Automotive and Van Blog
Bringing you the latest news and reviews on all things connected to van motoring.
Vauxhall Vivaro the Van of Choice for Sky in Northern Ireland
Wednesday March 28 2012
Sky's fleet of Vauxhall Vivaro vans have just been delivered to the television company which will be used by their installation teams to bring SKY TV to the people of Northern Ireland. They were supplied by Belfast Fleet Management and the contract includes the supply of 70 Vauxhall Vivaro vans, customised to certain...continue reading
Mini to Launch Commercial Vehicle this Year
Monday March 12 2012
Unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, Mini is to release a commercial van based on their Mini Clubman. The new commercial vehicle is somewhat predictably entitled the Mini Clubvan. The vehicle is aimed at the small business market which tends to rely on car - vans for their transportation needs. In essence...continue reading
Behaviour Telematic Device Launched by Trakm8
Monday March 12 2012
Trakm8 have recently exhibited a new driver feedback module at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show. The new module is in effect a telematic device which records driving style. The device sits on the dashboard of a van and gives the driver an indication on how a commercial van is being driven in real time using a traffic...continue reading
Ford to Unveil New Ford Transit Concept Range at Motor Show
Thursday March 08 2012
The Ford Transit of the future will by all accounts, feature technology and design which is already present in the car range. Ford is planning to implement its Kinetic Design theories and practices to its commercial vehicles, and is planning to show the intricacies of the design by using a Ford Tourneo Custom Concept...continue reading
Renault Kangoo ZE
Thursday March 08 2012
Legendary around the world yachtswoman Dame Ellen Macarthur who broke records when she sailed around the world has lavished praise on the Renault Kangoo ZE. Ellen Macarthur who heads the Ellen Macarthur Foundation which is an organisation dedicated to a future which achieves environmental sustainability, collected...continue reading
UK Government Reveal Electric Vans Which Qualify for Plug-in Grant
Thursday March 08 2012
The Plug-in grant which allows 20% knocked off the list price of new electric vans has come into affect. Recently, at a glitz and glamour event the Government announced the following vans meet the criteria of the grant and subsequently van operators can receive a substantial discount through purchasing them. They are:...continue reading
Citroen Relay Sees Range Expanded
Wednesday March 07 2012
French commercial van manufacturers, Citroen, are to expand its Citroen Relay commercial vehicle range. The new additions feature a Luton van version of the Citroen Relay, together with two new chassis cab sizes. The Luton version of the Citroen Relay will feature the Euro 5 HDi 150 diesel engine which is currently...continue reading
New Van Tyre Released by Avon Tyres
Tuesday February 14 2012
Tyre manufacturer Avon Tyres has released a new tyre for the commercial van market. The AV11 is designed for durability and long life and the company have stated it is good for high mileage vehicles. It is available in the following sizes: 215/60R16 C, 205/65R16 C, 215/65R16 C and 235/65R16 C. The AV11 also has road...continue reading
Isotrak’s Telematics Installed by OBL Transport
Tuesday February 14 2012
OBL Transport has opted to install telematics vehicle tracking into their large trailer fleet. The telematic devices and system will be installed by Isotrak, a market leader of telematic systems and their installation. Telematics is a hot potato in both commercial vehicle insurance industry and fleet management, as...continue reading
Fatigue Claims its Victims: Tenth of Drivers Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Tuesday February 14 2012
New research is showing long days behind the wheel do take their toll on the driver, with one in ten nodding off while trekking around in their vehicle. The study from a leading breakdown recovery service said that one in ten of drivers surveyed said they had found themselves nodding off when spending a lot of time behind...continue reading
FleetMatics to Demo Product at FM Ireland
Tuesday February 14 2012
FleetMatics is planning to demonstrate its GPS fleet tracking technology at FM Ireland. The company which have produced a tracking solution for businesses which operate large fleets of cars and vans, will be able to see the product in action. The technology has already received positive feedback from users including...continue reading
Fleet Logistics Claim Fleets are Missing out on Cost Savings
Monday February 13 2012
A new report from Fleet Logistics suggests that many fleet managers are overspending due to a lack of knowledge and data about discounts which apply to them from several areas of motoring manufacture. Fleet Logistics has developed a web based reporting software called Fleet Global to help fleet managers which operate...continue reading
FSG Fleet Management Company Sold to U.S Business
Monday January 23 2012
FSG, an independent fleet management company has been sold to a U.S based business. The sale which has gone through on the eve of the company's 25 th anniversary was described by its chairman Geoffrey Bray as an "exciting new era for the company, its staff and its customers. "Both FSG and ARI are privately-owned family...continue reading
Volkswagen Launch Special Edition Caddy
Thursday January 19 2012
Available until April 2012 the special edition of Volkswagen's Volkswagen Caddy entitled the VW Caddy Match, comes with extra features to the standard model. Bluetooth, trip computer, electrically heated and adjustable mirrors, cruise control, electric windows, and body coloured wing mirrors and bumpers together...continue reading
Nissan Electric Van Earns Preview
Thursday January 19 2012
Nissan have announced a new electric van modelled on the Nissan NV200 , entitled the Nissan e-NV200 is at a stage of "near future production" and is currently being previewed at the North American Motor Show in Detroit. The Nissan e-NV200 is thought to be an improved version of the electric Nissan van currently being...continue reading
Government Grants become available for Electric Vans
Thursday January 19 2012
With the introduction of the Renault Kangoo ZE, a commercial van powered by electricity rather than diesel, now could be a good time to look into the possibility of taking at least part of the fleet down the electric route. Not only are fuel savings considerable, the government has introduced a Plug-in Van Grant which...continue reading
Used Van Dealers Wrong Footed
Wednesday January 11 2012
Used van dealers have seen a surprising trend among their sales and many have been left unable to fulfil demand. In what is believed to be an effort to beat paying the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges, used van buyers are buying poor condition but younger vans. Subsequently dealers which stocked ex fleet vehicles...continue reading
Van Registrations Increase in December
Monday January 09 2012
The amount of van registrations in December marked a year on year increase of 7.8%, making 2011 a highly successful year for new van purchases. 2011 has saw an overall 16.7% more new vans sold outright than 2010, making last year one of the most successful, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders...continue reading
Fleet Operators Benefit from Red Tape Cuts
Monday January 09 2012
Fleet operators should see far less administration thanks to the Government's new plans for transport and business. The Department of Transport described existing regulation as "unnecessary, burdensome and overcomplicated regulation". This has led to Prime Minister David Cameron issuing a "Red Tape Challenge" to remove...continue reading
E.ON Turns to Toyota for Help
Monday January 09 2012
Energy supplier E.ON has put a contingency plan in place to help their customers who are unlucky enough to find themselves without hot water or heating during the winter months. Toyota Hilux Double Cabs have been hired by E.ON as part of a three year deal, and have gone into service across the U.K. 12 Toyota Hiluxs...continue reading