Automotive and Van Blog
Bringing you the latest news and reviews on all things connected to van motoring.
Renault to release electric Kangoo next year
Friday September 17 2010
An electric version of the Renault Kangoo, a van available for contract hire, is to be released next year, the manufacturer has confirmed. The Renault Kangoo Van ZE forms part of the French firm's zero-emission strategy, which will see three other electric vehicles produced over the next few years - the Fluence ZE plus...continue reading
Nissan promises new van models
Thursday September 16 2010
A range of new models from Nissan could soon be available for van leasing. The manufacturer has announced that its light commercial vehicle (LCV) division is to undertake an "aggressive new product plan" with the aim of becoming a major player in the market. As part of this it will release three new van models globally...continue reading
Motorists fear dangerous roads after speed camera switch-off
Wednesday September 15 2010
Van leasing drivers could find that roads are more dangerous following the deactivation of speed cameras if motorists' fears are realised. Some local authorities in the UK have been forced to switch off their cameras due to a lack of government funding for road safety. Currently three per cent of all fixed speed detection...continue reading
Automated manual gearboxes could be future of van leasing
Wednesday September 15 2010
Van leasing customers may increasingly seek vehicles with an automated manual gearbox, it has been suggested. According to Fleet News, manufacturers are focussing on transmission technology, which allows users to change gear without the need for a clutch, as a way to cut Co2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency. One...continue reading
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL road tested
Tuesday September 14 2010
Earlier this year, Mercedes announced the development of an electric version of their Vito van, which could in the future be an available choice for van leasing. Called the Vito E-CELL, the new vehicle has been road tested by What Van? magazine, with positive consequences. The news provider reports that the van is...continue reading
Ford: Cost holding back uptake of electric vans
Tuesday September 14 2010
Van contract hire of traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles is unlikely to be replaced by the purchase of electric vans, it has been suggested. That is according to Ford's commercial vehicle director Steve Clary, who believes the twin barriers of cost of ownership and lack of recharging infrastructure are holding...continue reading
Renault Kangoo van given rave review
Monday September 13 2010
The Renault Kangoo van, which is available for van leasing, has been given a strong review by the Telegraph. Reviewer Andrew English praised the van for its performance, ride and efficiency, overall awarding it four stars out of five. He also likes the looks of the van, saying: "The Kangoo has the sort of cute, frog-eye...continue reading
Details on new Caddy and Caddy Maxi revealed
Monday September 13 2010
Two new VW vans could soon be available for van contract hire with the manufacturer releasing new versions of the Caddy and Caddy Maxi later this year. VW has released details of the new vehicles, promising "fresh styling and a range of new engines as well as upgraded materials and a new choice of comfort". The range...continue reading
Citroen sees surge in van sales
Friday September 10 2010
New figures suggest that Citroen models such as the Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay may be becoming increasingly popular van leasing options. The manufacturer has reported that it has seen light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales increase by 66.09 per cent in August, gaining it a 9.95 per cent share in the market. Citroen...continue reading
Ford Transit remains best-selling van
Thursday September 09 2010
The Ford Transit, one of the manufacturer's vehicles available for van contract hire, has retained its title as the UK's most popular commercial vehicle. New figures from Ford reveal that the Transit was the clear leader in overall commercial vehicles sales in August with a total of 1,817 registrations during the month...continue reading
Royal Mail trials zero carbon Ford Transits
Thursday September 09 2010
Modified versions of the Ford Transit, a popular vehicle for van leasing, are undergoing trials with the Royal Mail. The vehicles have been converted to be zero carbon by using hydrogen, the Guardian reports. The Royal Mail has been using them for deliveries on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides as part of an...continue reading
AA claims public against scrapping speed cameras
Wednesday September 08 2010
Van contract hire drivers may be divided in their opinion on speed cameras but the AA has claimed that in general, the public support their use. The motoring organisation says that most people accept that the devices help save lives, and that this is more important than the risk of being caught speeding. It follows...continue reading
AA claims public against scrapping speed cameras
Wednesday September 08 2010
Van contract hire drivers may be divided in their opinion on speed cameras but the AA has claimed that in general, the public support their use. The motoring organisation says that most people accept that the devices help save lives, and that this is more important than the risk of being caught speeding. It follows...continue reading
FTA calls for Severn Bridge toll freeze
Wednesday September 08 2010
Van leasing customers could benefit from new calls to freeze toll price increases on the Severn Bridge. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has written to the Welsh Affairs Committee arguing that "unchecked" successive price increases on the crossing are damaging UK businesses. Ian Gallagher, the FTA's policy manager...continue reading
FTA calls for Severn Bridge toll freeze
Wednesday September 08 2010
Van leasing customers could benefit from new calls to freeze toll price increases on the Severn Bridge. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has written to the Welsh Affairs Committee arguing that "unchecked" successive price increases on the crossing are damaging UK businesses. Ian Gallagher, the FTA's policy manager...continue reading
Van demand on the rise
Tuesday September 07 2010
Van insurance holders have been warned that many garages in the UK could be delivering a sub-standard service. That is according to a new investigation by consumer watchdog Which?. It brought vehicles, all with the same four deliberately engineered fualts, to several garages around the country. Only eight of the...continue reading
Over 5 million drivers on roads with poor eyesight
Monday September 06 2010
Van leasing drivers have been warned that over five million motorists on UK roads could be suffering from poor eyesight but do not wear glasses. A new survey from LV car insurance has found that 4.2 million drivers admit that their vision is "not perfect" but continue to drive without seeking a prescription for glasses...continue reading
Toll roads not the way to cut congestion, says report
Monday September 06 2010
Van contract hire drivers will be pleased to hear that a new report has slammed the use of toll roads as a method of cutting congestion. The Campaign for Better Transport has argued that toll roads fail to significantly reduce congestion while proving costly for motorists. Its conclusions were arrived at after studying...continue reading
Van leasing drivers could face extra taxes from EU
Thursday September 02 2010
Van leasing drivers and other motorists could face a plethora of extra taxes as part of the EU's attempts to fight climate change. A new report has recommended to the EU that "ambitious and aggressive policy measures" are needed to curb carbon emissions from vehicles. The report, from consultancy AEA, suggests the...continue reading
Safety workshops for professional drivers launched
Wednesday September 01 2010
A series of workshops focusing on fleet safety could benefit van leasing customers who drive professionally. The workshops will be run by road safety charity Brake with sponsorship from business insurance specialists QBE. They will be targeted at fleet and road safety professionals and cover topics, such as eliminating...continue reading