The worst snowfalls for nearly two decades haven't made life on the roads easy – but if you have managed to slither and slide down the ungritted streets, it's well worth visiting your local van dealer.

OK, we know the economy is tough, and capital expenditure is probably the last thing on your mind – but now really is a very good time to buy a new van.

With all those new launches over the past 12 months, van makers have geared up for high demand. But of course, that demand hasn't materialised – and as a result, there are fields full of unsold Kangoos, Bippers and Movanos.

Hence the proliferation of 'van weeks', offering very decent discounts. And not just on run-out models – the latest vans are on sale too. Of course, manufacturers are trying to drive demand by limiting the time of the offers – but frankly, your local Peugeot or Renault dealer isn't going to say no if you ask for the special deal in a week's time.

If you're not in the market for a new van, the best advice is to look after your existing vehicle. Check out our advice centre for money-saving tips that will help you get the most out of your vehicle.

Talking of Kangoo, we've tested the new compact Renault this month – along with a new entrant to the van market – Hyundai's iLoad, whose return we told you about exclusively last year.

Mark Bursa - editor

Small business van operators win LEZ reprieve

London Mayor Boris Johnson has suspended the 2010 introduction of Phase 3 of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which would have affected vans, pick-ups and minibuses.

Large discounts on Peugeot vans

Peugeot is promising some extremely attractive price cuts and finance deals during its ‘Van Week' – provided vans are ordered for delivery by the end of March.

Fixed-price service contracts on new VW vans

Don't let service costs get out of control: fix them. Volkswagen is offering small businesses three-year fixed-cost service plans. Prices from £295. More here.

Low-cost finance from Citroën Contract Motoring

Keep your monthly payments to a minimum. Citroën's contract hire division has launched a new range of flexible finance packages – for both new and used vans.

No-cost van management for small businesses

TomTom WORK is now providing a no-cost fleet van management service. The sat-nav company has tied up with FleetCheck to give smaller operators more control.

Road test: Hyundai iLoad 2.5CRDi Comfort

Hyundai returns to the van market with the iLoad. It's an unusual rear-wheel drive van. But it's sturdy. And comes with Hyundai's impressive warranty.

Road test: Renault Kangoo Van 1.5D ML19 dCi85

The new Renault Kangoo outclasses old Kangoo for refinement, driver comfort, load-carrying ability and fuel economy. But is it the class of the field?

Save money – repair your van's windscreen

Don't waste money when a repair can do the job. Auto Windscreens' Chris Bonsall on windscreen repair – rather than replacement for operator savings.