The Ford Transit is popular the world over. We’ve had 40 years of them but our appetite doesn’t seem to diminish. Whilst the van is the same the world over, the advertising of it is not. You’re probably (unless living outside of the UK) familiar with the “backbone of Britain” commercial. But this is somewhat dull in comparison to our foreign counterparts.
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.
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.”
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.
The State of the US Car Giants
The so called “Big 3″ car manufacturers are “losing money at such an alarming rate that at least one may be bankrupt by Christmas” reports the Times today. The credit crunch has taken its toll, and the manufacturers’ inability to steer with the demand for economical cars rather than gas guzzling MPVs and SUVs now means they are begging for their survival.
Dr Who. No, the Tardis isn't a van, but the van is!
It’s Friday again! This means time for a bit more fun in the Vansdirect newsroom. We’ve already brought you famous vans from stage, screen and football - but this got the Top Trump players amongst us asking…. what is the most famous van out there? Which has the housewife (or husband) seen more of than any other? Is there an automatic choice when making a movie or tv show? It doesn’t really matter, but at least you’ll be able to cite the answer when you’re next at the pub.
Vanguard - The Transit & Ford Top The Ratings!
Vansdirect has already asked why we love the transit, but this week, we’ve found another reason. The “backbone of Britain” is appareantly “the most reliable van on the market” according to Fleet News.
Their FN50 reliability survey included more than 100,000 vans operated by British fleets and assessed the reliability of both the manufacturer and model. The table is based on “the number of breakdowns per 100 of each vehicle on the fleet.”
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.
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.
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.
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!
