October Experiences 3.3% Fall in Average Values

Expect Further Decline

The current economic doom and gloom continues to strike at the heart of the used van market with values falling by a further 3.3% - the greatest decline since June.

Fleetnews reports on the British Car Auction’s (BCA) recent findings and highlight that “the average value for all vans sold by BCA fell to £3,083 in October, down by £107 or 3.3%”.  The downward trend is most marked in the value of fleet / lease and part-exchange vehicles.  In fact, Fleetnews suggest that nearly-new values have “rallied slightly” in the face of the credit crunch.

Van Prices Continue to Fall

Prices Begin to Steady?

Latest auction figures suggest that the value of vans continue to fall; albeit at a slower rate in September at only 0.75%.  Across the entire van spectrum, it’s reported that in September, the average value fell by £24 to £3,190 - approximately £750 down compared to early 2008.

On a positive note, the value of new and part-exchange vans actually rose slightly.  Duncan Ward, UK Business Development Manager of BCA, said that “there was an upturn in activity in the auction halls and a fragile confidence returned to the marketplace.”

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.

Vansdirect At a Loose End

Usually on a Friday, the Vansdirect staff all turn into budding pundits in a bid to predict the Cardiff City result.  However, this week is international week - no Championship football - no Bluebirds - no touchline rant from Jones about the quality of the final pass.  What are we to do?

Regular visitors to the site will know that we love all things vans.  We also love Fridays.  So, once again, Vansdirect look to use the word van to its full advantage - but not in a game of scrabble - there may be no Bluebirds game, but we’ll find something other than scrabble.

Vansdirect Can Tackle Your Credit Crunch

Need a new Transit but worried about finance - call Vansdirect today

Worried about your existing finance and the falling value of your van but need a new one?  

At Vansdirect we know that your van is your business, that’s why our business is your van.  

We can beat your credit crunch and put you behind the wheel of a new van.  

Just call 0845 021 0333

or visit www.vansdirect.co.uk

Vans Drive Down Memory Lane

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!

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.

Famous Vans

Get me in a famous van fool...... The A-Team GMC Van

It’s another Friday in the Vansdirect office, and whilst we’re open 7 days a week, we still share in every van driver’s love of that Friday feeling! Last week Vansdirect brought you a crash course in languages all about the van.  This week, we thought we’d explore the world of famous vans.

Vans - The Four Wheel Type

Fleet Managers Should Take Stock

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.

                                             Corporate Manslaughter

Think Safety - Risk Assess, Risk Assess, Risk Assess

According to Northgate, only 51% of the fleet managers spoken to reported having undertaken risk assessments with regard to their van drivers’ activities.  What’s more frightening is that 7% were unaware of the requirement!  Given these figures, Vansdirect would have to question how aware the average small business owner is?

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.