Low Cost Vans

When deciding what is essential to have in your newly purchased van fleet, do you immediately choose to have the latest in-cab technology installed? According to Nissan’s recent Van Report , due to many companies requiring more efficiency from their driver and vehicle operations, satellite navigation is fast becoming the most preferred option. The report found that 45% of van drivers, and 40% of fleet operators, felt that sat-nav is an essential feature on a new van, coming ahead of parking sensors, Bluetooth and vehicle trackers. It points to a  growing shift in the van market which sees sat-nav considered greatly ahead of driver comforts such as electric windows, heated mirrors and air conditioning. This may mean that we can expect to see more van manufacturers fitting sat-nav as standard in the future. Nissan currently offers satellite navigation as an added option across various models and specifications within its LCV range. Sat-nav’s have replaced the old cumbersome, (attention...

The latest Euro NCAP results are in. How did the new Citroën C4 Picasso and the Honda CR-V fare? Astonishingly well. Both vehicles scored an impressive 5 star overall rating from Euro NCAP testers. To help motorists choose the safest model when buying a new car or van, Euro NCAP organizes crash-tests then provides a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of many popular vehicles in Europe. The criteria for the overall safety rating are composed of scores in four areas which include: adult protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist. In the Small Off-Road 4x4 category the Honda CR-V 2.2 diesel SE, RHD 5-door hatchback model, used during testing, performed exceptionally well in the adult occupant segment scoring  a whopping 93%. The test showed it provided good protection for all body regions of the driver and passenger. The new Citroën C4 Picasso garnered the highest scores in child protection (88%) and also in adult occupant (86%) f...

The Finance & Leasing Association ( FLA) has just released the results of a new survey of expectations in the retail motor finance sector. The published survey “aims to gauge senior executives’ opinions on the outlook for the UK economy and the retail motor finance industry”. The FLA are the UK’s leading and Europes largest trade association for the consumer credit, motor finance and asset finance sectors. The first edition of the quarterly FLA Retail Motor Finance Confidence Survey shows an optimistic outlook reflecting the strong performance reported by the motor finance industry since the beginning of last year. The optimism can be attributed to an expectation of an increase in future consumer spending. Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but the survey does also show that a significant amount of responders feel a positive expectation regarding future growth in our UK economy as a whole. Nearly two thirds of the respondents say they are expecting an improvement in mar...

Do you remember watching the episode of Top Gear where Sabine Schmitz set the world famous commercial vehicle lap at Nürburgring of 10 minutes and 8 seconds in a Ford Transit van? That was amazing. But if you thought that it couldn’t be beat and that the record time was as fast as a standard van could go, well, you are in for a treat. VW Group tuning expert Revo has set a new record for a commercial vehicle lap during a recent test session of the Nürburgring – smashing the previous world famous full lap with a time of just 9mins:57.36 seconds. The seasoned Nordschleife veteran Dale Lomas was at the helm of the record breaking VW T5 van. Revo, the most widely accessible global provider of world-class, switchable engine calibration software and performance hardware for Volkswagen Group vehicles plus STaSIS, who specializes in performance-enhancing brake, suspension, driveline and engine products for Audi vehicles, make up the STaSIS Revo Group.  Together they deliver innovative race- and...

This further section of the Guide to Van Safety: Options for Improvement hopes to provide you with descriptions and examples of the activities that you can put in place to improve the safety of van operations within your organisation and the ways in which you can benefit from implementing safer management practices. It also aims to provide guidance on how to ensure that vans are operating safely and how to promote safe van operations. The measures have been split into four key sections which are outlined below. The information under these headings includes descriptions, methods and comparisons between various options. They are: • Safe Management Systems • Driver Management • Vehicle Management - Covered in last week’s guide • Journey Management This week's guide page concludes the Essential Guide to Van Safety: Options for Improvement . As we look into the final key section, I have also included a glossary of terms that may have been used during this segment. To read the latest Ess...

The SMMT have released new UK Commercial Vehicle (CV) Manufacturing data for May 2013 this week. The news is yet again a bit flat this time around; as the SMMT report shows that a continued downward drift could cause misery to UK built CV manufacturing which includes light commercial vans , trucks, buses and coaches. The full automotive manufacturing data which is presented from a regular survey of selected UK manufacturers: 14 car manufacturers, nine CV and six engine manufacturers, shows that commercial vehicle output fell 20% in May to 7,560 units . The blame is being placed on weak European demand, as export volumes were down almost a third in the month and 31.5% for the first five months of 2013. "Commercial vehicle manufacturers continue to battle against weak demand, particularly abroad, with output sliding 20% in May. Demand for UK-built CVs in the home market grew moderately, but this was not enough to lessen the significant drop in export volumes," said Nigel Base...

In more fleet upgrade news, UK leading vehicle bodybuilders, Bevan Group, has announced that they have recently acquired 20 Nissan NV400 vans for use by its national network of mobile technicians. Bevan said they decided on the Nissan vans over three other van manufacturers after an extensive test drive programme led by the mobile technicians themselves and what they liked most about the NV400 is its performance, low load access height and maximum payload. The particular vans being supplied to Bevan’s’ fleet will consist of 3.5 tonne GVW front-wheel drive 125PS NV400s in SE trim and will come with factory-fitted satellite navigation systems, fitted ply-lining kits, deadlocks, alarms, immobilisers and roof-mounted beacons. Also, the company graphics (which looks fantastic on the vans - see the photo supplied by Nissan's official press release above) will proudly be displayed for all to see on these impressive new vans, as they will run them for three years and 105,000 miles, giving...

The Vauxhall Vivaro is a stylish yet versatile van that is available in long and short-wheelbase variants, with choice of two roof heights, two gross vehicle weights, and its fuel-efficient common-rail turbo diesel line-up comprises of two efficient and cost-effective 2.0CDTi Euro 5 engines, developing either 90PS or 115PS. Standard equipment on the Vivaro panel van includes: Driver’s airbag Anti-lock braking (ABS) with Brake Assist Power-steering with reach-adjustable steering wheel Height, reach and recline adjustment for driver’s seat Double, front passenger seat Three adjustable headrests and three-point seat belts Radio CD player with MP3 format, integrated display and aux-in Side sliding door, passenger side Solid bulkhead, full height Floor-mounted load restraint lashing eyes Unglazed rear doors (90°/165° opening) Twin adjustable folding door mirrors (wide-angle on driver's side) Electronic engine immobiliser   To help you decide if this van is the...

Safety ratings are an important factor to consider when deciding which van to purchase. Here in the UK, we have Euro NCAP that tests new vehicles and rates their safety performance for us and of course, we can consider the individual manufacturers reports as well. But as with the true MPG controversy, can we really trust the auto makers’ safety claims and just how do they perform such tests? Well, Ford in North America, in partnership with Utah-based Autonomous Solutions Inc., has come up with an ingenious method of using robots to test the durability of their trucks, including the new full-size Transit van range which is scheduled to launch there sometime in 2014. Some of the test vans are taken to task repeatedly in all types of driving conditions, performed on and off road, which would be unsuitable and too uncomfortable or dangerous for human testers. The vans, that must pass a whole slew of tests and must prove they are “Built Ford Tough”, are driven on course tracks filled with...

Renault Trucks has recently announced that they have decided to completely renew its entire range in an attempt to take advantage of the switch to the Euro 6 standard.  This is the first time that any manufacturer has ever renewed its entire range all in one go. It was certainly an enormous task to complete, as it took a €2 billion investment by the Volvo Group , 7 years of development, 5 million hours of test bench trials, and 5,000 people involved to bring this project to life. Renault Trucks are not only looking to win new customers and increase its market share, but it’s good to know they also consider “ a truck to be a profit centre which should never let customers down, make its drivers proud and protect the business of operators”. In their latest press release, it was reported that Renault Trucks had unveiled its new product range in Lyon on June 11th and the manufacturer said " the aim is : to supply its customers with a perfect, reliable and high-performance tool which wi...

It’s the happiest day of the week again (finally), Friday, and that means road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has posted their weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger.  A few weeks ago the IAM posted tips on driving while travelling abroad and I was surprised to learn some of the rules that I had not heard of, especially when driving in France. This week, Mr. Rodger is lending his expertise on driving regulations for Germany.   Tips for driving in Germany   While some autobahns (motorways) are free of speed restrictions, this is only on parts of the network. Where there are speed limits posted, they are strictly enforced. Remember that the drink drive limit is lower in Germany, 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (rather than 80 mg in the UK) – this could be especially crucial when considering the ‘morning after’ effect. To park in Germany you need to buy a blue parking disc (parkscheibe), available at service stat...

How would you like to advertise your small business by appearing on the biggest billboard in the country? That would most certainly get your company noticed, but just imagine the cost of such advertising. Well, it won’t cost a thing for one man from Watford, Hertfordshire, he may soon be the most recognised person in Britain after being chosen as the face of a new advertising campaign for the Volkswagen Transporter van with the slogan: ‘ We never forget the most important name on our vans. Yours’.  Andy Brodie, a 42-year-old small business owner who thinks having a smart-looking van is vital for his business’s image, will have his picture along with his cherished Volkswagen Transporter van bearing the name of his firm, A.B. Flooring, featured on the 27m x 18m 'Mega Banner' on the M4, Britain's largest billboard site. The campaign aims to highlight how Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is working in partnership with its customers.  The three other small businesses involved are...

This section of the Guide to Van Safety  provides you with descriptions and examples of the activities that you can put in place to improve the safety of van operations within your organisation and the ways in which you can benefit from implementing safer management practices. It also aims to provide guidance on how to ensure that vans are operating safely and how to promote safe van operations. The measures have been split into four key sections outlined below. The information under these headings includes descriptions, methods and comparisons between various options. • Safe Management Systems • Driver Management • Vehicle Management • Journey Management We have already gone over the first two measures in previous week's guides and will now continue on with the remaining key sections. To read the Essential Guide to Van Safety: Options for Improvement – Vehicle Management , please click here .

ŠKODA has just announced that they are launching a special edition of its highly acclaimed Yeti compact SUV. Based on the best-selling SE trim level, the new edition is called Yeti Adventure and will come with up to £2,250 worth of extra equipment at no extra cost. The successful ŠKODA Yeti launched back in 2009 and more than 21,000 have been sold in the UK alone. So what can we expect from this new SE model? See the impressive list of features below. The standard equipment includes: 17-inch ‘Matterhorn’ alloy wheels Black roof with black door mirrors Silver roof rails Black side mouldings with chrome ledges Unique ‘Adventure’ logo on C-pillar Special ‘Adventure’ upholstery Leather gearshift gaiter and handbrake grip Textile floor mats Amundsen+ satellite navigation with DAB digital radio Multi-function steering wheel with controls for Bluetooth and radio Striking silver stitching cabin detail Bluetooth GSM II telephone preparation Sunset glass Metallic pa...

If you haven’t already made plans for your dad this Father’s Day, perhaps a visit to the UK’s largest free motoring event would make for a fantastic day out. The 18 th annual Motorexpo , which takes place at Canary Wharf in London, opened yesterday and will run until June 16,2013. The event features a huge range of cars on show with a number of UK motoring event debuts, including Jaguar’s sporty new F-Type two-seat convertible and the all-new Range Rover Sport, billed as Land Rover’s fastest and most agile vehicle to date. The Infiniti Q50 premium saloon, BMW i3 electric concept car, SEAT Leon SC, Skoda Superb, Lotus Exige S and Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee will also be premiering at Motorexpo this year. One of the unique factors of this show that sets it apart from other motor events, aside from not having to buy tickets or queue to pay for entry, is the large scale of interactivity visitors can experience. You are encouraged to touch and get inside the exhibited vehicles, many of which...

So what do you do when you need a smaller more economical van that can, not only drive (and look) like a car, but also offers enough load space, manageable fuel economy, low running costs, and comfortable city driving? Perhaps like other small businesses, you might consider getting the Vauxhall Corsavan. Vauxhall have recently announced that sales of their car-derived van, with its coupé-like appearance, have increased by nearly a quarter compared to last year. Small businesses are buying more of these compact city vans and Vauxhall reported that the large increase in sales to this group of buyers has gone up by more than 70 per cent year-on-year. The Luton automaker says that one of the reasons for the increase in sales of Corsavan is its impressive fuel economy of up to 83.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO 2 emissions as low as 89g/km - lower than many of the cleanest cars on the market. Another way van operators are saving money is on insurance, with all Corsavan models falling int...

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) have posted the May 2013 sales data for commercial vehicle registrations and although a brighter outlook was given in previous reports, there has been a slight dip in the figures. Total CV registrations dropped 4.7% in May to 24,149 units, but the market remains up 8.3% for the year-to-date. In the all-important commercial van market, van registrations were 3.8% behind May 2012 at 20,503 units; although the January-May volumes remain strong, up 13% to 110,136 units. Despite the minor blip, van sales this year are still positive and are expected to do well in the remaining months of this year. But yet again there was more bad news for trucks. A steady decline in truck demand meant registration fell 9.4% to 3,646 units in the month and declined 14.3% during the first five months of 2013. According to the detailed charts and graphs published on the SMMT website, it’s 4x4’s rather than pick-up trucks that have seen a slower rise in Ma...

Fiat Professional has recently posted a release on the benefits of their new safety system, ESP (electronic stability programme), which now come standard in their entire range of Ducato vans, chassis cabs, combis and minibuses. The ESP was introduced back in April this year and comes in anticipation of any possible changes to commercial vehicle legislation and includes all Fiat Ducato models except the back-to-back cab range. What exactly is ESP (no it’s not the ability to see dead people, i.e. a sixth sense)? Fiat defines it as an important safety device which uses information supplied by various sensors to check whether a vehicle is cornering safely or not. If the ESP computer believes the vehicle is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces engine power. The programme also includes and incorporates other technologies to make it work, such as Load Adaptive Control (LAC) which identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity to enable the systems to ...

In light of the new traffic law enforcement changes announced this week, GEM Motoring Assist (Guild of Experienced Motorists) has prepared and posted a useful guide to safe motorway driving. Prompted by an independent survey commissioned by GEM Motoring Assist where more than 30% of UK motorists believe that drivers are generally more aggressive when on motorways, the guide covers aspects such as lane discipline (no hogging the middle lane or now face instant £100 fine), blind spots, speed and distance. Although most of these GEM tips should be familiar to most commercial/fleet van drivers, it’s always a good idea to review motorway regulations from time to time and the penalties for not following them, as they may update or change like those announced this week. David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments: “ Bad driving habits on motorways can severely affect the concentration and safety of the other road users, causing agitation and stress for many. So, to help, we’ve c...

Did you know that drivers who monopolize the middle lane or tailgate other cars will soon face on-the-spot fines of £100 and three points on their license? Details of a crackdown on anti-social motoring are due to be released by the Government in a statement to Parliament this week. It’s also expected that police will be given powers to issue instant fixed penalty notices for not giving way at a junction or using the wrong lane at a roundabout. Currently, a motorist has to be stopped by a police officer, then a summons issued, and evidence is presented in court. This new measure will eliminate the need for every offender to go to court and lets police immediately tackle these types of driving offenses. In addition to the new policies mentioned above, the Institute of Advanced Motoring ( IAM ) have issued a press release outlining the proposed changes which were brought forward by the Government and they include increasing the fine for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving or not...

Fiat Professional has recently announced that Glasgow City Council has taken delivery of not one, but thirty one new Fiat Doblò Work Up vehicles. These are to join its existing fleet of over 200 Fiat Professional vehicles. The vehicles are used in a variety of applications across several departments. The new Doblò Work Up deal is part of an on-going four year Framework Agreement between specialists Fiat Professional dealer, Imperial Commercials Glasgow, and Glasgow City Council for the supply of commercial vehicles. Fiat Professional models already supplied under the agreement are the Fiorino Combi, Fiorino Cargo, Doblò Cargo, and Ducato vans. Factors in Imperial Commercials' success in securing the agreement after a competitive tender process run by Glasgow City Council last year include; the high quality and the excellent value of Fiat Professional’s models. So what other factors make these commercial vehicles so enticing and why does the council continue to order Fiat models fo...

It’s always touching to hear when a large corporation gives back and makes a contribution to a charity, especially a children’s charity. This week, Ford UK has proudly announced they are lending their support and have supplied British Gas with an all-new Ford Tourneo Custom that will travel thousands of miles on UK roads this summer, helping to raise £1 million for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Building on the success of British Gas “Bikes Britain” in 2012, this year’s British Gas challenge is called, “Swims Britain”.  The event aims to encourage thousands of the energy company’s staff and their families to take part in swimming challenges across the UK. To help them on this wet and worthy challenge is an aquatic-themed Ford Tourneo Custom with long wheelbase, powered by a Dagenham-built 125PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine. The vehicle is well-equipped for the UK tour, with nine seats, a 230-volt power converter and Ford’s satellite navigation system. And since Briti...

Nissan has proudly reported that a Scottish building services and engineering company has ordered an initial 275 vans in their largest corporate LCV deal to date. The extensive order of 220 NV200s and 55 Primastars will go towards supporting Richard Irvin Services Group's (RISG) commercial and domestic maintenance and repairs team. The vans, finished in striking RISG livery, will be delivered in stages over the next 30 months and will be kept for four years. The company decided on the Nissan vans over others after test driving them in the field. The drivers found them to be not only reliable, but could also comfortably house repair equipment and most importantly, keep the drivers in comfort and safety when covering the whole of Scotland George Robb, Richard Irvin Services Group procurement director said: “We’re currently going through a period of investing in our people and capital and this deal marks an integral part of this strategy. We took a product rather than price led select...