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.

Citroen LCV sales soar for September…

Figures published this week show that Citroen LCV have delivered one of there best ever September results, and have virtually matched its September 2008 LCV sales volume – finishing down just 0.31% in the month year on year; Just 9 registrations!

It has also been announced that 1 in 10 LCV’s sold in September were Citroen’s. With 9.74% share of the LCV market for the month, it would appear Citroen have had a pretty good month! Citroen commercial vehicles operation manager, Robert Handyside, commented “ The September sales figures demonstrate that Citroens overall LCV package is ultra competitive in today’s van market. Citroen has the UK’s most modern LCV range – with its associated fuel efficiency and emissions benefits - which puts the Company in an extremely strong position. “

Here at Crusader Vans we are able to offer fantastic discounts across the Citroen LCV range coupled with low finance rates starting from just 2.99% flat. Follow this link or give us a call on 0800 955 5055.

Hunt for The truth in Internet Van Sales.

Truth. It seems to be one of the hardest things to winkle out of anybody selling anything over the phone. Try asking for a definitive answer to the question “what is the actual price?” when you’re talking to someone about funding and buying a van on HP or lease.

My tip to you is always ask the price of the van. That way, you know how much you are funding. Let’s face it, why should you not know. The only reason somebody won’t tell you or will dance around the answer is because they don't want you to know. They don’t want you to know how much mark up or commission or fees or charges they are making out of you on top of the advertised headline “Internet exclusive” price.

A decent and professional company will always give it to you straight and answer any question you’ve got. Seems to me that’s the difference with Crusader Vans. We will tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Now that can be a risky approach, because it can make us seem more expensive at first sight. It’s like headline cheap flights advertised in the papers. It’s only when you try to book the flight that you find out the £30 ticket is just one way and doesn’t include taxes, airport landing fees, meals, baggage allowance, the seat, the plane, a pilot and the fuel!

When it comes down to it, dig around and get answers to your questions and you may actually find that what seems like the cheapest headline deal isn’t as kosher as you thought because of hidden balloons and terminal payments. And don’t be fooled by those words Balloon and Terminal payment. They mean the same thing - you will wind up owing somebody some money no matter how you cut it. Anybody who says you don't is as informed and reliable as a cheap watch.

So hunt for the truth in Internet van sales. Get answers to all your questions before you commit yourself to a deal that seems too good to be true – because it probably isn’t.

Keith @ Crusader Vans

New Iveco Daily Van - Cheapest Leasing Prices!

The Iveco Daily panel van has always enjoyed a reputation as a strong, heavy-duty workhorse but lacking in finesse in terms of styling, comfort & ergonomics.

The New Iveco Daily Panel Van has been completely revised with modern styling and an entirely re-worked cab. It also boasts a range of diesel engines that any manufacturer would be proud to have in their line-up.

The verdict from ‘What Van’ magazine states ‘The Iveco Daily has come of age & will soon find many new friends. It not only picked up the large panel van award for 2007, it also was also awarded the converted Van of the Year accolade’.

With the current dip in the market and Crusader Vans huge buying power, we can safely say that we have some of the best monthly prices on the New Iveco Daily van leasing in the UK. We also have a large range of Iveco vans in stock for a quick delivery turnaround. Prices are available from as low as £235 per month or just £59 per week.

To find out more on the Iveco Daily, please give us a call in the office and ask for Shane on 01435 865494 or take a look at the following link www.crusadervans.co.uk/iveco-van-leasing.htm

Reasons why now is a good time to lease a new van

I was asked the question the other day, why should I lease a van now in these hard economical times? Well the answer to that is that it is a buyers market out there.

One of the key factors is the abundance of overage stock available within the market place. Many of the major manufacturers have over ordered on stock when times were good and now have far more vehicles than they can sell. As a consequence, rising holding costs and fewer buyers mean that deals must be done and dealers are keen to do whatever it takes to get rid of stock. We are currently seeing an average saving of £500 on vehicles this year compared to last year as new and better discounts appear in an attempt to bring back consumer confidence.

The other major factor is the seriously low finance rates currently available. With the Bank of England base rate down at 0.5%, borrowing money has never been cheaper. We are currently able to offer rates as low as 3% flat on our popular finance lease deals over 3,4 & 5 years with European finance house ING Lease. This compares well when you look at finance rates a year ago which were running closer to 6%.

It’s important to remember that whatever rate you do get on your finance package, it will be fixed for the term of the agreement. If you can get a rate of 3% today it will be the same for say 3, 4 or 5 years. This means a huge saving can be made over any increase in interest rates in the future.

So with a vast range of product and low finance rates, there couldn’t be a better time to finance your new van. Have a look at our ‘Leasing Explained’ page for a guide on what finance products we have available and if you need any more info or even some finance figures please give Shane a call in our sales team. You can reach him on 01435 865494.