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When it comes to a new van, the first time you drive it can be pretty intimidating; for your safety, confidence and peace of mind, we have put together a short guide for novice van drivers…

1. Most new van drivers are accustomed to the handling of smaller vehicles, which usually require shorter braking distances. This is something you need to consider when driving a van, particularly if you have heavy cargo.

2. Compared to other autos, vans are wider and taller, so you need to be aware of clearances as you travel under bridges or overhangs to avoid getting stuck.

3. Before you drive, always check the tyres, oil and fuel lights for your safety.

4. Many van drivers embark on long haul trips regularly, especially when part of a business. This can be stressful and exhausting, so to dodge the backaches and other pains, learn how to be comfortable in the drivers seat and maintain posture.

5. When it comes to loading the van, you should always put heavy or solid items down first, followed by lighter items later. Taller objects are likely to fall during transport, so tie them up to avoid an unwanted mess when you reach your destination.

6. One last task before you hit the road; lock the doors! The last thing you want is your cargo spilling all over the road.

Successful van driving is best done at a leisurely pace, good luck.

Recent research into light commercial vehicle sale has indicated that over the next 3 years demand is likely to increase by as much as 8% this will be largely due to an increase in the freight, logistics and post sectors.

The current research also suggests that companies are now choosing more fuel efficient vehicles in a bid to save on running costs coupled with driver training to encourage better driving habits and reduce fuel consumption, typically up to 15% fuel consumption improvements can be achieved.

Ford has announced that the all new Transit Connect will be launched late 2013. The Transit Connect ECOnetic will achieve a fuel efficiency of 70.6mpg, offering a 34 per cent improvement on the current model, and reducing fuel costs by up to £1,600 compared with key class rivals over an ownership period of four years.

The Transit Connect will be the first Ford van to be equipped with an award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, providing class-leading petrol fuel economy of 50.4mpg and 129g/kg CO2 emissions.

The van also offers a 4.9 per cent improvement on residual values compared to the equivalent outgoing model.

The Transit Connect ECOnetic has been carefully optimised to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, featuring a comprehensive range of Ford’s latest ultra-low CO2 technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter and Smart Regenerative Charging.

Other measures to further improve efficiency include optimised gearing with a 4.0 per cent longer final drive ratio and the fitment of a fixed 62 mph speed limiter (with other fixed and switchable speed limiters available as options).

Stephen Lesh, chief program engineer of Transit Connect, said “Van operators are always looking to economise, and the all-new Transit Connect takes a huge step forward in cutting fuel costs, with class-leading performance from both diesel and petrol powertrains, we’re confident that the all-new Transit Connect van will be welcomed by small businesses and larger fleets alike.”

Deliveries of the all new vans are scheduled for the end of 2013.

See our Transit Connect Prices Here

Wincor Nixdorf has just taken delivery of fifty New Citroen Dispatch Enterprise vans replacing some of their larger van fleet.

In a move which will see them make significant savings in fuel and associated running costs.

Wincor Nixdorfs service engineers are expected to cover over 100.000 miles in the vans and with Air-conditioning, Blue-tooth and Rear parking sensors as standard on the Dispatch Enterprise model you can be sure that they will arrive at their destination refreshed and ready for work.

Great savings on Dispatch Enterprise vans here!

Asda has recently been accredited by the FTA’s Van Excellence scheme, an industry-led initiative that aims to:

- enhance standards of van operator compliance
- celebrate operators who demonstrate excellence
- represent the interests of the van industry

The FTA have worked with the UK’s best van operators to develop the Van Excellence Code which sets demanding, but acceptable van operation standards.

Asda, which operates a home delivery fleet of more than 1,800 LGVs, recognises the importance of high van operation standards when delivering to customers on a day to day basis.

Sean Clifton (national home shopping fleet manager at Asda) said: "We’re extremely pleased that the FTA has recognised, through its Van Excellence accreditation scheme, that our appetite for high standards across not just service, but safety and compliance, is being replicated across our entire home delivery fleet.”

Check out our fantastic van prices here

Citroën Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay LCVs had a record start to 2014 with sales up 21.33% on those of January 2013.

Last month Citroën took third place in the LCV sales chart, with 1,974 registrations, to take a 10.89% market share – the highest market share figure yet recorded by the brand in the sub-3.5 tonne GVW sector.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), also show that Citroën LCV registrations increased well above the month-on-month total market increase of 12.92% achieved in the sub-3.5 tonne GVW sector.

Scott Michael, Citroën head of commercial vehicles and business centre programme, said: "I am delighted that the Citroën LCV range has taken third place in the LCV sales chart with a best-ever market share of 10.89%.

"I am also pleased to see that all four Citroën LCV models have performed well, illustrating just how comprehensively our range meets customer needs. The Berlingo merits a special mention as this, our best-selling LCV model, has again outsold its high-cube competitors by a substantial margin.

"All our dealers have to be congratulated on their success in boosting Citroën’s January LCV sales, as do our business centres, who continue to increase the company’s business with small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This, when combined with our substantial uplift into large national fleets, has led to this record breaking result."

source - http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2014/2/7/citro%C3%ABn-vans-post-record-january-sales/49542/

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