Scrapping Severn tolls would be a welcome shot in the arm for business, says the Freight Transport Association. The tolls on the Severn bridges are an unfair burden on both businesses and commuters and must be scrapped as soon as possible, said the FTA after it was revealed the Liberal Democrats’ UK wide ‘Pre-Manifesto’ will contain a commitment to scrap the tolls at the next Parliament. Ian … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Dangers & benefits of technology not appreciated by drivers
Fleets and drivers have shown contrasting views towards telephones and technology in modern vehicles. Drivers are underplaying the dangers of chatting on a mobile while driving, according to Warrantywise's latest survey. Only 9% saw chatting on a phone as dangerous while driving and viewed the most serious offence was drunk driving with 67% of respondents listing this top. Even ignoring … [Read more...]
EV sales accelerating says EU report
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have doubled annually in Europe since they were first marketed in 2010, reveals the electrification section of Transport and Environment Organisation’s cars and CO2 report. In 2013, provisional sales data from the European Environment Agency show that nearly 50,000 plug-in vehicles were sold, representing around 0.4% of all car sales in the EU. The top three … [Read more...]
Renault Zoe continues its charge even when stationary
Renault was the first manufacturer to offer a free domestic charging point with a new fully-electric car, and it looks like it could be the last. The French brand, currently celebrating a 60% year-on-year increase in sales, has moved quickly to reassure all new ZOE supermini owners that its free wall-box promotion, worth over £200, still stands, despite changing offers in the rest of the … [Read more...]
Journey of help crosses Europe and Asia
An all-new British-built Vauxall Vivaro has started a 12,000 mile road trip across Europe and Asia. The expedition, a fundraiser for the charity Help for Heroes, will see three former soldiers and crew including a mechanic and a medic embark on the journey of a lifetime in three Vivaro vans. The route from the assembly factory at Luton to Asia’s most easterly point will take in two … [Read more...]
VW Transporter Sportline diamond edition
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating 60 years of the Transporter in the UK with the launch of a new special edition model – the Sportline 60. The new model replaces the current Sportline and is available in short and long wheelbase forms as either a Kombi or panel van. Distinguished from the rest of the range, the striking exterior features unique 18-inch five-spoke Anthracite alloy … [Read more...]
Where there’s muck there’s money for Newport firm
Fast-growing waste management specialist GD Environmental Services is running its first examples from the all-new Mercedes-Benz Arocs truck range. The Newport-based operator has already commissioned two new trucks, a 26-tonne Arocs 2540L and an 18-tonne 1824K, from local Dealer Euro Commercials (South Wales). Two more – a second Arocs 2540L and a 32-tonne Arocs 3240K – are due to enter service … [Read more...]
Fleets will connect with technology to cut risks in future
British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association says technology will have a huge impact on the way the fleet industry chooses, operates and manages its vehicles. Findings from the Fleet Technology survey show that 45% of fleets consider themselves to be early adopters of new automotive technology. A further 47% would describe themselves as taking a cautious approach, while just 8% felt they were … [Read more...]
Vito van now with zero-APR option
The versatile Mercedes-Benz Vito is now available for the first time with 0% APR and a £500 finance deposit contribution. The Vito offer is available across all models, including: Panel van, which can house up to three Europallets; Dualiner, with room for up to six people and plenty of cargo; and Traveliner and Shuttle variants, with up to three rows of seats. Car-like to drive and compact … [Read more...]
What’s driving the UK insane?
A survey carried out by The Van Discount Company, revealed an alarming insight into the way in which people deal with road rage in the UK. The survey questioned 500 road users aged over 18 and looked at how road rage experiences differed across age, gender and the vehicles involved. The results showed that out of 54% of people who had experienced road rage in the last 12 months, 41% … [Read more...]