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Showing posts from March, 2019

Brexit. What does it mean for Van Business Owners?

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The exit of Britain from the EU is a matter that has raised all kinds of debates across the globe. After the referendum vote on 23rd June for Brexit, it is expected that various industries would start to feel the impacts. Van business owners have several concerns when it comes to investing in vehicles while the UK is about to leave the EU in the next two years. There are different scenarios to consider regarding the impact that Brexit will have on the transport business and what options are available. It is not evidently clear, though, and most of these are educated analyses. Van Prices As the UK prepares their exit, negotiations need to be made with the EU trading bloc. Goods exportation and importation are some of the frameworks that will have to be considered. One of the advantages that the EU offers is a tariff-free internal market. It is also the largest export market. Britain leaving will have an effect on car manufacturers that have their business in the...

Experts try to define 'safe' for a self-driving vehicle

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A panel of experts highlighted the need for the autonomous vehicle industry to take a proactive approach to defining safety and educating the public about the technology and its potential to save lives.  “This is the biggest barrier from going where we are today to commercialization,” said Amnon Shashua, president and CEO of Mobileye, an Intel company that focuses on driver assistance tech. “If we don’t solve it, we won’t see any commercial deployment.” Earlier this week, a group of public and private organizations announced the development of a coalition called Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE). The first-of-its kind campaign aims to inform public and policymakers about advanced vehicle technologies and self-driving vehicles.  “It doesn’t take legislation for industry groups to come together, “ said Debbie Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “PAVE is a big tent focus on education.” Consumers aren’t just scared of ...

Why Vans are an Ideal Mode of Transport for Extreme Sports

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As an extreme sports athlete, you are probably looking forward to a memorable sporting holiday. Getting the right car to carry your sports equipment is very important. The perfect car should be the one that will simplify the process of transporting the items to the specified location with much ease. Vans are an important mode of transportation for people carrying large equipment. Acquiring a van for transporting extreme sports equipment may require you to do some modifications. It is necessary so that the van can easily and comfortably accommodate the equipment. They not only give you adequate space to carry your items but also offer a comfy space to sleep if you are staying overnight. Three factors to consider before purchasing a van for transporting extreme sports equipment 1. The size of the van you need While choosing the ideal size of the van, you need to deliberately consider the type of sports equipment you will be transporting. For equ...

You Don’t Drive a Minivan? You Should. Here’s Why.

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We often shun the ones that can help our lives the most. Maybe out of pride. Perhaps ignorance. Many of us are looking for good solid family material, yet reject prospects that are committed and generous. I am, of course, talking about minivans. If you want to know more about dating, I suggest the Modern Love column. But whether you’ve outgrown your youthful dalliances with high-maintenance coupes or you’ve always been a practical-minded hatchback owner who is now ready for true commitment, a minivan might be the ultimate symbol of adulthood. And let me tell you, as a guy who drives nearly 100 different vehicles a year, I’ll testify that minivans are magical for simplifying life. But minivans are becoming harder to find. Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan and Mazda have all abandoned the segment because of sagging sales. Blame sport utility vehicles and crossovers. Chevrolet alone will have six of them in its stable once the 2019 Blazer hits showrooms....

Chinese commercial vehicle market expected to continue softening through 2022

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Trucks designed to haul freight on highways are becoming much more sophisticated in China. Thanks to standardization, trucks now have the ability to do drop and hook, according to Perkins. Trucks are also being upgraded to more modern emissions systems.  “Right now, the heavy-duty truck portion of the market is continuing to go through what I would call an industry reshuffling,” Perkins said. “You can break heavy-duty trucks into two segments –  the freight-hauling trucks and the trucks that support infrastructure, primarily dump trucks. You can also split the market between straight trucks and tractor-trailers. The freight side has been [dominated by] straight trucks and is transitioning to tractor-trailers.” Trucks designed to haul freight on highways are becoming much more sophisticated in China. Thanks to standardization, trucks now have the ability to do drop and hook, according to Perkins. Trucks are also being upgraded to more modern emissions system...

Why Buy A Van?

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To have or not to have a van, that is a question?” I apologies for paraphrasing that monument of English literature that Shakespeare is but that may be a question you are considering when thinking about buying a van. Here are a few ideas to convince you to buy a van. Starting your own business. Having a van is one of recognition signs of business owners. From the building company to the courier company, vans are essential for many activities. Whether you need one to carry supplies or products a van can be of a great help as your business grows. You could also consider making and delivering sandwiches for other companies what about creating your own burrito van or your wheeled pub or café. Having a big family When you have more than 3 children you need to invest in a van, that’s a necessity. Yes forget about the estate you loved to drive or your powerful 4x4, vans are your only solution. Moving Home and Home Improvement The most traditional use of the m...

10 Top Tips For Van Fuel Economy

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Petrol is an expensive commodity in today’s world. However, there are many simple steps that van drivers can take to reduce their fuel consumption and save money. Here are ten of the best tips for van drivers. Keep tyres well inflated Making sure that your tyres are at the correct pressure is one of the most efficient ways to save fuel. Tyres that are under inflated will increase your van’s fuel consumption by as much as 3%. Check your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressures by reading the instruction manual or check the figures on the driver’s door. Carry out a check every two weeks and use the air machine at your local garage or purchase your own tyre inflator.  Drive at a steady speed Avoiding sudden braking helps to conserve fuel and makes the ride smoother for any passengers. Where there are speed bumps or sleeping policeman aim to drive at a steady 15 to 20 mph. Read the road ahead Good anticipation when driving your van can also help to save fu...

10 Differences Between Driving a Car and a Van

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  Want to transition from driving a car to driving a van? Here are 10 ways in which you might find the experiences to be different. 1. Taxes Higher rates of tax are associated with driving larger vehicles. If you drive your van for commercial purposes, you can claim tax back on the miles that you drove for business purposes. 2. Speed limits Residential area and motorway speed limits are the same for both cars and vans. On single and dual carriageways, however, the speed limit for vans is lower than that for a car (50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways). 3. No rear view window Most vans do not have a rear view window, so you will need to make good use of your windows to check on traffic coming up from behind. 4. No central rear view mirror Unlike cars, vans usually are not equipped with central rear view mirrors. Again, this makes your side mirrors much more important when you are driving a van. 5. The need for extra care with bridg...

10 Things to have in your car during winter

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There’s a saying that nothing is quite as bad as it seems as long as you’re prepared for it. When winter approaches, it would be wise to keep those words in mind. Prepare yourself and your car for a winter emergency with these 10 items. A spare phone Mobiles are in the habit of letting you down when you most need them. To avoid this glitch, keep a burner phone in the glove compartment. In case of an emergency, you can phone a loved one or 911. Blankets It’s bad enough to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, but to be stuck in the middle of nowhere and being cold is even worse. Keeping two or three blankets in the car will ensure warmth for yourself and your passengers. You might want to keep some gloves too.  Food and water Keep a few bottles of water on hand and a box of breakfast bars. Breakfast bars are rich in protein and will keep hunger at bay while keeping up your strength. You also might want to keep a packet of nuts or raisins. First aid kit ...

The 6 Best Cargo Vans For Your Business

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Picking the right cargo van can be harder than you think. Although there aren't many models available, they each look surprisingly similar on paper, and it's not like there are many reviews dedicated to finding the right cargo van for business needs. Fortunately, we've listed today's six best cargo vans, and we've explained the various configurations and optimal uses of each van in basic language to make it as easy as possible to understand. Ford Transit The Ford Transit is the latest full-size cargo van to join the U.S. market, replacing Ford's outdated E-Series for the 2015 model year. Two versions are available: a regular wheelbase and a long wheelbase, with long-wheelbase models offering standard or extended length options. The Transit is also available in high-roof form for an impressive 81.5 inches of interior cargo height -- the best figure in the cargo van segment. As for engines, the Transit offers three: a 3.7-liter V6 with 266 horsep...

Should I Sign Write My Van?

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Your van is a big investment for your business and you want to make the most of it by maximising the space inside and grabbing any marketing opportunities with both hands. If you think of it as a blank canvas, your van is ideally suited to becoming a moveable advertising hoarding that goes wherever you go. By signwriting it with your company name, logo and contact details, it can spread publicity for your business easily. Branding your van is a big decision and you should consider the pros and cons before you give the green light. ADVANTAGES OF SIGN WRITING YOUR VAN As a business owner, you might question the return on investment you'll get by adding writing and graphics to your van. There are definitely some key benefits to having your van signwritten. Low Cost Advertising The size of your van, the complexity of your design and type of signwriting will determine how much it will cost. The average cost of signwriting one vehicle is £300 + VAT. Let's...

What to Do if Your Van Heating is Blowing Cold Air

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It can be a huge problem if your van's heating is not working - especially during the cold month. Before we check the potential reasons why your van heating could be blowing cold air, it's essential that you first understand how a heating and ventilation system works. Basic problems in Van heating There 2 ways in which a van heater could fail: 1) The coolant is not circulating well enough to reach the heater core. 2) The air from the blower is not coming from the heater core. Reasons behind this Van heating failure • The coolant may not be enough • Heating core could be faulty • The heating controls could be clogged or broken • Leaking water • Thermostats problems Unfortunately, unless you are a qualified mechanic, it won't be easy for you to diagnose one of the above possible reasons for failure. What can you do? Check the coolant levels; the van uses 50% water and 50% antifreeze, especially during summer. However, in the winter time whe...

Business Van Buying or Leasing – which is best for your small business?

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A van is a chief investment for your business, and finding one that best fits and suits you is of utmost importance. Searching and sifting through the countless options, can feel like a nightmare. And with so many sellers in the market fighting to gain your attention, it can turn out to be a whole lot tricky and murky to utterly cut through the upsell, bearing in mind of all the offers and payment plans, that might prove to be a lot to get to grips with. All in all, in broad terms, you have got two options when it comes to choosing a new van: buying or leasing. So, primarily how do the two differ, and which option forms the best fit for your business? First, let’s take a subtle look at the differences between the two Buying a Van Buying a van for business use, in blunt terms makes it yours. This venture brings in a vast array of benefits, but the standing order remains that you’ll need to buy it outright, or, you can alternatively, fund its purch...