Low Cost Vans

As we go into 2018, it’s clear that the way we get about is going to change in a big way. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, headline news was that two huge firms – Uber and Volkswagen – have teamed up with technology giant, Nvidia. Nvidia if you’ve not heard of it before, it’s a company which grew off the back of making computer graphic chips. Now however, it is making a name for itself around autonomous cars. And its two new friends reflect how wide ranging this technology will become in our lives. For those of us in the UK, there is currently a question mark hanging over the future of Uber as last September, TfL didn’t give the firm the right to hold a London private hire operator licence. This was on the grounds of ‘public safety and security implications’, with concerns being over Uber’s approach to doing background checks on its drivers. Despite this, Uber is continuing to operate whilst waiting for a hearing on whether it can continue in the capital – that hea...

Save the dates for upcoming motor fueled, rock and roll, family fun weekends ahead. Attendees of CarFest North and South 2014 can expect cars, music, food, and of course it offers families and motor enthusiasts some good old fashioned fun. The annual event, founded by radio DJ Chris Evans, is raises money for BBC Children in Need. Get up close and personal to an array of vehicles, including some iconic, historic and classic cars from over 40 different clubs that will be attending. CarFest North takes place from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August 2014 at Oulton Park, Cheshire.   CarFest South opens 22-24 th August 2014 at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire. For those lucky enough to attend CarFest, you’ll be entertained by not only the amazing cars on display, but by musical artists like; Simple Minds, Eliza Doolittle, Toploader, 10cc, Texas, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and many more still to be announced. From car rallies to music and much much more, make plans to attend this fun event and sup...

Mercedes-Benz Vans has just announced that the Vito Sport will be supporting two events in the IRONMAN® UK 2014-2015 Tour. The Vito will be present at both UK events, Bolton and Pembrokeshire. So what will the practical and modern van do at these events? Well, the organisers will have Vito Sport vehicles through the duration of the competitions, with Vito Sport used as lead vehicle in the races, as well as to support athlete recovery from the course, carrying water and blankets. As well as those above mentioned duties, the Vito vans will also be on display at Mercedes-Benz exhibition area. So if you want to check out all the action that the intense long-distance endurance race has to offer alongside the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport van, then mark your calendar for Bolton (20 July 2014) and/or Pembrokeshire (14 September 2014).

For commercial vehicle enthusiasts like me, wth a love for all things motor and especially retro vans, did you know that the Historical Commercial Vehicle Society in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, holds an annual ‘Ridgeway Run’ rally? The event features a fleet of classic trucks, vans and lorries. How cool would it be to step back in time and see vehicles from throughout the last century make their way through town. The beloved HCVS, formed in 1958, now has over 50 members who share a love of classic, historical commercial vehicles. This year’s rally will take place on Sunday 15 June, 2014 in Marlow from 8.30am. If you can, make plans to see the fleet of about 55 retro vehicles ride through the town and even better, if you happen to own your own commercial vehicle from a bygone era, why not get in touch with the Historical Commercial Vehicle Society chairman to take part. Buckinghamshire is a bit far from Wales, so I may not get to see this year’s event, but I will add it to my calendar nex...

The winners of the 2014 Fleet World Honours were recently announced. These awards give recognition to leading fleet vehicles and suppliers and are presented by the trade publication to manufacturers, service companies and individuals, who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The event held at the Royal Automobile Club at Pall Mall, London featured awards presented in car categories such as Design of the year (Citroën C4 Cactus), Fleet Manufacturer of the Year (BMW), and Best New Car (Peugeot 308). But for me, the most exciting award categories were found in the Van Fleet Awards section, which included some, none too surprising winners, as one manufacturer came away with more than a lion’s share of awards again this year. See the results below. Van Fleet World Van Awards: Best New Van – Ford Transit Connect Best Light Van – Fiat Fiorino / Peugeot Bipper / Citroën Nemo Best Small Van – Ford Transit Connect Best Medium Van – Ford Transit Custom Best Lar...

Did you attend the much talked about Commercial Vehicle ( CV ) Show this year? It was an excellent selling opportunity, plus a primary sourcing for the entire UK road freight transport and logistics industry and for operators. It is the foremost meeting place, attracting over 18,000 high quality visitors with serious buying power.   The show attracted some important names in the transport industry, including Shadow Transport Minister, Richard Burden, who took the time to view the array of new products and discussed the issues facing the sector with the Show organisers and exhibitors. Amongst the impressive line-up of other polished vans, the Mercedes-Benz stand stood out with the likes of their successful light commercial van, the Citan and of course the latest Sprinter vans. Plus, let’s not forget to mention the impending arrival of the all-new Vito van heading to forecourts in March 2015. We can’t wait for the unveiling line-up of their ‘ready-to-go-to-work special conversions, ...

This winter’s driving conditions were a challenge to all drivers, especially for businesses. If you run a fleet and are keen to see what the latest crop of 4x4 off-road vehicles can offer up for next winter, you can find out on the off-road circuit at the Fleet Show 2014 . It will take place on 9 th of April at the Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire. It’s a great way for fleet decision makers to test the all-weather capabilities of a range of new off-road vehicles, with popular manufacturers such as Land Rover, Toyota and Kia, showcasing their latest 4x4 offerings for fleet managers to evaluate. This year’s show promises to be a unique event bringing together the whole of the fleet industry in one place, on one day. The event provides fleet decision makers with an opportunity to test drive the latest new cars and vans , alongside electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, meet new fleet suppliers, learn new fleet management techniques and network with peer-group fleet professionals. ...

Another motor themed event not to miss over a bank holiday weekend this year is Simply Ford , which is held on the grounds of the Beaulieu National Motor Museum. The 2014 calendar of *Simply rallies begins on the 4 th May with Ford and don’t forget, admission to the event includes entry to the whole lot of Beaulieu attractions like; the National Motor Museum and two exciting new displays, For Britain & For The Hell Of It and The Motorcycle Story , plus World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and gardens. The Simply Ford annual event that began four years ago is a must for Ford enthusiasts and for those who are mad about all-things-motor too. It will be a an opportunity to show off your early, custom, classic or current model Ford and join in on the display in the parkland. There is expected be nearly 1,000 cars included in this year’s display. The theme for this year is celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang. It’s hard to believe tha...

Another exciting auto exhibit comes to Bournemouth this year. The lovely seaside plus motoring equals a guaranteed good time in my books. You can’t go wrong in planning a family outing to the inaugural Wheels Festival at Britain’s premier seaside town and seafront from Saturday 24 May to Monday 26 May. It’s being billed as the UK’s biggest free family Wheels themed festival. It’s set to combine motion, power and elegance into three days of high energy action. This festival will showcase some serious super cars, classic cars, racing cars, a monster truck show, and loads more. There will be plenty to keep the kids amused while you enjoy the sights and sounds of engines roaring and get up-close and personal to some fantastic racing cars on the cliff top. The Military arena visitors can also see Army and Navy vehicles in spectacular shows and demonstrations, plus there’s a funfair, weekend fireworks, shopping and food throughout the festival. And don’t miss the Classic Vehicle Pageant pla...

Save the dates, 29 April - 01 May 2014. That’s when this year’s industry leading Commercial Vehicle Show is going to take place at the Birmingham NEC. The Commercial Vehicle Show is a primary sourcing and selling opportunity for the entire UK road freight transport and logistics industry and for operators, it is the foremost meeting place, attracting over 18,000 high quality visitors with serious buying power. If you haven’t been to one of these shows or thought perhaps it wasn’t for you, did you know that the CV Show is the largest and most comprehensive road freight transport event staged in Britain. Whether you’re a fleet operator or an owner, this show has something to offer operators of trucks, vans and all types of trailers through to handling equipment, insurers, tyre, telemetry and training providers, fuels and lubricant suppliers – and a whole lot more. As usual, there will be hundreds of exhibitors to fulfil your fleet sourcing needs including truck, van and trailer manufactu...

Have you made plans for the upcoming half term in February yet? If you are looking for something fun for the kids and of course, auto related fun for you, then why not visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu this February Half Term, 15th – 23 rd . The museum’s ‘hands-on’ event is a great way to share your love of motoring and spend a family day out with lots of interactive activities. The event will offer a rare opportunity to handle and learn about historical motoring objects at special ‘drop-in’ sessions running between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily. Take an up-close look at early motoring clothing, photos and unusual motoring items. Over 250 vehicles, including automotive examples that span from the 1930’s through to the 80’s will be on display. Plus, Jack Tucker’s Garage recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930s while ‘Wheels’ - a space-age pod ride - is a fascinating voyage through 100 years of motoring. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show ...

Results have been announced for the 2014 Business Van of the Year Awards run by Business Vans, in association with MAGMA Automotive. The awards judges included heavy hitters and previous winners from across the commercial vehicle trade. Our very own Low Cost Vans Managing Director, Rod Lloyd; who received the Best Small Fleet Van Leasing Award in 2013, was on the latest prestigious judging panel. It was an amazing turn for VW at the inaugural 2014 Business Van Awards, winning in an impressive five out of twelve categories. The van of the year accolade has been given to Volkswagen’s Transporter van at the Van Awards ceremony. It was also voted ‘ Best Large Trades Van’ while the Amarok won for ‘Best Utility Pick-Up’ and ‘Best Double Cab’ awards, Crafter named ‘Best Heavy Van’, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was presented with ‘Best Service Package for van owners’ award. Commenting on the awards success, Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, added: ‘We’re delight...

We’ve made it to the first day of November folks. As we near the end of 2013, I hope your Halloween was eventful and that your Bonfire Night sparkles. But before the next holiday approaches, you know the big one in December, (I can’t bring myself to say it or write about it yet. Bah, Humbug) there are some very exciting motor shows to talk about. The first major North American auto show of the season, the Los Angeles Auto Show, is once again going to make the headlines when it opens its doors on November 20 th , 2013. The show promises to “blow the doors off” with no less than fifty vehicle debuts taking place at this year’s event. For all auto lovers, there will be over 1,000 of the 2013 makes and models of import and domestic cars, as well as alternative fuel/electric vehicles and race cars. Now that sounds like heaven to me. I will make sure to keep an eye out for the newly launched vehicles as they step into the limelight during their glamorous LA coming out party. There’s still ti...

Low Cost Vans was mentioned in the South Wales Evening Post recently. The article features a quote from our managing director, Rod Lloyd. I’ve re posted the article below, written by RICHARD YOULE, just in case you may have missed it.   Students earn praise after a summer of successful input EMPLOYERS have praised talented Swansea students for their valuable input this summer. Several said the Swansea University undergraduates they took on completed useful projects that they simply hadn't had time to do. More than 50 second year students were found placements as part of the university's Spin (Swansea Paid Internship Network) scheme, which was supported by the South Wales Evening Post. Rod Lloyd, director of Low Cost Vans , Neath, said intern Julian Wojtowicz focused on developing social media and budget analysis. "The business has benefited with a highly intelligent and thoughtful student able to complete a project in the time allocated that added true value to ongoing mar...

We'd like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Zoe, our lovely Sales Admin, who turned 21 years old today. Enjoy your birthday plans and Thank You for being such a fantastic member of the Low Cost Vans team!  

I have some exciting news to share with you all.  Not only do we offer a wide range of new vans for lease or contract hire at great prices, but Low Cost Vans are sponsoring European Football - Swansea City vs Malmo tonight. We are proud to announce that our generous football loving Director, Rod Lloyd has sponsored the dugout seating for the Swans in their game against Malmo in the Europa Cup on ITV 4  7.45 pm tonight.  If there is one thing I love as much as talking about vans, its football.  What a treat to be supporting our local team.  If you get a chance to watch the game, let us know what you thought and share your views with us on the blog site or via Twitter.

It’s here; the month of July is upon us. We all know what that means, right? Why it’s only a few weeks until one of the biggest annual motoring events begins. The 20 th Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place on 12 th -14 th July. UK motoring fans are in for a treat with even more cars, motor sports, celebrities, and motor culture this year. The Moving Motor Show, presented by RAC Cars will be available on the day before the main event on the 11 th (the dedicated manufacture preview day) and offers new car buyers and motoring enthusiasts the opportunity to see the very latest models up close, and possibly even test drive some of them for yourself on a dedicated vehicle evaluation route within the grounds of the Goodwood Estate. All of the major vehicle manufacturers will be there showing off their latest line-up of cars, trucks, and vans throughout the main event, but don’t forget about the evaluation drive event taking place during the Moving Motor Show. Each manufacturer attending...

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...

Have you made plans yet for the Bank Holiday weekend that is fast approaching? If you haven't made up your mind and you love all things motor, especially transport and commercial vehicles, then perhaps a weekend at Beaulieu’s newest event, Truckmania would suit you. Truckmania will be held at the grounds of the National Motor Museum. The fantastic family event takes place this Sunday 26 th and Monday 27 th of the May Bank Holiday weekend. A range of eye-catching customised and branded trucks will be on display, including a Lewis Hamilton F1 themed truck from Sean M Taylor Transport, an Ice Truckers’ branded lorry provided by KER Transport and a number of film-branded vehicles from Dalton’s Transport, including The Hangover, Rocky and The Avengers . Saints Transport and Harris Transport will also be in attendance at the event with their own lorry transport. For those that adore nostalgic transport vehicles, there will be plenty attending the event, spanning the motoring generati...

The Shanghai Motor Show, held on odd-numbered years (then held in Beijing on even-numbered years) has begun and as we expected there are some high-profile launches taking place. The show runs from April 20 to 29, 2013. China is the world’s largest car market and as such ultimately does have an impact on the cars we drive here in the UK. MG (you know the one, the British brand with the  iconic octagonal badge) was one of the first to release details of their unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20th, an urban SUV concept car. It will be the world premiere of the cutting-edge MG CS concept, designed to slot into the compact SUV sector. MG CS’ design will still provide the sporty edge most SUV consumers desire, yet also cater to the more fashion trendy urban market. MG says, “A strong horizontal emphasis gives the side profile of the MG CS a distinctive, sporty style and youthful appearance. Creative design, style and charisma dominate the look of this latest MG.” The MG CS will ...