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 … [Read more...]
Newcomers
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Newslines
Vauxhall is preparing to add a second shift and increase output of Vivaro commercial vans nearly 50% at its factory in Luton. Vauxhall Managing Director Tim Tozer said Luton will hire about 400 workers and boost annual Vivaro output to 67,000 units from the current 45,000 units and currently exports half the vehicles it makes but Tozer said the ratio will … [Read more...]
