We are family! I got all my sisters with me!
Bipper, Nemo and Fiorino are not Disney’s take on the ugly sisters but instead Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat’s joint venture van - they’re the same small van but rebadged by each manufacturer. A jury of international journalists congruating at the International Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, have this week named the van - the “International Van of the Year”.
The New Fiesta Panel Van
Following the successful launch of the new Fiesta in the car market, Ford have confirmed at the Hanover Motor Show that the panel van will shortly receive the same treatment. As this picture shows, the van now looks even sleeker but without compromising on load space.
The new model boasts a load length of 1.29m, width of 1.27m (max - 1m between the wheel arches) and a height of 0.93m. The van also boats a bulkhead separting the cab from the load area.
LloydsTSB & Lex - Who will be in the driving seat?
In the wake of the world economic crisis, the £12bn acquisition of HBOS by LloydsTSB is set to create Britain’s largest leasing company. If the deal passes shareholder and regulatory approval, the new venture, the culmination of HBOS’ Lex and LloydsTSB Autolease, will control approximately 280,000-400,000 fleet vehicles - depending on which story you read.
A survey by Northgate suggests that the majority of van fleet managers are leaving themselves exposed to issues surrounding corporate manslaughter and benefit-in-kind tax issues. Whilst the report speaks about fleet managers, any person running a fleet of vans (including small business owners) should take stock of the points raised.
Think Safety - Risk Assess, Risk Assess, Risk Assess
Sat-Nav for your Van!
ProNav has recently launched a Sat-Nav solution specifically targeted to the van driver and HGV driver market. The unit, very much like a Tom-Tom One includes dynamic routing and navigation that takes account of your van’s dimensions!
£20 Penalty For Those Who Idle
The next time you’re driving your van in West Sussex, be sure not to idle for too long. Accoriding to the Times last week, West Sussex County Council will target motorists who unnecessarily leave their engines idling. Those idling in traffic jams, whilst parked and waiting at level crossings could face on-the-spot fines in a bid to combat exhaust emissions.
The pilot scheme is likely to start in January with everyones’ favourite traffic warden dishing out the fines. Penalty’s are not likely to exceed £20, but this could prove another unpopular decision with van drivers and other motorists.
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.
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.
It's Time to Fill Up!
Most of the major fuel stations in Britain cut prices today in response to the fall in oil prices. Van drivers can now expect to pay an average of 107.7p per litre of unleaded and 119.2p for diesel. However, those of you with a good memory, or those who read the Times today, will note that this time last year, we only paid 95.22p per litre of petrol!
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!
