Vans | Motoring

F1 star Mark Webber helps launch Renault Pro+

The largest Renault dealership in the country, Renault London West, in Acton was the setting for the official launch of Renault Pro+, the French marque’s new service for business customers.

Volkswagen Caddy Maxi sets Transeurasia world record

A Volkswagen Caddy Maxi has set a new world record by travelling 9,630 miles non-stop across the Transeurasia route from the Atlantic coast in Portugal to the Pacific coast in Russia in eight days, 13 hours and 30 minutes.

Volkswagen Vans overtake rivals for fifth consecutive month

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has increased its market share and improved from having the UK’s third to the second best-selling van range (up to 7.4 tonnes) in the last five consecutive months from May to September.

Fiorino and Doblo Cargo for leading energy firm in new fleet deal

More than 350 new Fiat commercial vehicles are being delivered to a leading power supplier in a deal that highlights the vans’ efficiency and low ownership costs.

Romahome launches third generation of motorhomes

Romahome is launching the third generation of its compact motorhome conversions, now built on the new Citroen Berlingo, at the NEC International Caravan and Motorhome Show today.

Vauxhall Commercial shows its strength at Interbuild 2009

The ability of Vauxhall to offer vans for every building, glazing and construction industry light commercial vehicle application is being demonstrated by a six-strong display at Interbuild 2009 (National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 18-21 October, Stand 04-A16).

New jobs created by Volkswagen Van Centre in Chelmsford

Volkswagen’s nationwide network of dedicated Van Centres has expanded again following the official opening of a new Van Centre in Chelmsford, Essex. The standalone site offers the full range of new and used vans and people carriers from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, plus a fully equipped workshop and parts service.

Taxis, children and a lot of magic

The Magical Taxi tour left Canary Wharf on 2nd October. Children with life threatening illnesses were transported in a convoy of London taxis on a weekend they will never forget. The day began early as everyone arrived for The Big Breakfast send off. This event sees noise levels increase along with the excitement. Sponsors and dignitaries invited to the Breakfast are always taken aback by the scale of the early morning send off and there were some short speeches of thanks and good wishes but for the children all they wanted to do was get into their taxis and begin the journey.

1 in 10 LCV’s sold in September were Citroen

One in ten of all LCV’s sold during the month of September were Citroen vans. With 9.74% share of the LCV market, the Company has delivered one of its best-ever September results.

Nissan NV200 is Van of the Year 2010

A winning combination of value and versatility has made Nissan’s NV200 unbeatable in the eyes of the Institute of Transport Management (ITM). Crowning the new model as the Van of the Year 2010, the ITM has confirmed that there is simply no other LCV to beat the NV200.

Best finance offers for best vans from Volkswagen

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ end of year offers give customers even better value for money – especially for any remaining stocks of the current Transporter. The company is also delighted to announce it is freezing most prices of its Contract Hire and Finance Lease deals until the end of 2009.

Vauxhall Vivaro wins MPG Marathon

Running costs are critical to both van fleet managers and private customers alike, and Vauxhall’s Vivaro has proven itself as the out-and-out champ in terms of fuel economy by winning the commercial vehicle category of the 2009 Fleetworld/ALD MPG marathon.

Citroen scoops GreenFleet LCV manufacturer award

Citroen’s award winning streak continues - with its fourth LCV honour in just a few days. For the second year in succession, Citroen has been awarded the prestigious title of GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year. This important accolade was presented on the same day that the Berlingo was voted Van of the Year and Small Van of the Year at the Fleet Van awards. Just a few days earlier, the Berlingo Crew Van was named LCV of the Year by the Institute of Transport Management.

Scrap and escape in a Volkswagen campervan

It’s not too late to take advantage of some tempting Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance offers available until the end of the year for the Volkswagen California campervan and two spacious people carriers from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – the Caddy Maxi Life and Caravelle. The extension to the Government’s scrappage scheme makes these offers even more attractive.

Fiat Professional Most Improved Van Manufacturer of the Year

The continuing drive by Fiat Professional – the commercial vehicle arm of Fiat Group Automobiles SpA – to produce top quality, high value vans, has been given a huge boost in the 2009 Fleet Van Awards.

Renault Kangoo Green Van of the Year

Renault is celebrating its third fleet title van award of the year after New Kangoo Van won ‘Green Van of the Year – Conventional Fuels ’ at the Fleet Van Awards 2009.

Transporter Best Medium Van

For the second year running, the Volkswagen Transporter has been voted ‘Best Medium Van’ in the Fleet Van Awards with the judges saying ‘it excels on quality, durability, reputation and image and has real driver appeal’.

Citroen Berlingo wins two Fleet Van Awards

Once again, Citroen was all-conquering at this year’s Fleet Van Awards, with Berlingo winning two of the top honours. For the second year in succession, the Citroen Berlingo was voted outright Van of the Year and Small Van of the Year at today’s prestigious awards ceremony in London.

Citroen Berlingo Crew Van LCV of the Year

Citroen’s Berlingo continues its award-winning ways with the announcement on 29th September that the new Berlingo Crew Van has been voted the Institute of Transport Management’s LCV of the year.

Ford Connect reward for top Hoover seller

Sizzling sales of kitchen appliances have won Swansea store Enterprise 2000 a Ford Transit Connect LWB van in a Hoover customer incentive competition.

LCV demand unseasonably strong in August

BCA recorded unseasonably strong demand in the LCV sector during August, traditionally a month that sees lower values. Average values for fleet & lease, dealer part-exchange and nearly-new vans all rose, and for the first time all three sectors achieved over 100% of CAP values.

Vauxhall Vivaro is top scorer with talkSPORT

Football fans across the UK can now listen to live broadcasts of talkSPORT’s popular ‘Fan in a Van’ feature thanks to a new mobile broadcast unit supplied by Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.

Drive a Ford van to get in Champions League football draw

Anyone test driving a Ford van in September and October can enter a prize draw for UEFA Champions League match tickets.

Ford Transit minibus gets all-wheel-drive system

Ford's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is now available on the 15-seat Transit minibus. The AWD system automatically provides stepless torque flow to the front wheels when traction loss at the rear is detected. The AWD system costs an additional £3,995.

Electric Daily prototype begins testing in Brazil

Iveco has presented a prototype of its new Electric Daily in Brazil, destined to be the first zero emission light commercial vehicle produced in Latin America. The project builds on Iveco’s long-running research and development of electric propulsion, which started with the development of the first Daily with pure electric drive in 1986.

Peugeot to supply West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

The Peugeot Special Vehicle Operation, located next to Peugeot UK’s headquarters in Coventry in the Midlands, has been chosen to supply emergency service vehicles to West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Patient Transfer department. The vehicles were selected predominately because of the product features, ride comfort qualities and the fuel efficiency and environmental low CO2.

Benchmark Distribution takes delivery of 50 Citroen vans

With the delivery of its latest batch of 50 Citroen vans, Benchmark Distribution has broken new ground.

Average LCV prices remain stable

According to the latest data from BCA, average values in the used van market appear to have reached a plateau at around £3,500. While July recorded a rise of nearly £100 (2.8%) over June to reach £3,566, values have been reasonably static for the past five months.

Two years free R&M on new Iveco Daily 3.5 tonne vans

Retail customers purchasing a new 3.5 tonne Daily panel van from Iveco dealer or manufacturer stock in the UK can now benefit from a free two year Iveco Elements ‘Motion’ repair and maintenance contract.

Peugeot endorses Police Fleet Managers Conference

Emergency service vehicle conversions from Peugeot Specialist Vehicle Operations (PSVO) are to feature strongly at next month’s National Association of Police Fleet Managers’ annual conference.

New Volkswagen Transporter breaks cover

The first details of the new Volkswagen Transporter range of vans, kombi, chassis cabs and window vans are released today, revealing a new refined exterior design plus significant advances in comfort, safety and refinement. Lower running costs are also guaranteed thanks to a new range of common rail TDI engines offering lower emissions and improved economy by an average of ten per cent across the range.

Citroen command a top placing in LCV scrappage scheme

Citroen is now one of the UK’s most successful participating manufacturers in the Government LCV Scrappage Scheme. During the Scheme’s first three months of operation Citroen has become the second most successful participating manufacturer - selling 224 LCV’s since May, to gain a 15.7% share of the UK’s total of 1,427 LCV’s sold as part of this ground breaking programme.

Citroen 90th Anniversary Nemo, Berlingo & Dispatch vans

It’s Citroen’s 90th Anniversary, and LCV operators can join the celebrations - thanks to the introduction of a series of generously equipped, high-value ‘90 Years’ Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch vans.

Adding the X factor: Sportline Limited Edition X model

Volkswagen’s dynamic Sportline van range is proving more successful than ever. Despite the current economic climate, Sportline sales are already ahead of this time last year, and if success continues at the same rate, boosted by the introduction this week of a Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X model, sales are predicted to be over 30 per cent ahead of 2008.

Berlingo first wraps up fire service deal for Citroen

A fleet of 28 new Citroen Berlingo First vans has been specified by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYF&RS) for fire prevention duties. With the delivery of these Berlingo First vans, there are now 90 Citroens in the 420 strong WYF&RS vehicle fleet.

Unlimited mileage warranty makes Crafter tough to beat

To offer fleet and high mileage customers even better support and value for money, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has enhanced the three year warranty for its Crafter, the biggest van in its range, to an unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

Citroen Relays for West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has just taken delivery of the first of six Citroen Relay 40 L4H3 HDi 160 vans, which have been specially converted for frontline emergency ambulance duties.

Ford Transit SportVan redefines white van man

White Van Man is now has the ultimate drive thanks to the launch of the latest Ford Transit SportVan - available in white.

Helpful finance offers from Volkswagen

The latest range of offers from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, currently being promoted in a series of radio adverts featuring Ray Winstone, make it as easy and convenient as possible to afford and budget for a new or used Volkswagen Caddy, Caddy Maxi, Transporter or Crafter van. These offers are only available from participating Volkswagen Van Centres until 30 September, ahead of a price increase postponed until 1 October.

Toughened-up Fiorino gets improved traction option

Fiat Professional’s versatile Fiorino van is set to offer even greater capability with the option of a new electronic differential lock system for improved grip and control.

Vauxhall helps combat big van MOT failures

A recent survey showed that almost half of larger vans in the UK fail their MOT, which has worrying implications both for safety and maintenance costs. To help address this issue Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles is renewing its commitment to customers of both new and used vans by offering simple, low-cost ways to maintain regular servicing.

Iveco ECODAILY at L’Aquila for the G8

Just a month after being officially unveiled to the worldwide media, the ECODAILY, Iveco's new light commercial vehicle that combines enhanced environmental credentials with great performance, is being used at the high profile G8 Summit in L'Aquila, Italy.

Average used van values plateau

According to BCA’s latest data, average values in the used van market appear to have reached a plateau at around £3,500 as June values fell back to £3,468 from the £3,595 recorded in May. This slowing of values has been noted in recent weeks and there has been very little variance in price during Quarter 2 when compared to earlier in the year when prices rose sharply.

Boxx clever on the job with Sortimo

Engineers and service personnel who need to constantly change their tool boxes to cope with varying job demands have a new solution from Sortimo.

Extra equipment at no extra cost in Fiat summer promotion

A range of useful and valuable equipment worth up to £995 is being made available free of charge across a variety of new commercial vehicles in a bright summer promotion from Fiat Professional.

Transit AWD joins National Grid's Ford fleet

Ford has reached a new agreement to add Ford Transit all-wheel-drive models to the National Grid's fleet of over 3,000 Ford vehicles.

Citroen LCV range now from just £5,995

Citroen LCVs registered in the period 1st July to 30th September 2009 are now available from just £5,995 + VAT + delivery* as part of the company’s third quarter customer offers programme.

The new Citroen Berlingo XTR+

Citroen has introduced the new Berlingo XTR+, with enhanced off-road capability - the only vehicle of its type in this sector of the market. With the launch of the Berlingo XTR+, the award winning Berlingo range further reinforces its credentials as the most versatile light van available in the UK offering, even before XTR+, a choice of short and long panel vans, a platform cab and Crew Van, Ready to Run glass carriers and temperature controlled versions, plus dual fuel models.

Movano front-line with West Midlands Ambulance Service

Good performance by the Vauxhall Movano in a front-line accident and emergency ambulance role has led West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to order a further 64 vehicles.

Ford Transit emergency response vehicles join Northern Gas

Ford has been selected to provide 134 Transit-based emergency response vehicles for Northern Gas Networks (NGN). Key to NGN's decision was the Ford Transit's ability to accommodate on-board power systems.

Volkswagen Caravelle takes Take That on Circus tour

Less than two years after legendary British band Take That completed their sell-out Beautiful World comeback tour, the band is on the road again, taking “The Circus Live” Tour across the UK – thanks once more to Volkswagen’s people-carrier, the Caravelle.

Escape to your reality this summer at vwescape.co.uk

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

Supertrucks' new mobile works are winners for Wakefield

Supertrucks has supplied two purpose-built mobile workshops to Wakefield & District Housing, based on the St Helens specialist bodybuilder's innovative glass-carrying van. The housing organisation's own employees took a hand in the design of the new vehicles, which are based on Supertrucks' innovative low-loading Citroen Relay 3.5 tonne gvw glass carrying van, which offers sector-leading standards of efficiency and safety.

New Citroen Berlingo 725 L2 Crew Van

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

Fiat Professional among top runners in van CO2 database

The Fiat Fiorino, with 116 g/km CO2 and Grande Punto van, with 119 g/km, show prominently in the Small Van category of the Department for Transport findings, while the Fiat Doblo appears among the leaders in the Medium Van sector, posting 139 g/km.

Mayor of London shows strong interest in LBM powered Daily

All eyes were on Iveco’s natural gas powered Daily light commercial at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s exhibition earlier this week, as Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, stopped to talk to Iveco and Gasrec about the benefits of Liquid Biomethane (LBM).

Swedish Post delivers with Fiat Fiorino

Fiat Group Automobiles and Posten, the Swedish Post Office, have just signed an agreement for the supply of 3,000 Fiat Fiorino 1.3 MultiJet vans with 6-speed Comfort-matic semi-automatic transmissions.

Record-breaking proof that Volkswagen vans go the distance

As a great demonstration of Volkswagen’s legendary durability, a 56-year old Transporter van has just achieved a top speed of 102.84 mph and done the quarter mile sprint at the Santa Pod racetrack in a time of 12.65 seconds.

Mattressman opts for high-cube Citroen Relay Luton vans

Four of the latest specification Citroen Ready to Run Relay Luton vans are now in service with one of the UK’s largest online suppliers of mattresses and beds. Norwich-based Mattressman.co.uk is using its new Relay Luton vans to provide a next-day delivery service for high-quality mattresses and bed products throughout the east of England.

Used van values quickly bounce back

Values in the used van market have swiftly recovered in May after slipping in April for the first time this year, according to BCA’s Commercial Pulse Report. May recorded a month on month improvement of £122 to reach £3,595 - recovering the £71 lost in April and more.

Peugeot helps Carillion reduce fleet fuel costs

Carillion Property Services has saved thousands of pounds worth of fuel and reduced its vehicle emissions by 7% in just six months by adding 200 diesel-engined Peugeot light commercial vehicles to its fleet.

Volkswagen Transporter appearance pack adds style and value

A new ‘appearance pack’ is now available for Volkswagen’s best-selling van, the Transporter, which not only adds style and kerbside appeal, but is also bound to add valuable desirability when it comes to resale.

Volkswagen announces name of new pickup

The new Volkswagen pickup, showcased as a concept last year and due to be launched in Europe in 2010, is to be called the Amarok.

Peugeot Boxer vans take up front line duties

Peugeot vans featuring reinforced bodywork, glass and tyres are to take up front line duties protecting officers at Northumbria Police.

Equipped for the heaviest and most critical operations

To ensure the appropriate medical care and safe transportation of the increasing number of obese patients, as well as those in intensive care, the municipal fire brigade in Essen, Germany, has enlisted the support of two specially adapted ambulances. The Mercedes-Benz Vario 818D (177 PS) vehicles, equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions, are 30 cm wider than regular ambulances and include features such as heavy duty stretchers capable of bearing up to 750 kg, electric hydraulic tail lifts, 230 volt generators and 2.3 kVA inverters.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles keeps Red Bull Racing on track

Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel aren’t the only drivers in the Red Bull Racing Formula One team. Its other drivers rely on a dependable fleet of vans and people carriers from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for delivering parts to races across Europe, often at short notice, and for taking people to and from airports or events.

Iveco joins the Government’s car and van scrappage scheme

Iveco has signed up to the UK Government’s car and van scrappage scheme, which enables customers to scrap a car or van over ten years old and benefit from a £2,000 discount against the purchase of a new Daily van or chassis cab at 3.5 tonnes.

2009 Toyota Hiace: Cooler than ever

The Toyota Hiace is a cool prospect for 2009, newly equipped as standard with air conditioning. The upgrade is one of a range of new features for the new model year, introduced to improve comfort on board, along with new-design seats with a smart-but-tough cloth upholstery and fabric covered door panels with an integrated armrest and panel for the power window controls.

Caddy Maxi Kombi for crew and kit

As a no cost option, a new ‘kombi pack’ for the five-seater Caddy Maxi window van is now available. The new vehicle deletes the Caddy Maxi Life’s side windows in the load area to create a perfect vehicle for carrying crew while leaving a more secure and practical storage space for any tools or racking equipment.

Vauxhall Vivaro voted Best Medium Van 2009

The Vauxhall Vivaro has once again seen off all competition and claimed the top award for Best Medium Van at the 2009 Van Fleet World Awards.

Renault launches first TV van ad campaign

A long-time sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival, Renault has now put itself firmly in the Director’s chair with the launch of a short film of its own.

Renault takes double win at Fleet World Honours 2009

Renault is celebrating double success at the 2009 Fleet World Honours after winning both the Best Medium Van and Safety awards.

Citroen Berlingo Best New Van and Best Light Van

The new Citroen Berlingo range has just won the Best New Van and Best Light Van awards in the 2009 Van Fleet World Honours, announced in London today (20 May 2009). The new Berlingo convinced the judges of its winning status thanks to its unique range of operational, financial, comfort and safety benefits, which enabled it to overcome strong opposition from rival products.

Nissan releases new-generation NV200 Vanette compact van

Nissan has announced that the all-new Nissan NV200 Vanette, a next-generation light duty compact van, will go on sale at Nissan dealers across Japan on May 21.

Latest ‘Blue’ Crafter vans demonstrate green credentials

The latest Volkswagen Crafter panel van, chassis and double cab ranges are set to become among the cleanest and most refined vehicles in their class. Substantial changes have been made to the drivetrain to make it both quieter and smoother thanks to greater torque. Conversely, fuel economy rises and emissions fall to not only meet but exceed the latest Euro V standards.

Van values slip but market still confident says BCA

According to BCA’s latest Pulse report, average values for light commercials have slipped for the first time this year, after three consecutive months of growth. Average values fell back by £71 in April, after posting a £400+ increase in March. Values are well ahead of the low point of £2,772 recorded in last December, but equally remain some way adrift of the market peak of £3,868 seen in January 2008.

Jimmy Mizen Foundation provides Citroen minibuses for Scouts

Two Citroen Relay minibuses will make a lasting tribute to a young man from south-east London who tragically died in an assault in May last year. Two Ready to Run Relay L3H2 17 seat, wheelchair accessible minibuses have been donated to the local 21st Lewisham North and Sidcup District Scout Groups by the Jimmy Mizen Foundation to ensure that the memory of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen lives on.