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.

Strike Action Against Job Cuts

Renault Suffer Strike Action

Renault staff went on strike yesterday in protest against the French manufacturer’s plans to axe approximately 6000 jobs across Europe.

Whilst the cuts won’t take effect until next year, Renault confirmed that 4000 jobs would be axed in France with a further 2000 across their other European sites.

The proposed action is designed to help the struggling manufacturer to make 350m Euros in cost savings in 2009 and 500m Euros in 2010.

Renault and trade unions are in disagreement over the number on strike but the effect will undoubtedly be profound and rock the entire motor trade.

Van Registrations Fall

Transport News Network report this week on data produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.  These statistics apparently show “van and truck registrations down 20.7% in August” but, as also reported by Works Management, registrations are up 1.9% for the rolling year to a staggering 387,645.

The decline in van registrations accounted for much of the slump with van registrations being “down 24.7% for the month and down 0.8% to 329,092 for the rolling year”.