In the car industry, you know you’re through the worst of winter when the Geneva Motor Show comes around. It’s supposed to be a car show – but it’s perhaps a sign of the times that some of the most interesting new vehicles on show were vans – well, sort of! They had to be disguised as cars – so we got a look at passenger-carrying versions of the new Nissan NV200, the Ford Ranger and the facelifted Transit Connect.

Interesting stuff – the NV200 will be popular in some quarters, as it’s really a spiritual successor to the original Nissan Vanette – the ‘in-between’ sized panel van that suited a lot of businesses. It’ll be interesting to see if the same concept takes off today.

Meanwhile Ford is getting busy – the new Ranger looks a lot more exciting than the previous one, and Ford hasn’t just focused on the leisure pick-up sector. Three different cab designs should suit a lot of business users too. And there’s a new Fiesta – which comes in the now-customary ‘sport’ trim as well.

Closer to home, we’ve some alarming crime statistics from Direct Line. Around 185,000 vans were broken into last year – and more alarmingly, far too few van owners take adequate protection to help prevent this. Many respondents were under-insured, didn’t fit an alarm or an immobiliser, or didn’t take valuable tools and equipment out of the van overnight. An astonishing 16% left their vans unlocked!

Losing your gear – or worse, losing your van – is the last thing anyone needs right now. Read the article – and if you’re not fully protected, do something about it. You know it makes sense!

Mark Bursa - editor

Twenty-one vans broken into every hour

More than half a million vans have been broken into over the past three years, according to research from Direct Line for Business insurers.

New Ford Fiesta Van starts at £9k

Ford’s new hatchvan looks a very competitive entry in an increasingly crowded market sector. It has a choice of three engines and three trim levels - including SportVan.

Class-leading load space for new Nissan NV200

Nissan’s all-new Nissan NV200 compact panel van boasts best in class load space. It goes on sale this autumn and replaces the Kubistar in the Nissan range.

New Ford Ranger heads the Geneva show parade

The new Ford Ranger pick-up made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, one of a number of new vans, including the NV200 and a Transit Connect facelift.

Watch out! You might need a tacho

New EU rules will mean van operators will have to fit digital tachograph adaptors when their use with a trailer takes the combination over a GTW of 3.5 tonnes.

Road test: Renault Kangoo Compact

The new Renault Kangoo comes in two lengths – this month we’re testing the all-new short-wheelbase version. How does it rate against rival new minivans?

Check your weight

Overweight vehicles, including overloaded vans, are a danger to other road users. Offenders could face fines of up to £5,000, says Masterlease’s Eddie Parker.

Buy the right racking for your van

Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest add-ons – instead make sure internal and external racking is durable – and fit for purpose, says Scott Finding from Trukrax.