News - Page 1686

CONCERNED fleets are being urged to contact their dealers or leasing companies following reports casting doubt on the safety of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans after faulty brakes caused the deaths of two bikers.

A NEW booklet that unravels the complex mysteries of towing has been launched by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

THIS year is a big one for van launches, as manufacturers struggle to increase their market shares in an increasingly competitive market.

SPARE a thought for white van man – he’s stressed out by life on Britain’s roads.

VAN and truck manufacturer Iveco is predicting a downturn in commercial vehicle sales in 2006 as the UK economy cools.

ANNUAL sales of light commercial vehicles up to 3.5-tonnes gross vehicle weight just missed the record 2004 total last year. They fell to 322,930, a drop of 2% compared to last year.

BCA reports a strong start to the year for light commercial vehicle sales, with used LCV sales volumes ahead, year on year.

ALEX Wright, Manheim Auction Group’s commercial vehicle director, looks back at the highs and lows of 2005.

WHICH manufacturer builds the best vans? This 64,000 dollar question was put to a sample of van dealers by used vehicle expert CAP.

RELATIONSHIPS between the country’s fleets and their contract hire suppliers is improving, according to the 2006 ‘Fleet Contract Hire Survey’ from FNN sister-title, Sewell’s Information & Research.

I WOULD bet that van leasing is never in the top 10 when it comes to dinner party conversations.

BROKERS and leasing companies often deal with different types of customer requirements.

GOING for a full-blown contract hire deal over three years might seem a bit of a leap of faith to start with – but there is a ‘quicky’ alternative if you feel scared to grasp the nettle.

IT doesn’t always pay to be first to market with a new product. By waiting to see what the opposition does, a latecomer to the party can watch, learn from from the mistakes of others, and fine-tune its offering to perfection before finally putting it on sale.

LET it be said before commencing this article that I am totally biased towards the Toyota Hiace. I know that as a motoring journalist I am supposed to sit firmly on the fence and be 100% objective in my views, but the Hiace will always hold a special place in my heart. Let me explain...

VAUXHALL has had an outstanding 2005 in the commercial vehicle market, beating the 50,000 sales mark for the first time in the company’s history.

THE 4x4 van market is a bit of a niche within the commercial vehicle sector. As with so many CV markets it began through necessity, with farmers needing to get across ploughed fields and construction workers wanting to tow compressors across sites.

YOU can help decide which car and carmaker will take top honours in the Fleet News Awards 2006. It couldn’t be easier.

IF you decided to combine an important European conference with a chance to discover the charms of Belgium, you would be in good company.

PHOTOGRAPHIC evidence should be sent with every speed ticket issued to drivers, campaigners say.

HE is renowned for his hard-hitting approach to business – and now this tough stance has filtered down to entrepreneur John Caudwell’s company car fleet.

THE Government has launched a hard-hitting campaign to make company car drivers more aware of bikers in urban situations.

COMMERCIAL vehicle hire specialist Northgate has taken over fleet management company Fleet Technique (FTL).

THIS is the first picture of Chevrolet’s new Captiva compact SUV which will make its debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

HAMPSHIRE Police fleet manager John Bradley will feature in an episode of BBC1’s Traffic Cops series next month.

BMW and MINI are offering Garmin aftermarket satellite navigation units across their ranges.

THE UK’S largest leasing company has signed a massive remarketing deal for tens of thousands of vehicles worth more than £1 billion over the next five years.

VOLVO’S striking new C70 coupe-convertible will come with a free three-year/60,000-mile service plan for fleet customers.

A FLEET management company is calling for new legislation for speed limiters on commercial vehicles to be made clearer.

PEUGEOT has added a 1.6-litre HDi 90 turbo-diesel engine to the 307 range.