Home Video Shames Renault Kangoo

Firstly, please remember that Vansdirect is a model workplace.  Not in the airfix sense and, perhaps not in the Management Handbook sense, but it is…. ok, it’s a typical workplace.  The staff at Vansdirect work hard and play hard but not even we have enough time on our hands to be this creative with a van.

If you’re not of a delicate disposition nor a lover of the great rhino, this van video is a must.  The Renault Kangoo is perhaps more robust than you ever imagined - although I don’t think this video is genuine testament to an actual unique selling point.  See the rest of this post to see the video….

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.

Motor Industry must reinvent the wheel

The Wheel - such an old design???

Whilst no one anticipated the global economic crisis and the devastating impact this would have, I find myself asking; Why are we so surprised by the woes of the car makers of the world?

General Motors is on the brink of collapse.  They’ve let Saab file for bankruptcy protection and Opel are looking for new owners / investors.  But why are we surprised?  Saab hasn’t returned a profit in over a decade of GM ownership!  GM’s American factories are weighed down by the political burden of the unions and thus their operating costs are high.  Moreover, these same factories work to archaic practices or, at best, are half way to imitating their Japanese counterparts.

Commercial Sense

I make no apologies for my blog utilising the wonderful library that is the You Tube.  After all, how else would I bring you some of the best van adverts ever made?  I can hardly be expected to contact Ford, Renault, Volkswagen etc etc directly can I?  Ok, perhaps You Tube is a lazy-man’s tool, but it works!

Anyway…… This week Vansdirect landed some great deals on the Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter and the VW Crafter.  I’m not going to discuss their qualities or why you should buy one on this site.  If you want those kind of details visit www.vansdirect.co.uk.  However, I am going to show you a Volkswagen commercial that transcends time and language - the van barely features, but the message is clear.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the most famous of them all?

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.

Vauxhall Cut Production

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.

September - Registrations Down 22.1%

Registrations Fall In September

Vansdirect recently reported on the SMMT’s assessment of falling car registrations during September 2008. Today, the same organisation published its assessment of the commercial vehicle market.  

In short, registrations are down 19.2% for September but down a massive 22.1% in the case of vans only.  These figures are hardly surprising, but given the apparent unwilling nature of the government to commit to any substantive rescue plans or to speculate on potential solutions, the figures do not make pleasant reading for the manufacturer or van retailer.

Renault Has Kangoo Attitude

What ever you want, it Kangoo!

What Van? has confirmed the introduction of the Renault’s new Kangoo to the roads of Britain. Despite making its debut last October (2007) at the European Road Transport Show, the new Kangoo will only go on sale in the UK next month!

The new Kangoo will be available with a choice of two wheelbases.  The SWB option, labelled as the “Compact,” will compete against the Citroen Nemo, Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Bipper - Vansdirect think that many will find the label more appealing that the somewhat Disney names of its rivals.  In comparison, the larger model will go up against fierce competition from the Ford Transit Connect, Fiat Doblo Cargo, Citroen Berlingo, Vauxhall Combo and VW Caddy to name a few!

Vansdirect Deliver Minibuses To Local School

Renault Master Minibus

Vansdirect.co.uk has again helped the mobility of the local community by supplying Ysgol Hen Felin School with two mini-buses.  The delivery marked the end of a 5 year fund raising campaign supported and equalled by HSBC. 

The school, which supports 5-19 year olds with a range of mobility and learning difficulties, will also enjoy the hospitality of both Vansdirect.co.uk and Cardiff City at a forthcoming match.  The pupils will enjoy a game and meet some of the Championship’s stars.  

Vansdirect Crash Course In Languages

Poo Eine Vansdirect?!

It’s safe to say that most of us are ignorant of other languages.  We know they exist and we try to speak them when desperate for the toilet or looking for the train station, but few of us embrace them.  Well, at Vansdirect, we dare to be different.  We’re not all about cheap vans and the best van deals this side of the English Channel.  Oh no, Vansdirect is a company keen to learn.