News - Page 2009

THE Daihatsu Hijet range has been enhanced with the addition of a dual-fuel version.

VOLKSWAGEN is giving more power to the LT's elbow with the launch of a blistering new 158bhp version, the most powerful van engine on the market today.

ISUZU is importing a new range of one-tonne pick-ups to sell alongside its Trooper off-roaders.

SUZUKI is offering a bargain basement pick-up with the launch of the new Dropside Carry at £6,895 ex-VAT.

IVECO has ruffled a few feathers in the panel van sector by muscling in on the 2.9-3.5 tonne scene with the mighty Daily. Trevor Gelken reports.

SOME pick-ups are utilitarian affairs often seen bruised and battered on Britain's highways loaded down with bricks and rubble like old worn-out donkeys.

NOW that LPG conversions are freely available for diesel-engined vans, there is simply no excuse for ignoring alternative fuels. John Charles reports.

WRAPPING is not the only area where advances are being made in vehicle graphics - new studies by the Office for Motor Vehicle Technology show that reflective materials applied to your van could cut your accident rate by up to 43%.

FORGET traditional signwriting - today's technology means a wealth of opportunities are open to fleet operators when it comes to filling those acres of white space on the side of their vans. Simon Wells reports.

THE way you choose to livery your vehicles can have a significant impact on vehicle residuals, warns David Hill, senior editor of CAP Red Book.

The CV Show, at the Birmingham NEC from April 30 - May 2, is a definite must for all van operators. Although some of the stands are exclusively for HGVs, many feature items of interest for LCV fleets.

ALTERNATIVE fuel vehicles are now appearing around the used marketplace and with the congestion charging proposals for London it is clearly a possible turning point for this sector, says Dave Hill, senior editor of CAP Red Book.

A new 12-acre state-of-the-art fleet auction facility has opened in the Midlands. The Fleet Auction Group opened its doors for trading with an auction for trucks on April 23.

THE need for accurate commercial vehicle descriptions at auction has been highlighted by Manheim Auctions.

VAN manufacturer LDV is making a bid for a Ministry of Defence order worth up to £1.5billion as part of a four-company consortium.

Showroom4cars.com is expanding its website service to offer commercial vehicles - and the company claims fleets can save up to 40% by shopping on the net.

THE majority of Britain's van drivers are highly professional and bear no resemblance to so-called 'white van man', according to a new survey. But the minority of bad drivers are ruining the image for the others.

A NEW fleet driver training qualification is being developed for van drivers. The Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) is extending its Master Driver training scheme from light goods vehicles to the 'white van' market.

CITROEN is providing defensive driver training to a chartered building company as part of a deal to supply the company with 15 new vans.

VAN racking specialist Bri-Stor Systems has launched a new service for fleets called Pronto, offering shorter delivery times and cost savings.

AUTOPIA Vanquip, the Cwbran-based van accessory manufacturer, has rebranded as Vanquip, with a new image and new products.

WITH many van drivers suffering from back problems after long hours behind the wheel, a New Zealand specialist has come up with a new seat back support that is claimed to lessen such problems.

CONTRACT hire company Arma has launched an all-inclusive package for van fleets.

THE Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro light panel van has been named International Van of the Year 2002 by a panel of judges.

LONDON mayor Ken Livingstone has been urged to scrap London congestion charging for vans over 3.5 tonnes, as long as they conform to Euro lll emissions standards.

NEARLY one-quarter of van drivers stopped in routine speed checks said they were running late, 41% claimed they didn't realise they were breaking the limit, while 13% said they didn't even know what the limit was.

NISSAN has pumped up the power output and torque on the Cabstar E for 2002 - and is offering free servicing for three years on models sold before the end of March.

VAUXHALL is launching a wheelchair accessible minibus version of the Vivaro.

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has boosted the warranty arrangements for its van range.

A NEW online fleet management service for vans has been launched offering real-time updates on driver performance to cut vehicle running costs.