Positive Experience - Our Goal!
As most of us know, people are quick to criticise and many write letters of complaint as a hobby. At Vansdirect we listen to the criticism and we address it. However, we also listen to the praise and thank yous we receive. More often than not, a “thank you” is only a fleeting comment. But, Gemma in our Customer Finance Department recently published this email concerning some customer feedback:
Transit All Wheel Drive
Ford unveiled their new 4-wheel drive Transit at the Hanover CV Show this month. Power is distributed to all four wheels when necessary thanks to a torque sensor mounted in the front axle. The new transit will therefore be able to cope with driving conditions usually only dared by the pickups.
There’s no extra ground-clearance, but the 140 bhp 2.4-litre TDCi diesel and six-speed gearbox should be enough to see you through the rough stuff. Of course this does mean that drivers can load and unload the Transit AWD as easily as their current model. Moreover, it doesn’t change the visual appearance and because the new technology only add another 50kg, the load-carrying capacity isn’t affected too substantially.
Ross McCormack - the Championship's highest scorer!!!
The international break wasn’t enough to stop Cardiff’s run of form with the Vansdirect sponsored team putting two past ex-premiership opposition. Ross McCormack scored a brace in a match that lifts the Bluebirds into the Playoff zone, 4th in the Championship table.
McCormack, the Championships top scorer opened the scoring on 18 minutes after Whittingham’s shot could only be parried by Charlton keeper Nicky Weaver. McCormack’s second was a perfectly struck 20-yard free kick following the dismissal of Semedo - who only guest starred for 4 minutes!
Prices Begin to Steady?
Latest auction figures suggest that the value of vans continue to fall; albeit at a slower rate in September at only 0.75%. Across the entire van spectrum, it’s reported that in September, the average value fell by £24 to £3,190 - approximately £750 down compared to early 2008.
On a positive note, the value of new and part-exchange vans actually rose slightly. Duncan Ward, UK Business Development Manager of BCA, said that “there was an upturn in activity in the auction halls and a fragile confidence returned to the marketplace.”
GM - Glum Mood?
General Motors, owners of Chevrolet, Daewoo, Vauxhall and Saab to name a few, have reportedly called “for coordinated federal action to assist the ailing U.S. automobile industry” according to Reuters. This is of course in response to the slump in markets and credit markets. The US car giant insists that bankruptcy is not an option asserting that such action “would not benefit our customers, our dealers or our employees.”
Ford: battered & bruised but still fighting
Reuters have reported that Ford, a company “burdened by debt and hobbled by an economic slowdown and the credit crunch”, is considering selling a significant part of 33.4% stake in Mazda. The announcement caused shares in Mazda to rise 9% on the Japanese stock market.
Commentators suggest that the Japanese car manufacturer is the likely buyer thus giving Mazda greater control but with the safety-net of their Ford relationship.
Which Trim Would You Like Sir?
We tried to avoid the usual cliches when headlining this story, but failed to come up with anything better (as you have just read). So, here are the cliches: ”cut above the rest”, “close shave”, “Short Wheel Base and Sides”. If you can come up with any others, please post them on the comments page.
Vansdirect recently brought you news of Ford’s plan to cut production and jobs in Southampton, and now Vauxhall appear to be following suit. Whilst there is allegedly no immediate threat to the future of GM’s Luton van plant, production will be cut to align supply with the falling demand.
The factory in Luton currently makes Vauxhall’s Vivaro as well as Nissan’s Primastar and Renault’s Trafic vans. Whilst output is still set to beat 90,000 units this year, GM are taking the unusual action of ceasing production for eight days this month to align the supply and demand of UK and other European markets. The same practice may be adopted by GM’s sister plant in Cheshire which manufactures both the Astra and Astravan albeit not to the same degree.
Usually on a Friday, the Vansdirect staff all turn into budding pundits in a bid to predict the Cardiff City result. However, this week is international week - no Championship football - no Bluebirds - no touchline rant from Jones about the quality of the final pass. What are we to do?
Regular visitors to the site will know that we love all things vans. We also love Fridays. So, once again, Vansdirect look to use the word van to its full advantage - but not in a game of scrabble - there may be no Bluebirds game, but we’ll find something other than scrabble.
Is your van insurance valid? Fronting could void your van insurance!
One the UKs biggest insurance companies is this week warning company owners about the danger of “fronting” - the practice of allowing those not connected to the company to drive a company vehicle. Whilst many assume that the person is included under the company insurance policy, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Norwich Union’s Mike Smith said “Fronting, in most instances, will invalidate the company insurance policy, leaving the business to pay for any damage to their vehicle.”
Vansdirect are the UK's leading supplier of new vans and commercial vehicles. With a choice of over fifteen manufacturers you are sure to be able to find the perfect van, pick-up or car to suit you. Vansdirect have over 2000 vans in stock and with every new van Vansdirect offer free delivery across mainland Britain. Vansdirect can also supply a range of accessories for your van and can also offer you fantastic deals on van insurance. In addition, we are able to take your current van in part exchange for your new van!
