Cenex – the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies – has released its new online tool, the Van Cost & Carbon Calculator, or VC3. The VC3 computes the economic and environmental performance of diesel, electric, gas and stop-start van technologies. It enables fleet decision-makers to assess the feasibility of incorporating new low carbon vans into their fleets.
“It is encouraging to see that the commercial vehicle market continued to grow in February with registrations up 19.5 per cent”, said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. February marked the tenth consecutive month of growth in the CV market – up to 40,491 units. Van demand sustained its upward trend and grew 17.9 per cent, and for the second month running, truck registrations increased 31.7 per cent to 2,518 units.
SMMT figures show that commercial vehicle registrations grew 19.5 per cent in February, with 40,491 vehicles registered so far this year. Both the truck and van sectors performed well; truck registrations continue to increase as demand sees steady return to form, up 31.7 per cent in February, while there was a sustained strong performance from the van market, which rose by 19.5 per cent in the month.
Aeolus Tyre reports it will exhibit at next month’s motortech Automechanika show in Madrid, Spain. Its key focus will be the ACE2 range, however the tyre maker says it will also promote its full passenger car tyre range there as well as provide extensive information on its 2015 marketing programme.
Leading vehicle remarketing company, British Car Auctions (BCA), is reporting record average values for commercial vehicles in August 2014. Following news from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) that new car sales continue to rise, this new data illustrates that confidence is equally strong in the commercial sector as Duncan Ward BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles explained:
“Sales of commercial vehicles continued to increase in July with registrations up 25.8 per cent”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s van and truck registration figures.
The RAC report it is launching its first mobile electric charging system at GreenFleet Scotland to cater for the UK’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market which now consists of more than 9,000 vehicles. A standard RAC diesel VW Transporter van has been fully equipped with an Evrescue, totally portable fast charging unit which can deliver around 15 miles of range to a stricken electric vehicle in less than half an hour. Equivalent to a ‘gallon of electricity’, the RAC believes this should be sufficient to get the driver safely on their way home or to the nearest charging point.
The RAC is making a call for better awareness and has joined forces with the Sleep Apnoea Partnership Group to alert drivers to the issue and the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel.
The SMMT has revealed that total UK commercial vehicle registrations grew by17.5 per cent in February to 13,320 with the rolling year figure up 15.1 per cent to 330,283. Van sales drove the CV growth with a strong February performance. A 28.2 per cent rise in the month to 11,731 registrations boosted the rolling 12 months by 13.8 per cent.
The Proxes T1 Sport SUV is designed to balance motorway stability with handling on both wet and dry surfaces and is a tyre that has been created specifically for the high load and speed demands of the current crop of ultra-high performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Featuring a tread pattern and compound that offers exceptional road-holding characteristics and highly effective water dispersal, the T1 Sport SUV is truly a tyre for those in a hurry.
Yesterday the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders released its commercial vehicle market registration figures for February 2014, commenting that growth during the month was powered by strength in the van segment. Total commercial vehicle registrations in the UK grew 17.5 per cent in February to 13,320, rolling 15.1 per cent year up to 330,283. A 28.2 per cent year-on-year rise in van registrations to 11,731 registrations boosted the rolling 12 months by 13.8 per cent. The Euro-6-induced dip in truck volumes continued in February but the rate of decline slowed from January’s 37 per cent drop. The 12 months to February remained 22.4 per cent higher.
Wheelmaker Uniwheel has released a new Rial-brand alloy wheel aimed leisure vehicles, vans and small trucks. Available in five and six spoke designs, the Transporter (as it is known) is available in a “polar-silver” finish in a variety of 15 – 17 inch sizes.
Demand for new commercial vehicles within the European Union increased in January for the fifth consecutive month. Total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 4.7 per cent and totalled 132,503 units. Growth was sustained across the van, truck and heavy truck segments, while the market for new buses and coaches contracted. Out of the most significant markets, Spain recorded the highest upturn, with registrations rising 44.9 per cent year-on-year. Italy posted 12.2 per cent growth while demand in the UK rose 5.3 per cent despite a sharp year-on-year decline in truck and heavy truck registrations. Registrations in Germany rose 3.0 per cent. France was the only major market recording a decline, with registrations down 5.1 per cent year-on-year.
New research published by Direct Line for Business, reveals the A-team’s classic GMC Vandura is the nation’s favourite van. Despite the cult TV show ending in 1987 the A-team van has become an enduring pop culture icon capturing 43 percent of the vote. Thousands of Britons voted the iconic black and metallic grey vehicle with is characteristic red stripe, driven by Sergeant Bosco Albert “B.A” Baracus played by Mr T, in the show as their favourite.
Direct Line for Business (DL4B) has officially launched DrivePlus Van, its new telematics App for van drivers that is free to download. Immediately available on both iPhone, iOS 6 and above, and Android 2.2 Froyo or later, the App enables van drivers to monitor driving behaviours, with the potential to save money on their insurance.
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