It’s a buyer’s market right now. The van market slumped by 48% in March, according to official figures, so it’s no surprise to see some of those short-term ‘van week’ discounts back in the showrooms again.

Up to seven grand off a Citroen Relay is not to be sniffed at – and if your business has the cash-flow to sustain a new purchase, now’s the time to do it. And if you haven’t got the cash, remember that some of the manufacturers – like Volkswagen – have their own in-house ‘banks’ so credit is available. Three hundred a month for a Crafter on contract hire is a decent deal right now – again, shop around.

It’s also interesting to see the daily rental companies getting in on the act too. Longer-term rental is growing in popularity, according to TLS Vehicle Rental. It’s more expensive than contract hire, but as a no-commitment, pay-as-you-go option it might suit a lot of businesses right now.

Another option in austere times is downsizing – and we’re bringing you details of two very different new small vans this month. We’ve got an exclusive first test of the new Ford Fiesta – in two flavours, including SportVan – and for a more extreme measure, trade in your Tranny for - a Piaggio Ape!

Yes, the three-wheeler scooter-based van is back in the UK. And while it might not be the thing for a motorway courier, it could be just the thing to attract attention to your business around town.

And with a diesel engine it’s extremely frugal too, which is just as well as the Chancellor has delivered LCV users another kick in the teeth with a diesel duty increase from 01 April. Mr Darling, wake up – you need to cut duty to stimulate the economy, instead of bleeding small businesses dry.

Mark Bursa - editor

Discounts continue as market stays down

Van makers continue to offer deals to lure buyers back into the showrooms. Citroen is offering discounts up to £7,100, while VW has extended its finance offers.

Go Ape with scooter-based vans!

The three-wheeled Ape urban van is being relaunched by Piaggio with a choice of body styles: Panel Van, Pick Up and Tipper - and a price tag starting at just £3595.

Average length of van rental grows

The average length of van rental is going up by 25% during the recession as buyers opt for a no-commitment alternative to leasing, according to TLS Vehicle Rental.

Land Rover ‘Ute’ is now a van, not a car

Land Rover has reclassified the Defender 110 Station Wagon with Utility Pack as a Light Commercial Vehicle, which means VAT, VED and van tax savings.

Hyundai Crew Van available on special order

A Hyundai Crew Van is available on special order as part of the recently launched iLoad panel van range. It can seat six and carry 2.5cu m of goods.

Road test: New Ford Fiesta

We’ve been driving the all-new Ford Fiesta ‘hatchvan’ - and in two trim ‘flavours’ – mid-market Trend and top-line SportVan. How does it stack up against the likes of Corsa and 207? For the Trend test click here…

…and for the SportVan test click here

Avoid tailgating and cut down on costs

Rear-end shunts make up 10% of accident claims and 15% of costs for company vans, and tailgating is a factor in one in three injury accidents on motorways.

Photocard driving licence warning

The photocard licence is only valid for 10 years – so you could be unknowingly breaking the law. If you’re caught you could face a £1000 fine, says law firm Stephensons.