Automotive and Van Blog
Bringing you the latest news and reviews on all things connected to van motoring.
VW to Boost Volkswagen Crafter Sales through Conversions
Tuesday April 10 2012
In an effort to increase the sales of the Volkswagen Crafter, VW are looking for a conversion service to help the brand increase its sales in the heavy van market. Currently the Volkswagen Crafter commands 5% of the heavy van segment which when compared to the VW Transporter and the VW Caddy underperforms. Both commercial...continue reading
Stark Warnings from SMMT for Commercial Van Bodybuilders
Tuesday April 10 2012
New legislation from the European Union (EU) could create headaches and even result in van conversion firms going out of business, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) who believe without bodybuilders making preparation the new European Whole Vehicle type Approval rules could spell disaster...continue reading
Auctions Lose Out to Online Sales in the Used Van Market
Tuesday April 10 2012
Traditionally, van operators that dabbled in the used van market used van auctions to find an appropriate vehicle. According to leading van auction house Manheim the auction hall has recently taken a hit from online sales. Director of Commercial Vehicles for Manheim Remarketing said: "It is clear that there has been...continue reading
Transport for London Urges Out of Hours Deliveries during Olympics
Wednesday April 04 2012
Businesses in and around the Olympics together with Transport for London (TfL) has announced they will be sympathetic to out of hours deliveries. This announcement may well make life easier for van drivers who face huge crowds, delays, and other disruptions while the games are on. Peter Hendry, London's Transport Commissioner...continue reading
Despite Recent Hammerings Future is Bright for Electric Vans Claim SMMT
Monday April 02 2012
Electric vehicles have taken a hammering of late, with reports showing they are less economical than their diesel counterparts and will be for some time. To make matters worse, Azure Dynamics, which made the Ford Transit Connect Electric recently collapsed, which when combined did question the future of electric vehicles...continue reading
Paragon Software Systems Provide Route Planning Software to Liberty Wines
Monday April 02 2012
Paragon Software Systems is about to boost the efficiency of Liberty Wines through providing the company with an advanced, Olympic - ready street mapping and route planning solution. Incorporated in the package is a street mapping capability which includes an Olympic schedule. The new solution will integrate with Liberty...continue reading
Ford Transit Connect Electric Constructor Azure Dynamic Closes Euro Plants
Thursday March 29 2012
The firm that constructs the Ford Transit Connect Electric for Ford in Europe has closed its European operation, and has filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada, where the firms' head offices are based. Gary Whittam, sales and marketing director of Azure's operations in Europe no longer has a role as the company...continue reading
China Plans Pickup Invasion
Thursday March 29 2012
Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, Great Wall, are planning to launch a new pickup to the UK market in April. The Great Wall Steed pickup truck is also to be displayed at the Commercial Vehicle Motor Show in April too. Prices for the Great Wall Steed pickup start at £13,999. Though this price does not...continue reading
Hitachi Capital’s CV Business Expands
Wednesday March 28 2012
The good news for van operators in the commercial vehicle leasing and contract hire industry is that companies like Hitachi Capital have managed to grow their business in the midst of economic uncertainty. Hitachi disposed of 2300 vans which were used on a daily rental basis when it bought Newton Vehicle Rentals in...continue reading
TNT Express Add Iveco Dailys to Fleet
Monday March 26 2012
Iveco Dailys are going to be added to the TNT Express fleet. They will be performing pick - up and delivery operations. TNT is adding 10 Iveco Dailys featuring the 50C15 chassis cabs. The Iveco Dailys are being supplied by Guest Trucks. The vehicles were commissioned on a trial basis by TNT who is looking for a suitable...continue reading
Fleetmatics Install GPS Tracking Solution for Alltrade Aerial & Satellite
Monday March 26 2012
Installer of satellite and solar products, Alltrade Aerial & Satellite has commissioned Fleetmatics to install a GPS tracking solution for its van fleet. Richard Poole of Alltrade said: "Our aim to improve customer service was being hampered by the poor visibility we had on the location of our vehicles. "Some deliveries...continue reading
Employee Development Award won by Automotive Resources International
Monday March 26 2012
The parent company of Fleet Support Group (FSG) has won an award for developing employees to reach their full potential. Automotive Resources International (ARI) received the Dale Carnegie Training Leadership Award for its quality assurance programme, Partners in Excellence, which recognises employees as a valuable asset...continue reading
Fleets Plagued by Accidents and Injury Claims
Monday March 26 2012
At the beginning of the year Ford launched an accident management programme, after being hit by spiralling costs where accidents and injuries are concerned. The problem has become so widespread and common, that Ford has been lobbying the insurance industry, claims management companies, legal firms, and MPs with their...continue reading
Banks and the Vehicle Leasing
Friday March 23 2012
Following the banking crisis of 2008 and the corresponding currency crisis in several EU member states, the lines of credit for many vehicle leasing companies are becoming strained. However, a spokesperson for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association believes the days of banks looking for an exit strategy...continue reading
Bridgestone Issues Tyre Advice
Friday March 23 2012
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone have offered advice to owner van drivers and fleet managers, claiming their low resistance tyres can save business around 5% on fuel costs. Andy Mathias of the company said: "A reduction in rolling resistance of 20% can reduce fuel expenditure by 5% per annum. "Keeping the correct air...continue reading
Van Benefit Charge Frozen for a Year
Friday March 23 2012
The chancellor's budget for 2012 included the announcement that Van Benefit Charge (VBC) will be frozen at £3000 for the year 2012/2013. This allows commercial vehicle operators with a payload of 1000 kilograms to be taxed on £3000 as opposed to the list price of the van. This equates to people on the highest...continue reading
Price Range Revealed for Isuzu D-max
Friday March 23 2012
The Geneva motor show in Switzerland is always a good place to catch the trends of commercial vehicles, and this year proved no exception. Isuzu unveiled its replacement for the Isuzu Rodeo the Isuzu D-max shown with a specification applying to continental Europe. As previously reported, the Isuzu D-max will be available...continue reading
No Fuel Price Cut from Chancellor
Friday March 23 2012
Fuel prices in the UK are a major source of headaches and cost for owner van drivers and fleet mangers alike, given the massive inflation busting jumps in the cost of fuel over recent years. Many industry players in the van operating arena have called for cuts in fuel duty citing reasons of fairness, and economic growth...continue reading
Used Van Sales Increase and Warnings Follow
Tuesday March 20 2012
With the surge in demand of used vans there has been a flurry of warnings in relation to buying a used van which in some cases can only be described as a humdinger. The used van market has increased due to several factors and subsequently the value of used vans has risen. It is easy for buyers to be scammed when buying...continue reading
Price Wake up Call for Electric Vans
Tuesday March 20 2012
Despite electric vans making waves and winning plaudits and the technology being supported by the UK Government with the introduction of the Plug-in grant, a new report from the Department of Transport (DfT) may stop the electric van party in its tracks. The report which has examined the differences between owning an...continue reading