Korean Manufacturer Launches iLoad

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.

Ford & Transit Take Top Honours

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.”

VW Crafter with a Different Trim

Which Trim Would You Like Sir?

We tried to avoid the usual cliches when headlining this story, but failed to come up with anything better (as you have just read).  So, here are the cliches:  ”cut above the rest”, “close shave”, “Short Wheel Base and Sides”.  If you can come up with any others, please post them on the comments page.

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.

Volkswagen Present Pick-Up Concept

VW Concept Pickup

Vansdirect sell a lot of pickups!  Year-on-year the demand for these commercial vehicles has grown.  These vans provide the luxury of an executive saloon but the pulling power and load carrying capability of a regular van.  The Nissan Navara, Toyata Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Ford Ranger have dominated the Vansdirect sales league in this class.  VW have not even entered the race…..until now!

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.