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.
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.
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!
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.
The Ford From 1964
A group of us were sat in the Vansdirect office today reminiscing about the “good ol’ days” when vans were vans and when the word “crunch” had more to do with your front bumper than it did your bank balance. Visiting the past can be a dangerous thing - look at the relaunch of New Kids On The Block - but in the case of vans, it’s an excuse to sit back and laugh. Van commercials have changed a lot over the years. But that’s hardly surprising given that the average van is updated and reinvented more often than our Accounts team change their socks!
Don't Text & Drive
The RAC Foundation reported this week that texting impairs your ability to drive a van more than being under the influence of alcohol or drugs! The report, summarised by the BBC and most national papers, discovered that average reaction times reduced by 35% whilst drivers read or wrote texts behind the wheel of a simulator.
Manufacturing Decline At Ford
More doom and gloom for the UK van market. Ford, the US car giant, is reportedly going to reduce the number of vans manufactured at their Southampton plant. The TImes reported that more than a half of production is likely to be shifted to Turkey within the next three years.
In doing so, Ford are likely to reduce the 1100 strong workforce, which currently works on the Ford Transit range of vans. The current model of transit is expected to cease production in Southampton altogether in 2011 with Ford moving the operation to Turkey where the new model of Transit will evolve.
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!
