Christmas Drink Costs Lives

THINK!

It’s the festive season and therefore that time of year when THINK! warn all motorists not to drink and drive.  Whilst it may be tempting to drive home from the office Christmas party, remember that last year 460 people died as a result of drink driving.

THINK! are launching their festive campaign with a £1.6m investment.  Road Safety Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick is clear with the intended message - ” If you get behind the wheel after a festive tipple you risk wrecking your own and other people’s lives - don’t do it.”

Average Prices at the Forecourt

Fuel Prices Fall Again

The average price of fuel has fallen again - well at least a recession makes driving a little bit cheaper!

Summary

The cost per litre now stands at:

Diesel: 108.0p
Super Unleaded: 99.7p
Unleaded: 92.7p
Four Star: 97.5p
LPG: 53.5p

Korean Manufacturer Launches iLoad

iLoad

Another i”something”.  Apple really should apologise for the spate of i”somethings”.  Hyundai are the latest to jump on this particular band-wagon which marks their return to the British light commercial vehicle market.  Their iLoad, a medium sized panel van is designed to take on the likes of the Ford Transit and the VW Transporter.

Information about the iLoad is still somewhat sketchy but it’s likely to include Hyundai’s generous warranty scheme which could prove a top selling point.  We can tell you that the Australian version is sold with a 5 year  / 160,000km warranty.

Heads of Big 3 think they can!

Big 3 Present Business Plans to Congress

In a desperate attempt to secure an emergency $31 billion bail out from the US taxpayer, the heads of America’s three biggest car companies have offered to give up their personal incomes.  According to the Times, Alan Mulally (Ford), Rick Wagoner (General Motors) and Robert Nardelli (Chrysler) “have offered to cut their annual pay to $1 (67p) and to sell their company jets.”

Citroen Dominate Awards Ceremony

The Winner is.........

Last night the inaugural Fleet Van Awards was held in Birmingham in recognition of all things van related.  Fleet News reports on the success of Citroen as they clinched “three titles, including the Van of the Year award.”

So, who were the winners on the night?  Which van will you want to buy based on the results?  At Vansdirect we stock over 2000 vans, so whichever one you want, the chances are we’ve got it - and at a cheap price!  So, why not look at the list and call us - or click here for a free call back.

Production of Fiat’s Ducato Passes 2 Million

Fiat Professional

One of Vansdirect’s favourite vans reached an impressive milestone last month.  In the otherwise quiet Sevel, Italy, the 2 millionth Ducato rolled off the Fiat production line with little fanfare.  But “why?” Vansdirect asks.  Why didn’t anyone give praise to this remarkable achievement?

The Ducato offers a cheap but uncompromising alternative to the traditionally popular Ford Transit and the expensive Mercedes Sprinter.  It’s humble beginnings date back to 1981 with its popularity and success growing year-on-year.  Indeed, Vansdirect sells so many Ducatos, we some times have to remind ourselves that it’s not a Ford or Merc!

Mercedes’ ECO-Start

The ECO-Start could save you mon£y!!!

At Vansdirect we like to save you money.  We don’t merely sell cheap vans or more luxury models at great prices.  Oh no, we provide money saving tips as well.  So, when the details of the Mercedes-Benz ECO-Start landed on our desk (and surfaced to the top of the in-tray) we thought we’d shout about it from the roof tops!

The ECO-Start system is available as an optional extra on all Sprinters which are fitted with their fantastic 4-cylinder diesel engines and manual transmission.  Mercedes claims that it provides “an intelligent and low-cost solution to reduce engine idling [...and...] offers a simple, no-compromise solution to improving vehicle running costs and environmental impact.”  Bold claims.

Tesco Compare Now Does Van Insurance

Tesco Compare Van Insurance

We’ve all used it for our home and car insurance but now you can try the checkout for your van insurance!  The service, launched by Tesco this week allows you to compare prices on a like-for-like basis and find the best deal for you.  Of course, this is something Vansdirect has been doing for quite some some anyway!  Why not give the site a go and then call us on 0845 021 0333 or click here for a call back.

Geoff Hoon Announces Investment

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced that an additional £1bn is to be invested in major transport projects next year.  The recent pre-budget report accounts for £700m (one of the many fiscal stimuli suggested).

A further £300m will be made available by the government to target the “bottlenecks” on our motorways and other major roads.  Congestion is the obvious target of the expenditure but safety is also a consideration.

Pump Prices Fall in Wake of Credit Crunch

Prices Fall

Motorists can enjoy cheaper fuel as prices at the pumps continue to spiral downwards.  The fall in demand for oil has sparked a massive price drop on world markets with the knock-on effect creating lower prices on the high-street forecourt.

In recent weeks, the average price per litre of unleaded has fallen to 94.8 pence.  Similarly, a litre of diesel will now only cost you 109.1 pence - petrol was at this price only 3 months ago!

The Summary

The average price per litre is currently: