Vans and Trucks Blog

Van driver in a hurry to park, showing how it should be done!

2010-11-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Check this parking manoeuvre from a van dribver a little to eager (and good) to get his space before anybody else steals it!

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Van drivers 'suffer from an outdated public image' | Vans and Trucks News

2010-11-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Van drivers in the UK are labouring under a number of unfair and outdated stereotypes, according to a new survey.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has commissioned research that aimed to challenge the traditional perception of the "white van man" being overweight or uneducated.

It was found that more than 65 per cent of those polled take regular exercise and more than 80 per cent keep pace with the current news agenda, while more than a third of commercial vehicle operators are now women.

Moreover, it was suggested that opinions of commercial vehicle drivers are starting to change, with 53 per cent of the public stating that van operators are burdened with unfair stereotypes dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

David George, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: "Our research looked to challenge some of the more outdated perceptions of modern van drivers and it certainly has."

Volkswagen was recently voted manufacturer of the year at the GreenFleet Awards 2010 and the Fleet Van Awards 2010 at ceremonies held earlier this month.

Article from choice quote

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Lorry wedged to a bridge after a spectacular crash.

2010-10-29T02:04:00.000-07:00

Lorry driver survives spectacular crash on motorway in China when he hits a bridge

A truck driver had a very lucky escape when the container he was pulling rose up and hit a bridge catapulting the cab into the bridge. The accident happened on a motorway near Changchun city, Jilin Province, China

Picture: CHINA FOTO PRESS / BARCROFT

Article from the telegraph

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VW extends contract hire and leasing offers on vans

2010-04-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance has extended its contract hire and leasing offers been extended until the end of September, meaning the new Caddy van will be available from £189 a month, a new Transporter from £239 a month, or a new Crafter from £349 a month.

The finance offers also include the passenger carrying vehicles from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, such as the Transporter Shuttle with eight or nine seats, available from £299 a month, or the new Caravelle with seven seats, available from £349 a month. Alternatively, there are a selection of personal contract plan offers available for other models aimed at private buyers, such as the Caddy Maxi Life and California campervan.

Simon Elliott, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “We still offer traditional hire purchase and lease purchase finance, but more and more customers prefer the convenience and affordability of contract hire and finance lease as it helps to improve their cash flow, manage their budgets and instead of having to sell the vehicle at the end of the term they can simply hand it back and start a new agreement for a new vehicle.”

Any vehicle purchased is eligible for free insurance for seven days and nights from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Insurance, while Volkswagen Van Centres can also offer fixed-cost maintenance packages to suit individual requirements. All figures quoted are plus VAT.

Article from Contract Hire and Leasing

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Renault-Nissan agree partnership with Daimler

2010-04-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Renault and Nissan are set to announce on Wednesday that they have agreed a tie-up with German car maker Daimler.

A press conference in Brussels has been called for 8.45am UK time, which will be hosted by Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler, and Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Although all parties declined to comment on the reasons for the press conference, it is understood that the car makers will announce they are going to co-operate on developing technologies for small cars, next-generation models and commercial vehicles.

Renault-Nissan will also take a stake of about 3pc in Daimler, the owner of Mercedes-Benz, with the German company taking an equal stake in the French and Japanese car makers.

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly being attracted to partnerships as they seek to share research and development costs in the face of a difficult outlook for the industry. Car sales are expected to fall across Europe this year following the end of scrappage incentives, including by about 10pc in the UK, with the longer-term future for the industry facing concerns that there is an overcapacity in production.

The French government holds a 15pc stake in Renault and Christian Estrosi, industry minister, said he was "backing the partnership to enable a greater alliance".

Renault and Nissan established their partnership in 1999, reporting combined sales of 6.1m vehicles in 2009, equivalent to 10pc of the global market. Renault has a 44pc stake in its Japanese peer while Nissan owns 15pc of the French car maker. Daimler controlled US car-maker Chrysler from 1998 until 2007, when it sold it to Cerberus Capital Management.

Article form the telegraph

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Iveco sponsors MotoGP motorbike racing championship

2010-04-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Iveco has agreed a two-year deal with Dorna Sports, which runs the MotoGP motorbike racing championship, to be its official commercial vehicle supplier.

Under the deal, the truck manufacturer will supply 15 Stralis tractor units, as well as four EcoDaily vans to support the international race series.

Iveco is already the official sponsor of one of the MotoGP teams, Fiat Yamaha.

The Iveco vehicles will be responsible for transporting materials, equipment and personnel throughout the racing calendar, which runs from April, and journeys through 14 countries.

In recognition of the company's efforts, the Australian round of the championship is to be called the Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2010.

Iveco's involvement with MotoGP is part of its broader sports-based sponsorship initiative, which has linked Iveco to some of the most famous sporting teams in the world, including New Zealand's All Blacks and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team.

Article from transport engineer

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'Tata Ace' Tops Sale Of Commercial Vehicles

2010-04-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Tata Ace has become India’s first 1 lakh brand in goods commercial vehicles.

The Tata Ace was launched in May 2005 as India’s first mini-truck with a sub-one tonne payload. Starting with sales of about 30,000 units in 2005-06, its footprint more than doubled in 2006-07 to over 70,000 and further grew to over 89,000 units in 2007-08. Even in 2008-09, a year impacted by the downturn in the commercial vehicles industry, the Tata Ace clocked sales of over 81,000 units.

With brand extensions, the Tata Ace portfolio now comprises the Ace, the Ace HT, the Ace Ex (with stop-start technology) and the Super Ace (I tonne).

In June 2007, Tata Motors had launched the Tata Magic, developed on the Ace platform, as a comfortable and safe four-wheeler for public transportation. The Tata Magic too is recording strong adoption in semi-urban and rural areas, and in 2009-10 its sales have touched close to 49,000 units, a growth of 71% over the previous year.

Taken together, sales of the Tata Ace and Tata Magic have crossed 150,000 units in 2009-10.

Article from one india

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Daimler Launches a 16-Passenger Sprinter Van

2010-04-12T00:59:00.000-07:00

Daimler Vans, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz USA, is offering a 16-passenger Sprinter Van specially designed for hotel service, paratransit and similar applications.

The Sprinter is now offered in 2500 and 3500 models. The full-sized, heavy duty vehicles are assembled at Daimler Vans USA’s plant in Ladson, S.C. Daimler further plans to expand its Sprinter lineup with the introduction of the 16-passenger van. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson confirmed that four different interior configurations will be offered on this new vehicle. Among them, one will have a wheelchair lift that can accommodate eight passengers.

The van is offered in four 15- and 16-passenger seating capacity, plus the driver. The traditional sliding door has been replaced by an electrically operated split passenger door. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V-6 engine which produces 188 horsepower and 325 pounds feet of torque.

The Sprinter van has been sold by selected Freightliner dealers since 2001. Some selected Mercedes-Benz dealers have been selling cargo, chassis cab and passenger van Sprinter models since January 1. The vehicle can be ordered directly from a Mercedes-Benz dealership or Freightliner dealership. The vehicle is expected this summer. No pricing has been announced yet.

Article from nitrobahn

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New Van Storage for Ford Transit Connect

2010-04-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

WEATHER GUARD is introducing new van storage solutions for the Ford Transit Connect van. The new storage solutions are designed and crafted to fit the Transit Connect, a very successful commercial vehicle in Europe that is now available in the U.S. market.

The van storage solutions can be adapted to almost any business that needs van storage.

WEATHER GUARD equipment offers the most options for specific trades and professions such as general contracting, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, telecom, parcel delivery, the locksmith trade and many more.

Special features of the storage solutions include a custom bulkhead, space-maximizing design, and a wide-range of shelving and accessory options. The custom bulkhead provides excellent protection against shifting loads, minimizes rattling and optimizes space.

For greater visibility, a wire mesh bulkhead is available along with wire mesh window screens. Shelving units fit tightly to the Transit Connect's walls, freeing up floor space while 12 inch and 14 inch shelf widths provide storage flexibility.

Source:Utility Automation/Electric Light & Power

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A-Team Van For Sale!

2010-04-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

THE A-TEAM VAN IS FOR SALE! £30,000

Why not buy between 5 mates - share the chauffeuring and the profits - the hire money can cover all storage, insurance and running costs.

Visit http://www.theateamvan.com/ for more info!

Original GMC van
Seats six plus your driver
Gurgling 5.7L Chevy 350 V8
Brand new, picture perfect paint job
Mud Flare bodykit and Nor Cal wing
Perfect Vector wheels and Cooper Cobra tyres
Custom A-Team colours themed interior
Four swivel captains chairs, fully restored
Massive sound system with 2 DVD TVs
A-Team theme tune on repeat!
Every A-Team episode on DVD

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Change at the top for Northgate van hire

2010-04-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

The chief executive of Northgate is to step down after 23 years at the van hire company in a departure which has been delayed since last summer.

Steve Smith has left the nation's leading light commercial vehicle rental company with immediate effect. He has spent the last ten years as chief executive.

The company said Mr Smith had been due to leave last year but agreed to stay on until this summer to oversee the aftermath of the financial reconstruction of the company. In the event, with the arrival of corporate troubleshooter Bob Mackenzie as chairman, it was agreed Mr Smith would not return after the Easter weekend.

Under Mr Smith, Northgate became synonomous with White Van Man, the ubiquitous driver of delivery vehicles around the country, many of them on hire from Northgate. The fleet went from 2,500 vehicles to 120,000 over Mr Smith's two decades.

But the company's reliance on the building trade and small shops saw it crash heavily during the recession. Last year, it posted losses of £195 million and was forced into a £108 million rights issue as it grappled with an £890 million debt mountain.

Mr Mackenzie's last major role was sorting out the financial disaster at Sea Containers, whose best-known UK interests were the GNER rail company. He paid tribute to Mr Smith's two decades at Northgate, adding: "Steve has now agreed to bring forward his planned departure date in the light of the progress that has since been made by the group."

Paul Tallentire, the deputy chief executive, will manage the day to day operations of the group and lead what the company called "a fundamental reorganisation" of its UK business.

Northgate said its net debt is currently standing at £650 million and it remains cautious about the trading environment.

Article from Times Online

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Production of Ford's Transit panel vans in the UK is to be extended into 2012.

2010-03-31T02:03:00.000-07:00

The firm axed half of its 1,100 workforce at the UK's only assembly plant in Southampton last year.
Ford had said production of the panel vans, which is being moved to Turkey, would cease at the factory in 2011 to be replaced by Transit chassis cabs.

The manufacturer, which makes about 35,000 vans a year at the site, said the move should not affect jobs.
The site will produce similar numbers of chassis cabs, which allows users to adapt the body of the vehicle for specific use.

The final vans will roll off the production line once the next generation of Transit vans are ready to be manufactured in Turkey.

'Last outpost'
A Ford spokesman said: "The plan remains the same at Southampton but we are unsure when the next generation of Transit will come in which pushes production of the current panel vans beyond 2011 at the site.

"Ford has outlined a multi-million pound investment plan for Southampton as lead plant for the chassis cab variants of the next model.

"The UK remains an important market for Transit."

Steve Banner, from What Van? magazine, said it would be a sad day when the final panel van rolls off the production line in the UK.

He said: "The Transit plant in Southampton is the last outpost of vehicle assembly in the UK for Ford.
"The Transit will continue in chassis cab form, but of course it won't be a van."

More than 500 workers at the factory in Swaythling took voluntary redundancy or retirement last May.
The plant has also been reduced to a single shift.

The manufacturer blamed "unprecedented" economic conditions.

Article from the BBC

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General Motors urgent recall on 2010 van models

2010-03-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

General Motors issued a recall and stop-sale on heavy-duty van models such as the 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans due to a problem with the alternator that could potentially lead to a fire. With a panicky vibe, GM advises owners to stop driving the vehicles immediately, adding that vehicles should be parked away from buildings and vehicles, and owners should disconnect both battery cables. Vehicles should not be used until GM has come up with a fix for the problem.

Many of the recalled vans are owned by company fleets. The U.S. recall includes all 2500, 3500, and 4500 series models built in February and March of this year only. Light duty vans are excluded from the recall because they use a different alternator. Some of the affected vehicles are utilised for retail operations and as rentals. With the stop-sale order, the vans cannot be sold or leased.

It is unknown if any units are affected in the UAE or other GCC countries.

Article from drive arabia

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Vantastic - VW’s Transporter 60 years on.

2010-03-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

IT’S hard to believe that the humble VW Kombi/Microbus is 60 years old and was born out of a concept developed by workers at the VW factory building the Beetle.
Now called the Transporter/Caravelle/Multivan, VW’s one-box utility vehicle can handle a multitude of uses (except sporty driving).

The range spans everything from working dual-cab Transporter utes and one-box vans in a variety of configurations through to Caravelle people movers and high specification Multivan passenger vans.
The Australian range includes all-wheel-drive 4motion models and a long wheelbase nine-seater minibus.
All models can tow up to two tonnes (750kg unbraked) and all provide a high level of safety including multiple airbags and stability control.

This is essentially the mid-model revamp of the T5 series Transporter ushering in new engines and transmissions including a seven-speed direct shift gearbox automated manual standard on Multivan and optional on other models.
All are powered by a new generation, efficiency improved, four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 75kW, 103kW or 132kW outputs. Common rail direct injection has been used across the board.
The lower output engines have a single variable geometry turbo while the high output model has a twin turbo system boosting power with torque that maxes out at 400Nm.

All three versions of the engine deliver maximum torque (pulling power) at lower engine revs than the earlier T5s for gains in off-the-line performance and load lugging.

Hill start is standard across the range as are brake and transmission upgrades. All 132kW variants have dual piston calipers at the front.

The manual is a six-speed with closely spaced ratios and slick change action. A gear change indicator is provided to optimise efficiency.

VW has adopted more passenger car technology inside and in the way the new T5 drives.
Despite being a relatively high riding vehicle capable of swallowing two pallets in van configuration, the T5 feels agile and responsive with a super tight turning circle and simple ergonomically designed controls. There are plenty of practical features too.

It is available with a raft of options including side cornering lights, lane change assist and blind spot warning.
A rear view camera is optional but some models score rain sensing wipers, auto headlights and coming home lights.

When designing the new T5 VW took into account the fact that many owners spend upwards of 10 hours a day in the vehicle.

They made sure new T5 provides a comfortable and safe working environment.
Fuel economy is better than ever with the 2.0-litre 75kW van capable of returning as low as 7.5 litres/100km. All come in under the 10 mark. This is the first time the latest generation seven-speed direct shift gearbox has been used across a VW group product and can cope comfortably with high power and torque engines and loads.

The body is new from the B pillar forward and features a “corporate” nose similar to the new Golf. Behind the B pillar, the new T5 is pretty much the same as before.
The van load areas are from 5.8-9.3 cubic metres and barn doors or a tailgate are available at the rear.
Noise minimisation efforts yield a cabin with passenger car levels of refinement except in the case of an empty van.

Payload is up to 1.3 tonnes.

We were able to test drive all three engines and though the 132kW model is powerful and offers sporty performance, the 103kW and even the 75kW are fine for normal use.
We’d probably opt for the 103kW.

It sits on the road well, is comfortable and easy to drive. The tight turning circle and slick gear change are particularly pleasing.

It looks good, is practical and feels unbreakable.

Article from the mosman daily

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Could this be the ugliest van ever built?

2010-03-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

What you are looking here is the Brazilian-built Transtina – Brazil’s answer to the Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan. I’d like to pretend that it was the product of an official joint venture between Ford and Volkswagen, but I think it’s more likely to be the result of someone with a sense of humour drinking one too many Caiprinhas.

Article from road transport

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Chrysler leaders excited about new Dodge Ram truck campaign

2010-03-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Chrysler Group LLC’s is launching the first comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign for the new Ram Truck brand.

In the past, Chrysler’s trucks have always been sold under the Dodge brand.

The Dodge name is not going away, Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ram Brand.

“It’s still going to be there on the trucks,” he said. If our loyal customers want to refer to their truck as a Dodge that’s fine.”

Diaz, however, said from now Chrysler’s truck advertising and marketing will emphasize the Ram name only. One of every eight vehicles sold in the U.S. is a truck, he said.

"The Ram Truck brand customer has been clearly identified and this campaign marks the beginning of how we will begin to build a deeper relationship with that consumer," Diaz said.

"We know truck customers; we understand their passion and what drives and motivates them. We plan to connect with them on an emotional and rational level," he said.

Olivier Francois, the president of Chrysler brand, who is in overall charge of marketing and advertising for the Chrysler Group, said a key reason for selling trucks under the Ram name was to create more space for the Dodge brand and its line of cars, minivans and crossover vehicles.

The success of the Ram is in the truck market, he said.

Francois also he believes the new television campaign focuses on the American spirit and delivers a realistic view of how Ram Heavy Duty pickups are used.

“We know who drives the truck and we have built our advertising to talk with them one on one,” said Francois, who was brought in from Fiat last year to assemble a new marketing strategy for the Chrysler Group.

Marissa Hunter, Ram marketing director, also said the new campaign also will emphasize events that draw a large number of truck buyers.

The new marketing and advertising campaign for the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty was filmed in variety of locations. It highlights “the nobility of work,” Francois said.

Hunter also said the Ram brand's all-new web site, RamTrucks.com, engages consumers in the full brand experience — whether it's building and pricing a vehicle or finding merchandising and accessories to meet their lifestyle.

Diaz also offered an assessment of Chrysler’s sales so far this month saying they were solidly ahead of the pace during February. But overall sales could still wind up 10 percent below the total number of units sold in March, 2008, when Chrysler pushed up incentives to an unsustainable level to clear out inventory.

Article from The Oakland Press

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GM 'close' to deal to keep Luton plant open

2010-03-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

General Motors is close to reaching a joint-venture agreement that will keep its van plant at Luton open beyond 2013, the company's European boss has revealed.

Luton is operated through a partnership between GM Europe and Renault until 2013, but its future beyond that has looked bleak since GM crashed into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US last year and began a major restructuring of its European operations.

However, in an interview on Monday, Nick Reilly, chief executive of GM Europe, said he was "pretty near the end" of discussions with Renault about extending their deal.

He added: "We both understand what requirements we have, we think we have got a compromise that both parties can accept and, so I think the time frame for that is within the next month or two at most."
Mr Reilly also disclosed that the UK Government only provided loan guarantees of €300m (£270m) to safeguard the future of GM-owned Vauxhall, which employs 5,000 people in the UK, after asking the American parent company to commit an extra €400m to the business.

GM was initially to seeking to raise €3.3bn from is own funds and European governments to finance the restructuring of GM Europe. However, GM announced earlier this month that it would add €415m to this and treble its own commitment from €600m to €1.9bn.

Mr Reilly has now revealed that this increase was made after specific requests from the UK Government, whose negotiations were led by Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary. Mr Reilly added: "When they looked at the plan, they said: 'We think this is a good plan and relatively conservative, but if we do have a real double-dip recession and we go back into much weaker economic conditions, then you may need some more money than you are asking for'. And so they asked us for an additional €400m, guaranteed by GM."

The Government also asked for other terms, which Mr Reilly would not disclose, and reassurances about the future of Vauxhall's plants. Ellesmere Port is "an important part of the company going forward" and in line for a third shift, according to Mr Reilly, but Luton, which employs 1,500 staff, has faced serious doubts about its future because sales of vans slumped in the recession and it was not clear whether Renault wanted to extend the venture. More than 350 jobs will go at the plant in GM's European restructuring.

Article from the Telegraph

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Tata Motors offers early conversion to note holders

2010-03-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Tata Motors Group recorded a global growth of 59 per cent in its vehicle sales last month.

The latest figures released by the company showed that Tata sold 89,768 units in February 2010, representing a growth of 59 per cent over the corresponding period of last year.

The Tata group comprises Tata, Tata Daewoo and Hispano Carrocera range of commercial vehicles, Tata passenger vehicles along with distributed brands in India, including Jaguar and Land Rover.

A statement made available to our correspondent by Tata in Nigeria gave the cumulative sales figure for the fiscal year (April 2009 - February 2010) as 771,238, higher by 17 per cent over statistics for 2008-09. Tata motors operate in Nigeria through its subsidiary TATA Africa Services Nigeria Limited.

It specifically, ”Sales of all commercial vehicles were 42,660 units in February 2010, a growth of 70 per cent while cumulative sales for the fiscal stood at 365,120 units representing a growth of 35 per cent.”

”Sales of all passenger vehicles were 47,108 units in February 2010, a growth of 50 per cent as cumulative sales for the fiscal were 406,118 units, a growth of four per cent.”

It also said that 29,911 units of the Tata passenger vehicles, including those distributed were sold last month, representing a growth of 45 per cent. It put the cumulative sales for the fiscal as 235,674 units, a growth of 24 per cent.

The firm also said that another 17,197 vehicles sold in February were Jaguar and Land Rover. This represents 60 per cent increase over last year‘s. While Jaguar sales for the month were 3,292 units, higher by 55 per cent, Land Rover sales were 13,905, higher by 62 per cent.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors has been declared as the commercial vehicle maker of the year in the Commercial Vehicles Awards 2010. The award is facilitated by CV magazine.

The award was given to Tata Motors for its steadfastness in a challenging environment in 2009 and introducing a whole number of products, which are ”going to change the face of the Indian industry and bring it at par with the global commercial vehicles industry”.

This was disclosed through another statement by Tata Motors, which it said also received two other awards.

The commercial vehicle award was said to cut across all types of commercial vehicles - goods carriers or buses, large or small and four-wheelers or three-wheelers.

”This is the first time that awards dedicated to commercial vehicles have been instituted. The award ceremony was attended by the leadership of companies from across the country,” the firm said.

Article from The Punch

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Commercial sector will dominate electric vehicle market

2010-03-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

It may be the latest electric sports cars and sedans that dominate the headlines, but over the next five years it is the humble delivery van that is likely to determine the success of the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
That is the conclusion of new research from analyst firm Frost & Sullivan to be released later this week, which predicts that electric buses, vans and trucks will account for 70 per cent of the electric vehicle market in the EU and North America by 2015.

"On an optimistic note, Frost & Sullivan analysis shows that close to four per cent of the total commercial vehicle sold by 2015 will be electric," said Vishnu Muralidharan, senior research analyst at Frost & Sullivan's Automotive Practice. "Vans and light trucks offer the maximum electrification potential in both US and Europe."

The company said depot-based delivery vehicles were likely to prove a particularly fertile market for electric vehicle manufacturers as they tend to operate on a limited range and undertake predictable journeys.
It also predicted that while most electric commercial vehicles available today are light weight vans, expected improvements in battery technologies mean that medium and even large sized trucks are likely to be available on the market in the next few years.

The sector has also been further bolstered by generous government incentives, such as the British government's recent pledge to provide tax breaks for electric vans.

Article from Business Green

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Council bans ice cream vans from stopping outside schools

2010-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

A council has banned ice cream vans from stopping outside schools in a bid to improve the diet of children.
Traders have been warned that if they park up outside schools in defiance their vans will be impounded.

The vans are also not allowed to stop in town centres because they "cause congestion."

Hillingdon Council in west London said they were forced to act because there is "a need to encourage healthier eating habits in children."

But the new regulations were criticised as petty by ice cream sellers - who said headteachers used to welcome them with open arms.

Pete Bhogal, aged 45 years, who has worked as an ice cream man for the last 26 years said the new rules were pointless.

"Ice cream is a dessert, it's not unhealthy. An ice lolly is only unhealthy if you have three or four in one go," he said.

"I go around to schools in the afternoon, the headteachers even invite me there.

"I have seen traders who have had their vans confiscated in Westminster for not observing the rules there. It costs £30-40,000 for a van. It is not right but then you have to observe the law.

"Rules and regulations make our work more challenging and the recession has made it harder too, as people are more cautious with their money, but if the sun shines, I'll be out there. It is a British tradition and they can't ban that."

Traders in Uxbridge, Ruislip and Hayes, west London, will be forced to sell ice creams only in residential streets.

The new healthy eating regulations apply to secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, under five centres and nurseries.

Kathy Sparks, deputy head of environment and consumer protection at Hillingdon Borough Council, said the new rules were necessary to encourage healthy eating.

"Hillingdon Council is not banning ice cream vans but is tightening rules on where they can stop and trade in light of ongoing complaints and concerns from residents and health organisations," she said.

"Ice cream vans now need a licence to trade within the borough and a number of conditions of this licence will be in place.

"These include not trading outside schools where there is a local and national need to encourage healthier eating habits in children.

"The restrictions will also include town centres in a bid to ease congestion problems and respond to noise complaints that have been received."

A council spokeswoman said: "Hillingdon Council is tightening the rules on where ice cream vans can stop, not banning them. It's in an effort to ease congestion and noise complaints, as well as encourage healthier eating habits."

Article from The Telegraph

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AMG Gets New Boss, Former Head Moved To Van Division

2010-03-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Volker Mornhinweg is officially stepping down from his top role at AMG in Affalterbach, Germany to become the new chief of Mercedes-Benz’s commercial van division. Mornhinweg will replace Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, who was appointed as a member of the board of management of Daimler back in February.
Instead of working on cars like the SLS AMG or the new 5.5-liter range of twin-turbocharged V-8 engines, Mornhinweg will be responsible for overseeing production of models like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Viano vans.

Filling Mornhinweg’s shoes will be Swedish exec Ola Kaellenius, who is leaving his position of plant manager at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa. Kaellenius previously was head of Mercedes-Benz’s High Performance Engines division based out of Brixworth, UK and also worked for a short time at McLaren, so he definitely knows a thing or two about high performance sports cars.

A successor to Ola Kaellenius will be decided on and announced in the near future.

Article from Motor Authority

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Renault's masterplan for new vans

2010-03-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

RENAULT has been the undisputed leader of western Europe's commercial vehicle market for the past 12 years, and a market share of 14.81 per cent in 2009 put the company in a good position to resist the downturn in the van markaet

To try and maintain its dominance, the French company is launching three new models – the New Master, Trafic Phase 3 and a new Kangoo Van Maxi.

The flagship of Renault's commercial vehicle range is the latest Master which had undergone a complete makeover and goes on sale in the UK on May 7.

Outwardly the Master has a sleeker, modern style and it has an entirely redesigned interior with added comfort features for drivers and new storage capacity.

The new Master's front-end styling features a broad grille and large, headlamps. The large wheel arches and blunt bonnet give it a purposeful look.

Article from motors merseyside

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Movano's a mover for Vauxhall

2010-03-18T09:59:00.000-07:00


AN ambitious drive to boost its commercial vehicle strength has been launched by Vauxhall with the arrival of a new Movano van. The company aims to double its annual sale of the popular Movano as the vehicle enters its second incarnation. The new Movano features trademark Vauxhall elements like a horizontal chrome bar - housing the largest Griffin badge on any vehicle in the company’s history - and the signature crease on the front hood. Special attention has been paid to the interior design, resulting in a cab that is 5.7 centimetres longer than that of the outgoing model and boasts durable materials and surfaces, plus multi-adjustable seats and a height-adjustable steering column. Movano also provides one of the widest ranges of body variants on the commercial vehicle market, offering a model for every potential customer. Article from motors merseyside Looking to buy a Commercial Vehicle? Visit VansandTrucks.co.uk

Truck Repairs Advice

2010-03-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

When you’re putting a truck through its paces from one day to another, it’s not surprising that after a short time it can begin to look a little worse for wear. If buying a new truck is not an option, you will need to focus on carrying out regular repairs to ensure the vehicle stays safe and looks good when you’re out on the road. Read some of our advice guide below to learn more about truck repairs.

Truck Repairs: Tricks of the Trade

When you’re using a truck daily, it’s sometimes easy to become complacent about the state of the vehicle. If business is brisk, making regular checks on a van or truck can seem a waste of valuable time and resources. Sometimes it’s not until you stop and assess the state of........Read More

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Happy 60th Birthday To The World's Most Popular Van

2010-03-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March 1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling models globally, the number one imported van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the world.
With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of Van’ advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the UK in January.

The first T1 ‘split-screen’ model was powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison, the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre, common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.
Although the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles of a generous loadspace and an enviable reputation for quality and durability.

Similarly, comparing the latest Volkswagen California with a T1 campervan shows that both make efficient use of the space available to create a vehicle equally suitable for daily trips to work or the shops, as for weekend escapes or continental capers.

Over the years, Volkswagen Transporters have endured challenging round the world trips by enthusiastic travellers, been used as the preferred choice of travel for rock bands since the 1960s to the present day, and been relied upon by many businesses needing a fleet of delivery or passenger carrying vehicles.
The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest version of the van as well as today’s people-carrying and campervan versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55 years later.

British commercial vehicle hire users 'safer than foreign counterparts'

2010-03-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has expressed its support of a new report, which states that British commercial vehicle hire users are safer on the roads than those from abroad.

Particularly pleasing to the RHA is the acknowledgement of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, which completed the report, that foreign lorry and truck operators contribute little to the British economy and present significant difficulties in terms of policing.

Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the RHA, says: "Until May 2009 foreign operators had a free ride. No penalties were imposed, in practice, unless someone was actually killed. Today’s report highlights that … there is still work to be done."

Mr Dunning adds that the RHA is also pleased the report highlights the higher rate of tax paid by UK-based commercial vehicle hire users.

One of the biggest threats to safety on Britain's roads is tiredness, according to a recent report by Fleet News

Article from Hitachi Capital

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GM says Sierra Denali HD outpowers Ford Super Duty

2010-03-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

As promised, General Motors is raising the stakes in its big-truck he-man macho showdown with Ford's Super Duty.

GMC, GM's serious-truck division, just announced the new 2011 Sierra Denali HD will offer a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine with a stunning 397 horsepower and 765 foot-pounds of torque. That's seven more horsepower and about 30 more foot-pounds of torque than the Super Duty, according to PickupTrucks.com. While that's not a lot of difference in the real world, the bragging rights will clearly go to GMC and its ad campaign.

The new Denali can tow up to 20,000 pounds -- 10 tons. The bed payload is rated at more than three tons.

"The new Sierra Denali HD is the latest expression of GMC's Denali philosophy of blending capability with premium features and styling," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director.

The new giant diesel engine will get 11% greater highway fuel economy, up to 63% lower emissions and is capable of burning bio-diesel fuel, GMC says. With a larger fuel tank, it can go 680 miles between fill-ups.

Article from USA Today

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Wraps Taken Off All-electric Commercial Pickup/Delivery Van

2010-03-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

Over the past year, Enova and Freightliner have been testing a 120 kilowatt all-electric drive system with several chassis platforms, but now they are ready to accelerate plans to serve corporate fleets.

The Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) truck just made its official debut at the 2010 National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show.

The vehicle, which is geared for the commercial pickup and delivery market, is built on the FCCC MT-45 WIV chassis platform.

Bob Harbin, FCCC president, said that the company’s vision was “clearly focused on transitioning the all-electric chassis into the mainstream of … walk-in van production programs.”

In a test on delivery and service routes, a study shows that customers could save up to $15,000 per vehicle a year compared with traditionally powered walk-in vans.

The vans use Enova’s 120kW all-electric drive system technology and are rated to haul 14,000 to 19,500 pounds. Powered by Tesla Motors lithium ion batteries, the chassis is 100 percent electric, including its HVAC system.

The van has a 100-mile driving range per charge. It takes six to eight hours to recharge, FCCC says.

The vehicle should enter full production in the first quarter of 2011, after which it will undergo testing with some “major” U.S.

Article from environmental leader

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Navistar Planning New Line Of Lighter Trucks

2010-03-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

Navistar International Corp. (NAV) plans to offer a new line of commercial trucks aimed at penetrating the lighter-weight end of the medium-duty truck market.

Navistar said the new line is part of broader strategy to emphasize smaller, lighter vehicles across all its truck and bus lines in North America. Chairman and Chief Executive Dan Ustian said truck users are increasingly looking for smaller trucks with more fuel-efficient engines.

"Weight, weight, weight. That's all our customers talk about," Ustian said Wednesday during a conference call with Wall Street analysts. "They need something less [for] lighter, regional, shorter runs. It used to be highway [speeds] of 70 and 80 miles an hour. Not anymore."

Ustian said growing traffic congestion in the U.S. is reducing the need for trucks built primarily for high-speed, long-haul trips.

Other truck builders also apparently are eyeing lower weight classes. Volvo Trucks North America is evaluating options for medium-duty models in its Mack truck lineup, according to a report Tuesday by AutomotiveWorld.com. Mack and Volvo currently offer only heavy-duty trucks in North America.

Navistar's new TerraStar line will feature trucks with a gross weights from 14,001 pounds to 19,500 pounds. Such trucks are larger than pickup trucks and are typically used as tow trucks, utility service repair vehicles, ambulances and general construction trucks.

Navistar expects to begin selling two-wheel drive versions of the trucks by early fall; four-wheel drive models will be added in 2011. The company hasn't identified where the trucks will be built.

Navistar is hoping to move into the anticipated vacuum in the medium-duty market created by General Motors Corp.'s plans to close its commercial truck business. But Ford Motor Co. (F) remains a force in the market, along with Japan's Mitsubishi Fuso trucks and other foreign-based truck builders.

"It's a good move for Navistar," said Dennis Huibregtse, an analyst in Michigan with truck market forecaster Power Systems Research. "It'll be keenly competitive though because Ford is a mass producer. The question is can Navistar get its price down initially to where it can compete with Ford and the others."

Navistar maintains its trucks will be able to compete because the TerraStar models will draw heavily from components and designs already in use on other Navistar trucks, including the company's 6.4-liter and 7-liter diesel engines.

"It's a great way to leverage the assets that we have and get our costs right, so we can make some money on this sector," Ustian said.

Navistar also intends to introduce a smaller school bus and a small commercial bus typically used for airport shuttle service. Navistar, which dominates the full-size school bus market and holds a leading share in heavyweight side of the medium-duty truck market in the U.S., said many of the biggest users of lighter commercial trucks are already Navistar customers for larger trucks.

Navistar on Wednesday reported sharply lower sales and income for its fiscal first quarter. Navistar's stock closed down 5.29%, or $2.34, at $41.91 a share.

Article from WSJ

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Nissan takes aim at Detroit with new commercial vans

2010-03-11T01:22:00.000-08:00

Another longtime profit bastion for domestic automakers is about to see a serious run from a foreign automaker. Nissan just unveiled its first production commercial vehicle for the U.S., which will go on sale later this year.

The van comes with a tall roof or a short one. Either way, it could spell trouble for Ford E Series.

CAPTION

By Nissan

It will be called the Nissan NV -- for "Nissan Van." And the thing is about as sexy as its name -- a plain-Jane, framed truck that only plumbers will love. It comes in high-top and low-top versions.

For a generation, Ford has dominated the commercial van market with its E Series, formerly called the Econoline. General Motors has its Chevrolet Express van. Now Nissan is serious about getting in on the action.

"As the first non-domestic nameplate to design, manufacture and sell (commercial vans) in the United States, we bring a more than seven-decade tradition of durability, quality and reliability to our products," said Joe Castelli, vice president for commercial vehicles for Nissan North America

He goes on to say:

"We've taken a fresh look at every aspect of the ... business – including styling, powertrain, interiors, cost of operation and ownership, dealership sales and service operations and, most importantly, real world customer needs."

The new vans will comes with 4-liter V-6 and 5.6-liter V-8 engines and in two body styles, standard roof like the E Series or high roof, like Daimler's Sprinter van. The high roof offers the ability to walk in without banging your head.

"It's been too many years since any manufacturer in this segment has taken a 'clean sheet' look at the needs of owners and operators in the (van) segment," said Castelli.

Article from USA Today

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Toyota expanding recall of rusty Tundra pickups

2010-03-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Toyota is going to expand its recall of the 2000 to 2003 Tundra pickup to include the entire country -- not just 20 cold-weather states.

Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified by Toyota in the coming weeks. In the original recall, corrosion could lead to spare tires falling from the vehicle's underside, as well as excessive corrosion affecting brake lines and fuel tank straps.

The original recall covered 110,000 Tundras. Not sure how many more the expanded recall will pick up.

Article from USA Today

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Commercial vehicle hire users 'set for significant savings on fuel'

2010-03-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

Plans to make commercial vehicle hire fleets greener will save firms £300m in fuel costs over five years, transport minister Paul Clark has said.

The proposed changes, which include retraining fleet drivers to drive in a more fuel-efficient way, should also help save more than three million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the same period.

If the plan is adopted, those driving commercial vehicle hire trucks and lorries will have to take eco training before being awarded the European Union's Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.

Mr Clark stated: "With initiatives like this I am confident we will succeed in creating a greener and cleaner industry fit to meet the environmental challenges we face."

He added that with 20% of road emissions coming from commercial vehicles, fleet operators can play a key role in reducing the impact motoring has on the environment.

The Road Hauliers Association last week labelled the planned 2.5p rise in diesel prices set to come into effect on April 1st as "a joke".

Article from vehicle solutions

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M6 toll rise 'is the last thing commercial vehicle hire users need'

2010-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

The decision to increase the cost of using the M6 toll road by 6.4% is bad news for commercial vehicle hire contract owners, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

At almost double the rate of inflation, the price hike will put HGV fleet drivers off using the road, the organisation believes.

Stephen Kelly, the FTA's head of policy for the West Midlands, asks: "It is, frankly, hard to swallow the argument that this extra revenue will be ploughed into major improvements – what is the point of investing in a road which nobody can afford to use?"

The result of avoiding the costly toll road is to use the original M6 route - notorious for heavy traffic and long delays.

This will create problems for commercial vehicle hire contract owners trying to operate a HGV fleet in the area, the association believes.

London First - a business membership group in the capital - recently announced proposals to make the Blackwall Tunnel a toll route, which may be costly for commercial vehicle hire users.

Article from Vehicle Solutions

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New Mercedes Electric Van

2010-02-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz showed a meeting of European ministers of economic affairs a prototype electric Vito earlier this week. The informal EU Competitiveness Council meeting in San Sebastian was told the experimental vehicle with its Lithium-ion battery and load capacity of 900 kg would enter limited production this year.

During 2010, more than 100 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will be delivered to 20 customers, primarily fleet operators and public institutions wishing to transport items in environmentally sensitive zones with zero emissions, including no CO2 emissions, and low noise. Deployment scenarios therefore typically involve short distances and making many stops in urban areas. Production of a further 2000 vehicles is planned in the next phase.

The drive configuration is designed solely to run on battery power and thus dispenses with the powertrain intended for combustion engines.

A battery featuring powerful lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, the Vito’s range averages 130 km but can be considerably higher given an appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW. Performance is oriented around customer requirements: an electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h is designed to meet our customers’ transportation needs in and around urban areas.

When it comes to safety features, every aspect is covered. All Vito vehicles come with ESP as standard which incorporates ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags also corresponds with the current Vito specification. Vehicles are subjected to the usual crash tests with regard to passive safety. There is no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito as a load capacity in excess of 900 kg is possible.

Assembly of the electric-powered Vito is being integrated directly into standard production. The Mercedes-Benz plant at Vitoria in the Basque region of Spain is already preparing for the challenges associated with manufacturing an additional variant. Logistics, staff training and production technology are receiving financial support from the regional government.

In Germany too the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) is providing subsidies to support the efforts of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the areas of research and development, testing and customer deployment.

Article from Gizmag

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30 GMC trucks on way to aid Haiti relief

2010-02-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

"Immediate needs in Haiti include basic supplies and reliable transportation," GM Foundation Chairman John T. Montford said in a statement. "We believe the donation of 30 GMC trucks can have an immediate and beneficial impact on relief efforts in Haiti."

The General Motors Foundation announced Wednesday that it is donating 30 GMC Sierra pickups and other supplies to the Haitian earthquake relief effort to help address the need for trucks to transport supplies in the country.

Two of the trucks arrived Wednesday at a special event being held by the NFL in Miami as part of efforts to raise money for Haiti.

The pickups will arrive in Haiti later this month, GM said in a statement.

The William J. Clinton Foundation is providing transit of vehicles to Haiti. The trucks will be loaded with supplies, such as tarps and tents, donated by Florida GMC dealers.

The foundation has already donated $100,000 in cash to the American Red Cross for Haitian relief efforts and raised $250,000 last month by auctioning off a limited-edition Corvette at the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

"Everyone in America has been affected in some way by this tragedy," Susan Docherty, GM vice president of sales and member of the GM Foundation, said in a statement.

Article from Freep

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Van Sign Writing Guide

2010-02-04T01:12:00.000-08:00

Van Sign Writing Guide

Van Sign
Displaying the right signage on your van or truck is a difficult dilemma for any van driver – you need to market your product to as wide an audience as possible and make a lasting impression as you pass other road users. For many van drivers, it’s the sign writing on the van itself that acts as the main form of marketing, so displaying the right message is crucial for a business to flourish.

Van Sign Writing: Top Tips

The perfect signage needs to have the right combination of eye-catching design and clarity of message. It’s all very well having a sign with designs suited to the Turner Prize, but if the product you offer is not instantly recognisable, business will suffer. Similarly, if the signage on your van or truck is uninspiring and drab, it’s .... READ MORE

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Pimped-up Range Rover destined for footballers!

2010-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Article from the Mirror

This upscale Range Rover has been customised by the car's luxury refitters Overfinch, together with shotgun-makers Holland & Holland.

The 4x4 is crammed full of high-end kit, including a drinks cabinet featuring bottles of posh booze. Owners can even have the steering wheel spokes engraved to match their guns.

This luxury costs £139,650. Only 100 will be made and most will no doubt be bought by footballers who've never set foot on a country estate.

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The New Vauxhall Movano Van.

2010-01-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

Vauxhall has released more details of its new Movano van, which goes on sale in May with a claimed 29 different body styles, which include includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.

Under the bonnet a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines is said to combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm.
All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.

Read more about this at theultimatevanblog

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Crazy Van Stunt!

2010-01-22T02:41:00.000-08:00

Crazy stunt in van!

Great stunt but please do not try it in your van down the street as it will probably go horribly wrong.

Lets leave it to this nutter entertain us.

November rally for Light Commercial Vehicles values

2010-01-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

November recorded the highest average LCV values for two years as buyers competed strongly in the auction halls and online. Average van prices increased to £3,902 from the £3,858 recorded in October, and even outpaced the January 2008 high point of £3,868.

The rise of £44 - equivalent to a 1.2% increase - may be modest but will be welcomed by vendors as there were indications that values may have already peaked earlier this year. However, another strong month in the auction halls at BCA saw values climb yet again.

Model mix was broadly the same, although reduced numbers of higher value nearly-new vans were sold in November, which makes the increased average value seem relatively even stronger. Volumes were slightly down on last month.

BCA's Duncan Ward commented "Year-on-year values are now ahead by an astounding £1,089 - the biggest year-on-year margin on record and reflecting both the strong performance in November 2009 and just how weak the LCV sector was in November 2008."

Despite the average price increase, performance against CAP continued to fall and settled at 98.36%, with a further 3 points lost against last months average. CAP performance has fallen by over six points in the last two months alone.

Fleet & lease van values were the main beneficiary of the increase as prices increased by £146 to £4,344 (up 3.5%) - the highest average value on record. Average age and mileage remain little changed over the past 24 months at around 41 months and 62,000 miles, although both price and CAP performance have been on a rollercoaster ride.

Ward commented "End users have remained very active in the marketplace and delivery firms expanding capacity in advance of Christmas have no doubt buoyed the average price. Year-on-year, fleet & lease van values in November 2009 are £1,256 - a staggering 40.6% - ahead of the same period last year."

Article from Van News

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Ford scoops seven prizes at What Van? awards

2009-12-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

Article from choicequote

Ford has been declared the overall winner of the annual What Van? awards for 2010 after walking away with seven of the prizes on offer.

The US manufacturer won five different awards for commercial vehicles from its Transit range, including best security for the standard Transit and Transit Connect.

Meanwhile, the Ford Fiesta Van was named the best small van of the year, with What Car? praising the commercial vehicle for its responsive driving, user-friendly gearchange system and enjoyable handling.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director for Ford of Britain, described the level of appreciation it received at the awards as a "magnificent endorsement".

He said: "This success is a testament to the investment we continue to make in developing the workhorse vehicles that British businesses need."

Last month, the Transit Connect also won the light van of the year prize at the Association of Car Fleet Operators' Fleet Car and Vans Awards.

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Tour around the 2011 Toyota Sienna

2009-12-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

Article from Examiner

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A preview into the 2011 Toyota Sienna

2009-12-04T00:47:00.000-08:00

Article from Examiner

The third generation Sienna is an evolutionary vehicle that picks up on the strengths of the previous product and refines the overall look of the van. You can immediately tell that the van is a newer model, yet there are no outlandish styling features that would send relatively conservative minivan buyers running for the hills.

The front of the van has a Venza inspired grille and does slightly resemble the F3R Concept with a more pronounced chin. There is a nice shoulder line running down the side of the van that gives the Sienna some visual interest. When viewing the van from the rear, you will notice LED taillights, amber turn signal and hidden rear wiper tucked under the rear spoiler.

Climbing into the van, the instrument panel has been revised. The graining on the materials is quite nice, but if you touch them you will find that former soft touch surfaces, such as the top of the dash, now feature harder plastics. On the higher end models, the faux wood now has a much more realistic look to them, a la the Venza. In the top center of the dash there is an information display. For vans equipped with a DVD player, discs are loaded in the front of the dash in a slot loader (like the Honda Odyssey) as opposed to the current setup where you have to sit in the middle row in order to load the DVD.

Looking to buy a Toyota van or any other Commercial Vehicle? Visit VansandTrucks.co.uk

Green Commercial Vehicle Program

2009-11-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

Article from MTO

The province is helping Ontario businesses do their part to fight climate change with an enhanced program to 'green' commercial fleets. Under the four-year, $15-million Green Commercial Vehicle Program, companies can apply for grants to:

Purchase hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles; and,
Retrofit heavy-duty vehicles with anti-idling technologies.

Up to one-third of the cost of the capital cost of eligible environmentally friendly technologies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel consumption could be reimbursed. Fuel savings data collected by the program will help encourage more businesses to go green. Applications for the program were available November 28, 2008. The program is retroactive to August 2007, the launch date of the Go Green Action Plan.

Toyota Recalls Nearly 4-Million Vehicles After 4 People Die from "Out of Control Car"

2009-11-26T02:40:00.000-08:00

Article from ABC Local

Toyota announced it's recalling almost 4-million cars here in United States because of a faulty pedal design. It's a problem that's led to uncontrolled speeding and several deaths.

A passenger called 911 from the back seat of a 2009 Lexus when it went out of control.

"Our accelerator's stuck. We're in trouble!"

"We're approaching an intersection! Hold on!"

All four people in the car died after it hit another car and ultimately burst into flames.

There are 100 similar incidents with Toyota made cars 17-crashes and 5-fatalities where the vehicle suddenly accelerated.

Some owners are now suing Toyota, claiming the electronic computer system that controls the throttle is faulty. "We've all experienced computer glitches in using our own personal computers where something just happens but we don't know why," said Don Slavik, attorney for a Toyota crash victim.

Initially Toyota said the problem was loose floor mats covering the gas pedal. But an ABC News investigation revealed the problem was much more serious; a faulty gas pedal design. And now, Toyota is recalling nearly 4-million cars to replace their gas pedal.

The world's largest automaker says the problem is not electrical but mechanical. For now, Toyota will be shortening the pedals. And then in April, they're hoping to come out with new pedal replacements.

The Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, the Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid, and the luxury Lexus ES350 are among those recalled.

Toyota released a statement saying, "The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern and Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified."

As an extra measure of confidence, Toyota will also install a brake override system to ensure the vehicle would stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously.

The pedal recall is the second recall in the last couple of days involving Toyota cars and trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling 110,000 Toyota Tundra trucks built between 2000 and 2003. The trucks can rust prematurely and cause dangerous conditions. The corrosion can damage the rear brake lines.

Toyota is also advising Tundra owners to immediately remove the spare tire stowed under the truck bed. The automaker says the spare could fall off, putting other drivers in danger.

NISSAN RELEASES CONCEPT SKETCH OF LIGHT COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE

2009-11-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

Article from European motor news

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, has released a concept sketch of a light commercial electric vehicle based on the newly launched NV200.

The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted. The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future. At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, said LEAF – the world’s first mass market affordable EV – will be launched in Japan and the US in late 2010, Europe in 2011 with global mass-marketing efforts to begin in 2012.

At the show, Ghosn also announced plans to release a four-seater Infiniti electric compact car, as well as LandGlider, a totally new concept which combines the best of two- and four-wheel vehicles.

Find hundreds of Nissan commercial vehicles for sale and read all the latest Nissan reviews at www.vansandtrucks.co.uk

Ford U.K.'s 30,000th Scrappage Vehicle is a Ford Transit Van

2009-11-25T00:36:00.000-08:00

Article from Truck Trend

The U.K. scrappage scheme, similar to the U.S. “Cash for Clunkers” program, has created a lot more business for Ford across the Pond. The Blue Oval’s most recent milestone under the scrappage program was the sale of their 30,000th scrappage-scheme vehicle. A testament to the power of free money and Ford reliability, a Transit full-size van was the 30,000th vehicle sold, and one of 1100 Ford commercial vehicles selected.

The particular van in question is a Ford Transit 260 SWB Trend ordered by Quick Electrical Services in Southampton. The van has the short wheelbase, a 2.2-litre diesel engine with 113 horsepower, power and heated mirrors, Blue-tooth connectivity, and cruise control. It replaced an older Volkswagen van and was deemed an excellent replacement by Quick Electrical Services.

“The Ford Transit gives me a lot more space for the tools of my trade and has all the mod cons in the cab, which I’m enjoying getting used to,” said Dave Quick, owner. “The Ford Transit's also locally made -- supporting businesses from your own area makes sense, and hopefully that will rub off on my trade too.”

The U.K. scrappage scheme provides incentives of 2000 GBP for owners of pre-March 2002 commercial vans weighing up to 3.5 metric tons. The U.K. government has allotted 300 million GBP for the program and pay for half of the incentives. The other 1000 GBP is paid by the participating auto manufacturers. Like “Cash for Clunkers,” trade-in vehicles must adhere to standard guidelines, and only new vehicles are eligible for purchase.

Despite the boost in sales, Ford should need little help moving their vans. The Blue Oval was recently named Britain’s most reliable van manufacturer, as determined by the Fleet News magazine’s annual reliability survey. The Ford Transit was rated the number one most reliable van, with the smaller Transit Connect coming in third. The survey polls the U.K.’s leading leasing companies, which combined are accountable for over a million vehicles.

Stephen Briers, editor of Fleet News said: “This survey is the largest of its kind in the country and is based on feedback from those who really know about the reliability of vehicles - people who run hundreds of thousands of vehicles over many hundreds of thousands of miles.”

View hundreds of Ford Vans for sale and read all the latest Ford Van reviews at vansandtrucks.co.uk

Ford vans named as most reliable

2009-11-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Article from choice quote

A poll conducted among leasing companies has revealed Ford to be the most reliable van manufacturer in Britain.

The Fleet News magazine survey, which questioned users of more than one million vehicles, revealed that Ford vans are the least likely to suffer breakdowns.

In addition to this, Ford's Transit van was named the single most reliable van make, the third year in a row it has taken this title.

Steve Kimber, Ford of Britain's commercial vehicle director, expressed delight at the manufacturer's victory and said it was indicative of the quality of its range.

He said: "Ford models have led the commercial vehicle market for 44 years.

"Their reliability record is of paramount importance."

This comes a month after the US carmaker was named as Van Manufacturer of the Year at the Fleet Van Awards - a title it also won in 2008 - in recognition of the affordability and efficiency of its vehicles

Find hundreds of Ford vans for sale at vansandtrucks.co.uk

New VW Transporter range ready to order

2009-11-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Article from contracthireandleasing

New Euro5 common rail TDI engines, new styling, and new refinement can mean only one thing – the new Volkswagen Transporter range is now available to order – a head of its official launch in January 2010.

The Transporter, which celebrates 60 years of production next year, continues to offer a choice of panel vans and chassis cabs, plus shuttle and window van people movers with up to nine seats. The range is enhanced by a new kombi model with a folding and removable rear bench seat that can carry up to six people and a load in the rear. This configuration used to be available only as an option pack but due to its popularity has now become a model in its own right. This model achieves N1 classification and so is taxed as a commercial vehicle.

Four new 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines offer greater power and torque levels than the outgoing engines, and service intervals are extended by up to 7,000 miles to a maximum of 25,000 miles, reducing servicing costs.

Furthermore the range has seen its safety features beefed up with new seatbelt warning system, while the passenger airbag can now be deactivated if a child seat is fitted. A new daytime running lights function improves the vehicle’s visibility on the road, while a new emergency feature flashes the brake lights under heavy braking and activates the hazard warning lights if the vehicle stops.

Volkswagen’s latest generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) is also now standard offering greater stability in all driving conditions along with ARP (anti rollover protection), Ready Alert Brake and Rain Brake Support for faster braking, a trailer stabilisation function, and an all-new hill start assistant.

New optional safety features include a tyre monitoring system to alert the driver if there is a change in tyre pressure, plus ‘side assist’ which warns the driver if there are any vehicles in the blindspot. Additionally, to reduce the risk of accidents when turning or reversing, there is now an optional cornering light incorporated in the front fog light to illuminate the road in the direction in which the vehicle is turning, plus a reversing camera to display the area behind the van, with ‘virtual’ lines showing where it is going.

Among the new features standard on every Transporter is a gear change indicator on the new instrument panel to recommend the right gear for maximum economy. The radio/CD can be fitted with an aux-in adaptor, or upgraded to a system with an aux-in socket, or the latest colour, touchscreen satellite navigation system with 30 Gb hard drive to store mapping and music. Two other new options include the acclaimed seven-speed DSG transmission and the convenience of a multi-function leather steering wheel.

Find hundreds of Volkswagen Vans and read the latest Volkswagen Reviews at vansandtrucks.co.uk

Smoother road ahead for makers of commercial vehicles

2009-11-23T00:51:00.000-08:00

Article from livemint.com

Although seasonality could hit truck sales marginally in November and December, the deferment of sales to the new calendar year coupled with new emission norms can give a fillip to sales in the fourth quarter of the year to March

A 52% growth rate in commercial vehicle sales during October has set the pace for a firm recovery in the sector. Although seasonality could hit truck sales marginally in November and December, the deferment of sales to the new calendar year coupled with new emission norms which come into force from 1 April 2010, can give a fillip to sales in the fourth quarter of the year to March.

That means the two leaders in the segment, Tata Motors Ltd and Ashok Leyland Ltd, which together hold nearly 88% of market share, are poised for a strong volume-led recovery in the current fiscal year.

November and December are dull months as most truck operators defer sales to the next calendar year. For example, during FY09, while sales fell sequentially from 28,019 commercial vehicles (CVs) in October to 20,637 in November and 17,906 in December, the industry registered an uptrend with 23,104 vehicles sold in January. This trend has been maintained even during years of robust growth rates, like FY08 and FY07.

One can hence expect a flat or marginal decline in sales volumes in the third quarter compared with the second quarter of FY10. However, on a year-on-year basis, volumes could be higher by around 60-70% because of a low base in the previous year. While the recovery in light commercial vehicles kicked off in July, medium and heavy duty vehicles’ volumes gained momentum with a lag since September.

Come January, there will be renewed buying interest. This time around truck owners could advance sales to January and February due to several reasons. The Euro-IV emission norms come into effect in 11 cities on 1 April 2010, while the rest of the country moves into Euro-III level. This means all fresh sales should be Euro-IV compliant. Analysts estimate that this along with the increase in input costs (mainly steel) may make a truck 7-8% more expensive. All this could lead to early buying in the fourth quarter of FY10. Any interim price increase by manufacturers or excise duty rollback (duties were cut to boost sales during recession) could dampen sales offtake in CVs.

However, both firms share an order to supply buses under the Union government’s urban renewal scheme and state transport undertakings which will shore up volumes. So far from April until October, figures from industry lobby group Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers show a 5.2% growth in CV sales over the year-ago period. A pick-up in construction and industrial activity all point towards a better second half. Corroborating this is a report by India Foundation of Transport Research and Training, which states that rentals on major trunk routes are up 4-5% between 8 October

Find thousands of Commercial Vehicles at www.vansandtrucks.co.uk

2009-11-20T05:33:00.001-08:00

Ford Transit Racing Around the Nurbergring.

2009-11-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

Vans and Trucks has created a page dedicated to the Ford Transit. This page describes the history of the transit showing its evolution through the years and how it has become what it is today. To show how much of a revolutionary van it is, there are 2 videos taken from the award winning show Top Gear, showing Sabine Schmitz attempting to race around the Nurbergring in under 10 minutes.

View the page

Nissan NV200 scoops top van award

2009-11-20T02:28:00.000-08:00

Article from Road Transport

Nissan's all-new NV200 van range has scooped the International Van of the Year 2010 award.

The new van, launched earlier this year, fought off a strong challenge from Iveco's new Ecodaily and the revised Volkswagen Transporter to take the top van crown. It amassed a total of 107 votes from a maximum possible 161.

The jury, made up of leading commercial vehicle journalists from Europe, was particularly impressed by the fact Nissan has created a compact light commercial vehicle that sets new standards in a number of important areas - for instance, internal load space, driver comfort and, especially, its low interior noise levels at high speed. Build quality, attention to detail, and all-round driver visibility were other reasons cited by the jury for the NV200's elevation.

When it comes to earning potential and productivity, the NV200's cargo space, at 4.2m³, is between 20%-25% larger than many of its direct competitors, and, in some cases, larger rivals. In addition, initial fuel economy results look promising.

"The NV200 is a very well-designed, compact, 'quality' van with good economy," says UK jury member Andy Salter. "It more than fulfils the most important criterion of the 2010 International Van of the Year award - a significant contribution to the safe and efficient transport of goods by road."

Read all the latest van reviews at Vans and Trucks

Deca Deca Video

2009-11-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

Following on from a previous post about the new Daihatsu Deca Deca concept van. Here is a short video about the amazing looking commercial vehicle.

Find Daihatsu vans and trucks for sale at vansandtrucks.co.uk

Riding High With the Daihatsu Deca Deca Concept

2009-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Article from Motocrave

It rattles the senses to see a van like that flung open with no smoke billowing out. Alas, the reason for that is she’s just a concept–the Daihatsu Deca Deca. Fun to say and fun to gawk at, the Deca Deca is more than just the next great toke-mobile, it’s designed with a primary goal of utility. Like the big, beat-up van with a broken window that the local contractor drives to the jobsite each day, people are a second thought for this van. The van features a flat floor, adjustable seating and pillarless doors for simplifying shoving the tools of work inside. It’s powered by a 3-cylinder turbo with CVT transmission

View Daihatsu vans and trucks for sale at Vans and Trucks

Fiat Doblo Van Could Go to the States as a Dodge

2009-11-18T01:54:00.000-08:00

Article from MotoCrave

It looks like the present might be the dawn of a new street takeover by funky vans. While it’s a little more curvy and less hemptastic than the Deca Deca concept of Tokyo fame, the Fiat Doblo is equally big and bold. The van comes in a number of configurations including 5- and 7-person MPV varieties complete with dual rear sliding doors. The van also comes in classic Cargo with a single rear sliding door.

The Doblo MPV will boast the longest wheelbase in its class, according to Fiat, and will sport four different petrol and diesel engine options when it comes to Europe early next year.

Ordinarily a clunky, new, Euro-release van isn’t that interesting to us, but according to Chrysler’s five-year plan, a Fiat-based small commercial van will be coming stateside by 2012. And this might just be it. I, for one, look forward to seeing Dodge-branded Doblos taking it to I-95 on the daily commute.

Read The Latest Fiat Doblo Review at Vans and Trucks

Vans still guzzle more cash than cars

2009-11-17T00:40:00.000-08:00

Article from the Telegraph

Lower fuel prices have helped reduce the gap between the cost of running a small car and a van RAC figures show.

The near disappearance of the fuel differential with diesel, down 14pc this year, and petrol, which has fallen by 6pc, has cut the gap to below £1,000 a year. Based on mileage of 20,000 a year the fuel cost for a typical van or light commercial vehicle using diesel fuel works out at 12.92p a mile compared with 16.54p for a small petrol driven car travelling 12,000 miles in the year.

But steeper insurance and maintenance bills mean the overall running costs for the van owners remain higher. The annual cost of running a small van comes out at £2,808 a year with the fuel accounting for £1,488 of the total and insurance £460. The cost of keeping a small car on the road works out at £1,984.

Comparisons among the most popular vans and pick-ups show the cost of running a Ford Fiesta diesel 1.4 TDCi van is typically £2,781.89 against £3,273.22 for a Ford Transit Connect 200 SWB diesel low roof and £5,118.46 for a Nissan Navara diesel pick-up Tekra 4WD.

The RAC estimates that on average a van driver can expect to shell out £2,583 a year or £215 a month on diesel fuel but the report says insurance premiums in the commercial vehicle fleet do not vary significantly with the difference between the top and bottom running at £182.

Free Alarms for White Van Traders

2009-11-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Check out this article found in the Banbury Gaurdian

WHITE van traders in Shipston-on-Stour are being offered free car alarms from today(November 16).

Police are offering the devices in response to an increase in the number of white vans being broken into in south Warwickshire.

PC Nick Stephens said: "The advice from the police is that all valuables and tools etc should be removed from the vehicle when left unattended over night, as if it isn't in the van it can't be stolen.

"Tools left in vehicles are often uninsurable. However the police are realists and often this best advice may not be practicable in certain circumstances. Also those that follow this advice are finding their empty vans are still being broken into."

The battery powered alarms, which are available from the police station in Shipston on a first-come first-serve basis, have a siren which activates as soon as the vehicle is entered.

PC Stephens added "These cheap effective alarms will ensure no thief breaking into a van will want to hang about to be seen and help to protect tradesmen from loss and distress."

For more information call PC Nick Stephens at Stratford Police Station on 01789 444598.

Hybrid is Growing!

2009-11-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

FedEx has signed a deal with Azure Dynamics for an additional 51 hybrid delivery vans to bring their total fleet number to 325 hybrid and electric vans in use.

FedEx went to Azure Dynamics to purchase the hybrid delivery van based off of the Ford E450 chassis. Azure Dynamics was recently announced as the company responsible for electrifying the Ford Transit Connect after Smith Electric Vehicles mutually terminated their agreement with Ford to produce the electric version of Ford's compact delivery vehicle.

FedEx will utilize the additional hybrid delivery vehicles throughout the U.S. However, one delivery depot, the Bronx, New York depot, will operate as the companies first all hybrid depot in the U.S.

The hybrid delivery vehicles have several advantages over their diesel powered counterparts. According to FedEx, "With its electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle, and regenerative braking, the FedEx Azure gasoline-electric step-vans are well-suited for the tough start-and-stop conditions endured in the everyday traffic of one of the world's busiest cities. As a result, FedEx expects a fuel efficiency improvement of 30% while also reducing its carbon footprint."

The company will add the newly acquired hybrids from Azure to their existing 25 hybrids in use also supplied by Azure. These hybrids join 92 retrofitted hybrids that are in use by FedEx. The delivery company began using hybrids back in 2004 and to date has accumulated over 4 millions miles under hybrid power.

Citroën uses green engineering

2009-11-12T02:33:00.000-08:00

To reduce the environmental impact of its LCV range, Citroën is using advanced, affordable technology to achieve emission reductions and fuel efficiency gains. This approach, to reduce the carbon footprint of its LCVs, is seen in Citroëns:-

* standardisation of ultra-fuel-efficient, low-emission HDi diesels, which are recognised as being the best available in Europe
* extended LCV service intervals, up to 25,000 miles
* authorisation of up to 30 per cent biodiesel, without technical modification or effect on warranty
* wide range of dual-fuel (petrol/LPG) Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch models, which offer fuel cost savings and significant reductions in CO2, NOx and particulates

The benefits of these fuel efficiency and emission improvements have been highlighted with the recent publication of the Vehicle Certification Agency LCV CO2 and fuel consumption database. This database shows that Citroën's innovative Nemo van leads the field when it comes to a compact city van that can carry over 600kg - with a CO2 figure of just 116g/km. Moving up the weight range, the Berlingo, with CO2 emissions starting from just 153g/km, is significantly better than the sales market leader and most other vans in its class. The larger Citroën Dispatch is the best compact panel van with CO2 emissions starting from just 191g/km. The Relay range also sets the pace with CO2 emissions from only 208g/km - significantly better than the sales market leader in the large van sector.

Other advanced green engineering development projects are in hand. With Citroën UK's help, Ashwoods Automotive Ltd have just embarked upon a three year development programme for a range of versatile Hybrid systems, suitable for Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay models.

Ashwoods has an enviable track record in the 'Low Emissions' vehicle sector - the Company is a sole supplier of Hybrid vehicles to the Low Carbon Vehicles Procurement Programme (LCVPP), funded by the Department for Transport.

The Company is already supplying vehicles through the LCVPP to national fleets such as the Royal Mail, Environment Agency, HMRC, TfL and a growing number of local authorities. As such, Citroën has high expectations for this new project, which aims to deliver significant fuel efficiency gains and emission reductions.

Citroën is also working in partnership with Venturi - a renowned European electric vehicle specialist - to develop and launch a Berlingo First Electric van early in 2010. This significantly changed and improved version of the original Berlingo Electrique, which was sold in the UK up to 2005, will feature Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries and will have an estimated top speed of 62mph and a range of 75 miles. A limited production run has already been built and the initial vehicles are on trial in France with La Poste - the French Postal Service. Citroën UK will consider the possible introduction of this model following these trials.

Robert Handyside, commercial vehicle operations manager, comments: "Citroën is already one of the leading companies in supplying fuel-efficient, low-emission LCVs and we are also maintaining the pace of development of our own conventional, highly efficient engines. So the Company is not resting on its laurels. Next year, we will be introducing our advanced Euro 5 HDi diesel engines, which will provide customers with even greater fuel economy, performance and further emissions reductions."

First Post

2009-11-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

Vans and Trucks blog is up and running!