Low Cost Vans

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has proudly released a press statement last week regarding their colossal bestowal of not one, but three top honours at the 2014 VansA2Z Vans of the Year Awards. Notably, the new Sprinter van was recognised with the prestigious award for Innovation, as the first model in its category to comply with the new Euro 6 exhaust emission rules. The new Sprinter impressed with its potential life-saving systems such as Crosswind Assist which comes standard as part of Sprinter's Electronic Stability Programme and its other optional safety systems  include; Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention Assist , Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, The Sprinter vans additional distinctions at this year’s awards included both Minibus of the Year and 4x4 Panel Van of the Year 2014. Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented: “ It is a real honour to be recognised for the level of innovation that Mercedes-Benz Vans has worked so hard to achieve...

It’s always a nice surprise, especially as a consumer, to hear a manufacturer say that they will now give you more, not less in these economic times. How gleeful would you feel about getting extra from one of Europe’s most popular van manufacturers, Renault ? Taking into consideration my love of vans, yeah, makes me deliriously happy too. This week, Renault has announced that they are giving its light commercial vehicles ‘Extra’ with the launch of a special edition range, available until 30 June. Here’s all the exciting details Renault have shared in their latest press release: “The new version takes in all three of the brand’s high-selling line-up, Kangoo, Trafic and Master, boosting them with around £1,500 of extra equipment compared to the standard model, including luxuries such as air conditioning, reversing sensors and satellite navigation. Prices for business owners, including this month’s promotion, excluding VAT and on-the-road charges, are £9,395, £11,395 and £15,195 respectiv...

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. ...

This week, we were given a sneak peek at the new third-generation Renault Trafic van range via Renault’s latest press release. The popular van, which was first introduced in 1980 to replace the Estafette, is scheduled to make its grand UK debut at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. So what can we expect to see once it’s officially unveiled? The limited details released so far say that the All-New Trafic can be customised as required due to the diversity of its range which features 270 variants, two different heights, two different lengths,  panel van, crew-van, platform cab and passenger versions. Surprising to note the engine downsize, it will be available with a new Renault-developed 1.6 dCi powerplant, including a twin-turbocharged version that boasts fuel consumption in excess of 47 mpg, although Renault has not yet revealed power outputs. From the photos released, we can see the all-New Trafic comes with a completely new exterior design featuring a large grille on the front-end...

Many motor industry responses have come in regarding the Chancellor’s Budget yesterday, especially surrounding the fuel duty freeze and the pledge of £200million for pothole repair. Not surprising is the mixed feelings in hearing of a freeze for September’s planned 1.6p per litre rise in fuel duty. It means that there will be no rise in fuel duty prior to the 2015 general election. A relief for us motorists, but for some it comes as a resounding disappointment that there are no plans to go a step further and reduce it. James Hookham, FTA Managing Director of Policy and Communications said: “ The Chancellor has kept his promise to freeze fuel duty and industry will be £187 million a year better off for that, but he missed the opportunity to stimulate the economy further by reducing fuel duty and putting around £690 million into the pockets of families and British business. This could have given a further stimulus to the economy and locked in the positive growth already achieved. ” To r...

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...

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles  has proudly announced in a recent press release that 2013 was their best year ever in terms of van sales. In total, last year saw a 21% increase on 2012 with 30,257 vans registered, beating 2007’s previous record. That was definitely an accomplishment to be proud of, as they achieved nearly double the registrations of the whole van market/LCV industry that year (+11.7%).  Mercedes-Benz Vans is the sales and marketing organisation responsible for all Daimler Van products and services in Britain. With a strong commercial vehicle line-up such as; the new Citan, Vito, and the new model and ever popular Sprinter vans, it’s no wonder they are experiencing steady growth in the LCV market. The solid range of vans now on offer from Mercedes-Benz combined with a more customer focused centre and good reviews for the well received 2014 Sprinter should see sales stay on the upward swing this year as well. It seems they really may have “the right van for the job”. ...