High cost of purchasing a low carbon van

According to a survey commissioned by the Department of Transport (DfT), the cost of buying a low carbon van is the main barrier to the slow take-up among commercial vehicle buyers.

Questionnaires were sent out by the Government department in the summer of last year, to owners of both low carbon and non-low carbon vans. The results were a little confusing, but some interesting results were found. It may be surprising to know that ignorance was not a contributory factor, as 65% of those owners with a non-low carbon vehicle revealed that they were aware of the ‘environmentally friendlier’ options.

The main reason for not buying a low-carbon van was reported as being the cost. 65% of those surveyed conveyed this as being the main deterrent. When quizzed as to what might be an incentive to review their opinions and switch to the ‘greener’ technology, reducing the cost of purchase came out on top, followed closely by reduced operating cost. Some people were also worried about the performance of these vehicles, including the reliability of components such as the battery life of electric vehicles.

Of course, what is being discussed is the purchase cost of the vehicles, which is always going be a little on the steep side. One of the best alternatives to purchasing a new van, is to examine the options for van leasing. There are many advantages to leasing, including lower monthly cost, and a trade-in for a new van at the end of the contract period. Leasing contracts also generally throw in the maintenance as part of the deal, and the beauty of this is that you will always have the latest technology at your fingertips.

Finally the survey reported no difference in the weekly distance travelled by those operating low carbon vans compared to other less environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Fiat introduce a new version of eco:Drive system for Commercial Van operators

The Fiat in-car system designed to help motorists with their fuel economy, thereby reducing carbon emissions, is about to make an impression in the van market, and ultimately the Fiat van leasing market.

The new eco:Drive system has proved popular for Fiat, attracting positive interest from approximately 34,000 motorists, who were able to provide information for over four million journeys. This information has been collated and analysed during a measured period of time, with the information stored on a dedicated website. The system has the ability to manage the mileage and fuel consumption retrospectively, and as a consequence, is able to offer suggestions on how to improve sustainable driving behavior for fleet van drivers.



This new feature is designed to be compatible with all Fiat commercial vehicles which use the Blue&Me platform, including the Grande Punto and Doblo Cargo vans.

The eco:Drive system optimizes fuel consumption and the safety of the van or car fleets by measuring the mileage data including distance, time, and fuel consumption. The resulting information is then displayed to drivers individually or collectively across the company. The database is automatically updated by this system, and includes information on management costs and the mileage count for each driver. The beauty of the whole system is that it can take the information stored and evaluate the driving behavior of an individual, and their impact on fuel consumption, and offer advice on how to become more ‘eco friendly’.

Fiat designed the system in 2008, with the aim of helping motorists understand the impact their driving habits had on the environment, particularly in relation to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With the information that they were able to gather, their intention was help their customers to change their bad driving habits. Fiat have claimed resounding success with this system, and estimate an approximate CO2 saving of 2,600 tonnes since its introduction to the market.

eco:Drive has received many international awards including Best Digital Technology (Guardian Innovation Award 2009), Best Use of Innovative Technology (CLIO Awards 2009), European Product Innovation Award (Frost&Sullivan 2009), Green Champion (International Green Apple Awards 2009) and Cyber Lyons – Grand Prix (Cannes Festival).

Andrew Humberstone, managing director of Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland, said: "Individual drivers making small savings can have a positive effect in reducing the overall fleet carbon footprint and generate significant costs savings across the business, and eco:Drive can help with this goal."

Free to download and use (www.fiat.com/ecodrive), eco:Drive Fleet is available for all Fiat vehicles (500, 500C, Punto Evo, Bravo, Qubo, new Doblò) and for Fiat Professional commercial vehicles equipped with the Blue&Me platform (Grand Punto Van, Fiorino and Doblò Cargo).

RAC iPhone App

The RAC, the UK’s longest established motoring organisation, have launched a FREE application for users of the Apple iPhone and the Google Android mobile phones.
The app accesses your device’s GPS to calculate your precise location. It shows a start and finish point of any congestion in your vicinity, which is overlaid onto Google Maps. The level of detail will give motorists the most precise and accurate view of live traffic conditions to the UK’s roads that is currently available on a mobile phone app. The app utilises up-to-the-minute traffic updates from Trafficlink, the UK’s leading provider of real time traffic information.
RAC's director of sales and marketing, Saj Arshad, told Pocket-lint: "RAC's first app is a natural companion for motorists who frequently feel thwarted by the growing problem of congestion on the UK's roads. Given the popularity of our Route Planner online, we know motorists trust RAC when it comes to all things motoring. We're delighted to build on this legacy with a free app to help motorists plan their journeys using live traffic information".
For more information on RAC’s mobile traffic app and to download the app for free, please visit the iTunes App Store or Android Market.

The New Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano…

Renault and Vauxhall are launching new versions of the Master and Movano which are due for release April/May 2010.

The new Master and new Movano aim to become the segment's benchmark for comfort thanks to a complete reappraisal of the driving position and controls, enhanced visibility and the availability of a raft of comfort-enhancing features normally associated with passenger cars.
They will be available in front- and rear-wheel drive with four wheelbase and three roof height options. Load space ranges from 8.0m3 to 17.0m3 with load lengths of 2,583mm to 4,383mm, payloads up to 2,260kg and gross vehicle weights of 2.8t, 3.3t, 3.5t and 4.5t. The UK models, however, will not include any 2.8-tonners.
Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combines strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.
Renault has already released a full price list and its entry level model, the front-wheel drive MM33 100hp Euro 4, has a basic price of £20,795. The range-topping rear-wheel drive LML45 150hp Euro 5 with twin rear wheels will set you back £29,345. A full line-up of Crew Vans are available from launch, which will coincide with the CV Operators Show at the NEC, Birmingham (13-15 April).

Electric Vans from Crusader!

Aixam Mega Electric
Crusader Vans is now able to offer an electric commercial vehicle, The Aixam Mega LWB Electric Van. With a load capacity of 3m3 and the ability to take normal sized pallets (despite its compact size) it is well suited to urban stop-start deliveries.
Mega Multitrucks are the UK’s market leading ultra-light commercial electric vehicles, with many users in large organisations such as local authorities, campus universities and research establishments, and on large-scale manufacturing sites.
All electric vehicles are exempt from the London Congestion Charge. They also qualify for free parking in some car parks and on the road locations. For business users, purchase of electric vehicles can attract a variety of grants.
Here are just a few benefits of owning a Mega electric vehicle:
• Low running costs
• Zero emissions
• Tax incentives for business users
• Road tax and London Congestion Charge exempt
• Silent in operation
• Nearly 100 per cent recyclable
The Aixam Mega Electric Van is available in white, blue or silver and comes with a 2 year warranty. Follow this link for more information on electric van leasing. It is recommended that batteries and all systems are checked out at 6 monthly intervals.

Funding Solutions for SME’s

It has been reported that over 1 million vehicles will be registered to fleet and leasing companies this year. Fleet managers, especially those in small and medium sized businesses will be looking to secure finance for their new vehicles. However it appears they will be facing a tough battle, with underwriting criteria still very strict and funders such as Lombard and Hitachi Capital Solutions both pulling out of the broker market altogether.

The BVRLA is hopeful that its members will catch more of the small fleet business. “The SME market has traditionally lagged behind other business sectors in its use of vehicle leasing but we think this could change in 2010. Some of our leasing broker members have reported record levels of SME business in recent months. As some small and medium businesses struggle to access enough affordable finance from their existing lenders they may well turn to leasing” said John Lewis BVRLA chief executive.

Here at Crusader Vans not only do we have the backing from the BVRLA as an appointed leasing broker but we also have several different funding options including ING, Commercial Vehicle Finance, LEX Autolease, Lombard and Arval PHH. Give one of our experienced sales team a call to discuss the different funding options available on Free Phone 0800 955 5055.

Crusader Vans in the Daily Star!

Here at Crusader Vans we are always looking for new ways to let our customers know that we have some of the very best offers around. Not only do we have some excellent funding rates starting from just 3.98% flat but we are one of the companies that actually carry our own stock.

Much of our time towards the back end of 2009 was spent analysing sales figures and crunching numbers to see exactly what we needed to do to maintain our excellent growth rate and of course one of the most important areas to concentrate on is the supply of physical units. At Cursader Vans, we pride ourselves on ordering enough stock to arrive at the right time to meet our customers needs. This, coupled with our excellent discounts, puts us firmly at the top of the tree when it comes to being able to supply the right van at the first time of asking.

We are so confident of our pricing and stock availability, we have put our hands into our pockets and placed a half page advert in todays Daily Star! Safe to say the phone hasnt stopped ringing!

If you want more information on anything in the advert or on a vehicle that you cant see, please give us a call as we are able to supply almost all makes and model of commercial vehicle. Call us now on Free Phone - 0800 955 5055!