The autumn will see the launch of the Nissan NV200 panel van across Europe.  Whilst it’s somewhat different to the concept van our sister site, www.vansdirectnews.com, reported on October last year (click here for article), the design is sleek and a new take on the Nissan brand.

Unlike the current Nissan van range, the NV200 is not merely a rebadged Renault.  Indeed, the Nissan NV200 will be exclusive to the Nissan brand.

When launched, the NV200 will go up against the likes of the Citroën Dispatch and Peugeot Expert.  It’s sure to win on aesthetics alone.

Perodua UK intends to build on the success of its micro-panel van, the Piaggio Porter, and launch its arguably iconic sister; the Piaggio Ape.  The unmistakable 3-wheeler is marketed under the terms “quirky,” “unique” and “nimble” – perhaps not the most traditional USPs but certainly appropriate.

The Ape will be available in a number of guises including as a panel van, pickup and tipper.  More strange is Piaggio’s offering of a “Web” and “Cross Country” variations; a flat-bed and roll-bar clad pickup respectively.

Piaggio will use their 218cc petrol and 422cc diesel engines across the range so drivers can expect unrivalled fuel economy and cheap insurance.

It’s coming to the end of the regular football season.  To some this represents a huge void in the normal Saturday routine.  To others it’s a reason to cry for joy in a manner not too dissimilar to the former celebrating their team scoring a dramatic winner.   To Vansdirect.co.uk it marks the end of a proud year of sponsorship – Cardiff City Football Club.

With any luck I’ll soon be blogging about the Bluebird’s promotion to the Premier League.  However, as I type this (during a momentary lapse of “cheap vans” marketing and advertising) I’m actually pondering how any business can hang its boots on such uncertainty; will or won’t we be promoted?

Reports indicate that British car sales for March fell 30.5% compared with last year sparking fresh calls on the UK government to step in and ease the slump. Traditionally, March is the biggest sales month for the automotive industry because of the registration plate change, but this wasn’t realised this year.

According to many commentators, the global car market could take nearly five years to return to pre-recession levels.  Various programmes of revitalisation have been called for including a scrappage programme similar to that of several Euro Zone countries.  Indeed, so successful is the German scheme that it’s been extended until the end of the year.

Compliment or Coincidence

As some of you may know, I’ve recently become involved with the marketing operations of Vansdirect.co.uk.  It’s surprisingly difficult deciding how to advertise “cheap vans” and “great van deals”.  Google analytics is slowly becoming a close friend but I still only understand 20% of it!