to each other, coined as V2V (vehicle to vehicle), was designed primarily for use as safety warnings and for traffic information. With use of this type of technology, advanced motoring possibilities are endless and perhaps an automated motor way system is in our future. The article titled " White Van Man could become a rolling radio relay " written by Simon Sharwood and posted on The Register on December 10, 2012, provides details of research conducted by two Universities that studied how “Tall Vehicle Relaying (TVR), a scheme that would see bigger vehicles relay signals between cars to give communications a better chance of succeeding," was possibly the way forward. The Universities conducted a host of experiments to point out the benefits, including using the services of

When put to the test, which of Europe's favourite best selling vans would pass or fail standard safety requirements? That question has been answered by a recent Euro NCAP test. In a recent press release, Euro NCAP has announced that they have crash tested some of Europe’s best-selling business and family vans using protocols that are more true-to-life than the current legal tests for these van-based vehicles. Euro NCAP is a European car safety performance assessment programme based in Brussels. It was founded in 1997 by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport. It is also backed by several European governments, including the European Union. The safety organisation is calling on manufacturers to offer these vehicles with higher levels of safety equipment and for legislators to review their lenient legal safety requirements. By performing these tests and informing the manufacturers of the results, let's hope consumers will see more advanced safety ele

 Yesterday, Ford proudly posted how it had marked this year’s alliteration date – the 12 th day of the 12 th month in 2012 – with the arrival of its 12 th passenger vehicle. The 2012 launch of the Tourneo Custom adds a twelfth model to Ford’s passenger vehicle line-up. Ford included a few facts in their release regarding their passenger vehicle range with bits of trivia such as; in 1912, Ford’s model range comprised of a single vehicle – the iconic Model T and since 2006, Ford has added five all-new car nameplates: S-MAX, Kuga, Grand C-MAX, B-MAX and Tourneo Custom. Mark Ovenden, Ford UK managing director, said: “Ford continues to invest in its product range, which will offer unrivalled breadth and choice to our customers in the New Year with the addition of the stylish and luxurious Tourneo Custom people mover. Since the introduction of our global One Ford strategy in 2006, the company has been able to deliver more vehicles faster to increase its competitiveness still further in 20

Members of the FTA Van Excellence scheme were big winners at the Fleet Van Awards 2012. The Van Excellence scheme is an industry-led initiative promoting enhanced standards of van operator compliance and a focused commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable van operations. On their website this week, they have posted a recent press release honouring their winning members. The information below includes a few highlights to share from their post, titled “Van Excellence members sweep the board at Fleet Van Awards,” published on December 10, 2012. A considerable amount of Van Excellence partners were nominated in a variety of categories at the awards ceremony which was held in London last week. Trophies were awarded to several members like SHB who won Van Rental Company of the Year, and Fiat Fiorino which took City Van of the Year. Volkswagen won three trophies on the day – the first being for Fleet Van Manufacturer of the Year, with the Volkswagen Caddy taking first for Small Van

Honda released a brief post yesterday announcing their all-new Honda compact URBAN SUV CONCEPT vehicle.  It's due to make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on 14 January. The NAIAS is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan USA. The 2013 show is scheduled to run from January 14 through January 27, with the show offering press, industry, and charity preview days ahead of the public opening which runs from the 19th to the 27th. It first began as the Detroit Auto Show and was held in December 1907. As interest in automobiles grew, so did the show which resulted in the current name being adopted in 1989. The URBAN SUV CONCEPT, teased in a sketch, is a global concept model which combines a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious interior utilising Honda’s centre-tank layout, creating a highly functional design. The concept will be introduced at an NAIAS press conference. After the press conference, further images and video of the URB

Does driving during the Holiday period turn you into a motor way meanie? If so, to help motorists avoid the stress associated with winter driving, GEM Motoring Assist has refreshed its ‘Courtesy on the Road’ leaflet. With adverse driving conditions and the stressfulness of the festive season, common courtesy on the road can reach a low point during the winter months. The road safety organisation and breakdown cover company has published top tips for motorists, including a ‘Courtesy Driving Code’, to help reduce a major cause of conflict on the road: stress. The leaflet also features a checklist to help combat tense situations such as breakdowns, traffic build ups, and noisy distractions. David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, commented: "Rather than getting frustrated or angry with other road users, we want to encourage motorists to be patient this winter and show compassion to other drivers. We hope that this newly designed leaflet will help highlight how easy this is to

Last week I posted the results of the annual What Van? Awards, where the new Ford Transit Custom has been awarded the prestigious title of Van of the Year in the 2013. As I was reviewing the goings-on in the motor world, I came across an article in the national press, The Telegraph  (online version of the newspaper) had highlighted the awards and provided a more in depth look at all of the What Van? Award winners. The post which is titled, " the best vans on sale " and was available on their website on December 7, 2012, has a fantastic picture gallery along with quotes from What Van? as to why they chose that particular van as their winner. To read the What Van? feature with all of the great photos, please click here .

The Dacia Duster has impressed not one, but two judging panels from two of the UK’s best-known magazines FHM and Top Gear, with FHM awarding it ‘Best for when you’re short on cash’. In their recent press release, Dacia describes the gruelling tests that the Duster had to perform in order to wow and win over the judges. Testing its talents to the limit as part of its ‘Bargain of the Year 2012’ award feature, the intrepid Top Gear team took a 4x4 version to one of the most dangerous roads in the world, the Cañón del Pato (Duck Canyon), in a Peruvian stretch of the Andes. Their simple conclusion? “No car in the world offers more freedom for your quid than the Dacia Duster.” We couldn't have put it better ourselves. After a dizzying trip ascending the narrow, dimly lit Peruvian roads, the plaudits continued with, “I’m pretty sure it nails the ride-handling balance better than cars at many times its price”. Or, simply, “we have subjected this simple, brilliant little car to punishment b

If, like me, you woke up this morning to a thoroughly frosted icy car and struggled to de-ice the windscreen, then these simple yet effective tidbits of advice I found on the internet may help us avoid the same problem come tomorrow morning. First of all, did you now that the law states all vehicle windows and mirrors must be clear and driving while only being able to view the road through a small de-misted hole in the windscreen can result in a fine of £1,000 for driving with restricted vision? The most common way a majority of us usually attempt to de frost our vehicles is to turn on the engine and set our defrosters on while we go back inside to eat our breakfast, however, you might think it’s easier on your car to let it sit and gently warm up, doing so is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it does indeed waste fuel, henceforth, wastes our money. Then there is the environmental costs, it can also be a traffic offence as well, and not to mention the risk of a chan

The continuation of the Essential Guide to Van Specification is available now. We have already covered the first four key areas in previous guides. This week we examine two more key areas to help you gain a clear idea of the components you may need. Fuel types and Transmission are covered in the latest guide which can be viewed by clicking here . 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  

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter , known as the "consummate professional" van, has recently won this year's Fleet Van Awards 2012, picking up Large Panel Van of the Year at a ceremony held at Altitude 360, Millbank Tower, London. The first generation Sprinter was first introduced in Europe in 1995 and has since won many accolades as 'Van of the Year' in several motoring publications and fleet bodies. With its useful options that allow you to save valuable time, like the KEYLESS ENTRY & SLIDE automatic door opener, economically-efficient engines, and with the panel vans cargo volume ranging from 7.5 to 17 m, its clear to see why the Sprinter has been a top player in the light and heavy commercial vehicle sector. Andrew Lawson, National Fleet Sales Manager said: “We are very happy to have won this year’s Large Panel Van Award at the Fleet Van Awards 2012. The Sprinter wins awards because of its quality, reliability and overall competitive whole life cost which continu

TomTom is once again doing their best to help you avoid stress inducing traffic jams. TomTom has introduced its new traffic information service, HD Traffic 6.0, into the UK. Avoiding traffic jams will be a lot easier and you'll get to your destination quicker, since this new service can detect traffic jams five times more accurately than previous versions. The traffic information offered by TomTom HD Traffic 6.0 is 15 times as accurate as the prevailing Traffic Message Channels (TMC) available through other navigators. TomTom will also detect, in real-time, road blocks and road works - even if these haven’t been reported by official sources. Tests show that TomTom HD Traffic 6.0 recognises up to 65% more blocked roads. HD Traffic 6.0 is available as part of TomTom LIVE Services which offers updated traffic info every two minutes. Customers who already have LIVE Services will receive an automatic, free update to HD Traffic 6.0. With this handy service there will be no more using &qu

Land Rover has announced that the All-New Range Rover has won its first notable award. The All-New Range Rover was declared Top Gear magazine’s Luxury Car of the Year. The award was judged by Top Gear’s motoring journalists and the presenters of the Top Gear TV programme. Announcing the honour in the new issue of Top Gear, Editor-in-Chief Charlie Turner hailed the Range Rover as the “stand-out machine in its category… the best of the best”. He said: “Rather than playing safe and developing, the new Range Rover is an example of boundaries redefined, manufacturing technologies pushed, and luxury taken to the next level. From the daily slog to work to a cocooned blast across Europe, the Range Rover really can cope with anything. The ultimate car. " So which elements of the award winning All-New Range Rover impressed the judges? Let's start with its clean and contemporary exterior design. And not to mention its luxury interior to the electric Power Assisted Steering, with a Park

Exciting news from Ford has just been released. The All-new Ford Transit Custom is to be offered in a range-topping Sport Van variant featuring a dynamic new exterior style and be powered by a gutsy 155PS 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine. Built at Dagenham, the Sport Van combines strong performance with hardy styling and a bold colour-coded exterior. The Sport Van will provide UK businesses and owner-drivers with an eye-catching vehicle that stands out. The new model follows in the successful line of Sport Vans that have developed a following among Transit drivers since first being introduced in 2007. David Petts, Ford Britain CV marketing manager, said: “The new Ford Transit Custom Sport Van offers customers a stylish vehicle that makes a bold statement and delivers full Transit functionality and capability that our customers have come to expect.” The new bold appearance is finished off with stylish 18-inch alloy wheels on low profile 235/50 tyres, and the signature twin bonnet stripe

Vauxhall has recently issued a rather humorous tongue-in-cheek (I hope) press release in which they suggest that Santa should consider replacing his reindeer driven sleigh in favour of a Vauxhall Vivaro ecoFLEX van. The post was a clever way to advertise the benefits of owning one of their Luton-built vans. You can read the funny Vauxhall press release below.   Santa ditches flatulent reindeer for efficient Luton-built Vivaro van Vauxhall is showing Santa how to go green this Christmas and slash his CO 2 emissions by trading his sleigh for a Vivaro ecoFLEX van. Estimates suggest the famous team of fully-grown reindeer pulling his sleigh emits a colossal 53,667 tonnes of CO 2 * during his annual 195,200,000km trip around the world, which works out at 275g/km. The journey also requires an enormous quantity of milk and carrots. The Vivaro ecoFLEX, which is built in Britain, offers CO 2 emissions of 174g/km, meaning Santa would emit 33,965 tonnes of carbon dioxide – cutting his current e

Subaru UK has announced they are celebrating four decades of All-Wheel Drive history; including passenger vehicles, World Rally Championship victories and turbocharged kei cars. Subaru’s unique All-Wheel Drive system has also featured on the brand’s concept cars over the years. Subaru UK is this month celebrating the 40 th anniversary of its antidote to hazardous winter driving conditions – the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system – which has allowed Subaru owners to go almost anywhere since its introduction in 1972. The technology was first offered as a part-time option on the estate derivative of the Subaru Leone, but was subsequently rolled-out across the Japanese brand’s entire range.  Today, permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard fit across all Subaru models in the UK range, with the exception of the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car. “Looking back over the last 40 years, it’s clear that Subaru’s commitment to All-Wheel Drive has produced some of the most capable, best ha

Confused.com has posted an article in response to the Chancellor's much appreciated decision to scrap the 3ppl fuel duty increase. The article titled, " Osborne scraps New Year fuel tax rise " written by Chris Torney, shares the alleviated views of many motorists and motoring organisations as the news of the cancellation was announced yesterday. The article also provides information from analysts who figure that motorists will save on average £2.50 per tank fill up now that the fuel duty increase will be abandoned. There was also other good news included in the Autumn Statement and brief details about those were also covered in the article. However, with regards to changes in vehicle excise duty, that topic was noticeably absent in the speech. What really makes this article a fun read is the Fuel Cost Calculator that Confused.com provides at the end of the post. You simply choose your make, model, and type of engine from a drop down, then input how many miles you drive

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced in their latest press release that they have collected an impressive number of honours at the Fleet Van Awards 2012. The highlight includes taking the most prestigious title of Fleet Van Manufacturer of the Year, plus the small and medium van of the year awards for the Caddy and Transporter vans. It’s the second consecutive year that the Caddy has won Fleet Van’s Small Van of the Year award and the Transporter has walked away with the impressive achievement of being named Medium Van of the Year for the fifth year running. The judges had sound reasons for choosing Volkswagen as the Fleet Van Manufacturer of the Year (for a second time) this year: ‘Volkswagen has strength in depth in its product range, an excellent network of van specialists providing back-up support to fleets, solid residual values on all its vans and good manufacturer support through its funding operations.  It also has a highly trained and dedicated fleet team further suppo

The new Ford Fiesta is to debut its MyKey technology in Europe, a tool which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency. The MyKey system allows the parent to program any key through the vehicle message center, which updates the SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System. When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes. Ford have just announced that they will hold a webinar on December 11 th about its innovation enabling restrictions to be placed on drivers to promote safer driving. The 30-minute webinar will outline risks faced by young drivers and introduce Ford’s MyKey.  The company is the first auto manufacturer to develop such a technology, which is launched on new Ford Fiesta on sale this month.  MyKey provides concerned parents with ways to control their child’s speed and other features

Today is the day we hear the Chancellor’s decision regarding fuel duty. Not long now before the Autumn Statement 2012 is announced. And as we wait to see if there will be freeze, a postponement, a cut or even an increase, many in the auto industry have been lobbying for a reduction in fuel duty, but we will certainly welcome a hold on the current duty. The AA has called on Chancellor George Osborne to postpone a 3p-a-litre rise in fuel duty in January as it has been revealed that the money from the tax is still pouring into the Treasury despite drivers having to suffer high petrol prices. The RHA (Road Haulage Association) are eagerly awaiting the fuel duty results and have said, "And, like thousands of UK hauliers, we hope to hear good news from the Chancellor!" The FTA (Freight Transport Association) have posted a Fuel Duty Campaign on their website and has continued to back the FairFuelUK Campaign; a coalition of logistics organisations, motoring groups and the public, to

The winter weather once again threatens to wreak havoc on our roads this week. This time around there are several warnings of snow and icy conditions. It was difficult to even get into the car this morning as the pavement was dangerously slippery from the ice that formed on it over night. Although I try not to add too many repetitive posts on here, I do think it's worth it to continue to post safety advice like the ones published by the IAM this morning. Please read their helpful advice below: The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today issued advice on driving in snow and ice, with freezing conditions across the country set to continue for days to come. IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: “Avoid travelling unless completely necessary, and don’t ignore police warnings or advice to avoid specific routes. Can you work remotely, or change your schedule?” If staying at home in the warm is not an option, the IAM offers the following advice on driving safely through snow: Ens

There have been a lot of great vehicle debuts at the current Los Angeles Auto Show. From the new RAV4 to the new Fiesta, plus not forgetting the 2014 Porsche Cayman, there were some spectacular autos on show. But alongside these popular brands, there were also some fantastic green cars on display at the show which was held in the American state of California, renowned for their eco-consciousness. I was delighted to read an article from the GreenCarWebsite , written by Faye Sunderland, highlighting the " Top ten green cars of the LA Auto Show ” on their Green Piece column today. The website understands the importance of promoting these environmentally friendly vehicles. To see their top ten picks of LA’s finest green cars, please click here .  

Aside from the many posts and advice about properly preparing for winter driving conditions, another important topic that makes the rounds particularly at this time of year is drinking and driving. It's vital to spread the word that mixing alcohol and/or drugs with driving should never ever be done and can result in fatal consequences if these warnings and quintessential advisements are ignored. Whether behind the wheel of your car, motorcycle, or van, please think twice before driving if you've been drinking or are under the influence. This week, the  Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents  (RoSPA) is urging other parts of the UK to consider lowering the drink-drive limit after publishing a response to the proposal in Scotland. Through successive awareness-raising campaigns and the recent introduction of a vehicle forfeiture scheme, Scotland has seen a continuing reduction in the number of people caught drink driving while Northern Ireland has also decided to reduce the

In a What Van? news release today, they have announced that the new Ford Transit Custom has been awarded the prestigious title of Van of the Year in the 2013 What Van? Awards. The medium-sized van really impressed the What Van?’s expert judging panel with its interior and exterior quality, as well as a host of innovations new to the light commercial vehicle sector. Ford's success at the awards also saw their Ranger collect the Pick-up of the Year accolade. “The new Transit Custom does the name and heritage of the UK’s dominant van proud by improving vastly over its award-winning predecessor, particularly in terms of innovation and interior quality, which is superior to anything van drivers are used to,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “Replacing the vehicle that dominates the UK market was never going to be easy, but Ford has certainly produced the goods and deserves continued success.” The awards results in other areas include Vauxhall taking a hat-trick of prizes – its Ecoflex

This week's guide continues with helping you develop a clear idea of the components you need. The guide will look at key areas and requirements as detailed below. We have already covered the first two areas last week, so we will move on to Tyres/Wheels and Engines. 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 To view the Essential Guide to Van Specification: Core Components cont . , please click here .

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £55 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1.3 billion in automotive R&D each year, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Sustainability Report 2012 and Motor Industry Facts 2012 . With the industry being as crucial to the economy as pointed out above, the SMMT have released details ahead of the Chancellor of the Exchequers’ Autumn Statement, that show the UK automotive industry has identified vehicle taxation as a key issue as part of a wider package of industrial strategy measures that should reinforce the long-term growth and competitiveness of the sector. The SMMT feel that last year's Budget 2012 dealt a blow to consumers, businesses and automotive manufacturers with announcements impacting confidence in the crucial low and ultra-low carbon markets, denting up

TomTom has announced that they will be offering us some fun and games this winter with an online competition called TomTom Gives You More , which offers you the chance to “unwrap the world” and win one of six unforgettable driving adventures. The fun and easy to play game puts players’ virtual unwrapping skills to the test. To be eligible to win, entrants need to select a wrapped-up continent and unwrap it. In addition to the six main prizes*, there are thousands of other prizes to be won, including TomTom navigation devices, Nike+ sports watches and gift vouchers. The global competition runs until15th January 2013. Once contestants have successfully unwrapped an entire route, they’ll be asked to create and upload a file that explains why they think they should win the holiday. It could be a video, a song, a short story or even a short poem. The most original and fun entry will win the route they just unwrapped. You can also view TomTom's campaign video on YouTube by clicking here