About Chris Wright

Chris Wright has been covering the automotive industry nationally and internationally for 30 years. Following spells with consumer titles he became News Editor of Automotive Management (AM), Editor of Automotive International, International Editor for Detroit-based Automotive News, and Editor of Dealer Update. He has also co-authored several FT Management Reports and contributes regularly to Justauto.com

Rightcharge and M-B Vans collaborate to make it easier for businesses to transition to electric

By |2024-03-05T11:26:32+00:00March 5th, 2024|Van News|

The agreement demonstrates a mutual commitment to supporting electric fleets. Both companies are set to release exciting new products in 2024. Mercedes will introduce a wealth of new products, including new large and midsize vans, while Rightcharge is set to launch its own electric fuel card and fleet management solution.

Van market delivers best February performance since 1998

By |2024-03-05T11:21:01+00:00March 5th, 2024|Van News|

With each manufacturer now mandated to achieve a minimum proportion of zero emission registrations every year, February saw a decline in registrations of battery electric vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, falling by 119 units to 847 units, and taking a 4.7% market share, down from 5.5% a year ago. Maintaining existing purchase incentives and ensuring charge point rollout – including van-specific charging infrastructure – will be essential to help raise demand to the level needed to deliver net zero rapidly.

Fleets should redouble efforts on drug-driving

By |2024-03-04T14:24:35+00:00March 4th, 2024|Van management, Van News|

There is a perception among some fleets that prescribed medication was more of a problem than illegal drugs when it came driving, but that these latest reports suggested this is not necessarily the case. There is an assumption by some employers that use of illegal drugs among drivers is very limited but there are increasing signs this maybe untrue. It appears that legal drugs prescribed for medical use and those taken for recreational purposes are both potential issues.

Carbon reporting becoming bigger part of fleet management

By |2024-03-04T13:58:26+00:00March 4th, 2024|Van management, Van News|

Carbon reporting so far tended to affect larger and often multi-national fleets but there are signs that the measures would affect more businesses over time, not just on a potential statutory basis, but because larger customers were increasingly demanding it from a supply chain compliance point of view.

FM Conway ramps up their electric fleet with Herd Zero

By |2024-03-04T13:31:10+00:00March 4th, 2024|Van News|

The latest initiative is part of the company’s commitment to switching 50% of their 1.5ft vehicles to fully electric by 2025 with the goal of changing all 1.5t vehicles to electric in the future. The 12 new Renault Kangoo E-Tech’s will be used in London boroughs. Supporting the reduction of harmful emissions and helping to enhance the air quality in London.

New marketing tool lets fleets add special offers to promote disposals

By |2024-02-15T08:45:38+00:00February 15th, 2024|Van management, Van News|

Campaign Manager can be used to apply a range of incentives to remarketed vehicles, such as low-interest stocking loans and free delivery. It has been added to the company’s 1link Disposal Network platform, which has been used by fleets to sell more than 500,000 cars, vans and trucks since its launch in 2005.

HMRC to tax double cab pick-ups as cars

By |2024-02-13T17:16:14+00:00February 13th, 2024|Archive|

From July, double-cab pick-ups will be considered cars as they don’t have a primarily commercial function. Professional Pick-up said the changes will be significant - a driver using a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 as a company vehicle will, if taking delivery after 1 July 2024, face a company car tax bill of around £290 a month, rising to around £580 a month for a higher rate taxpayer — an increase of 340% over the existing figures.

DriverCheck appoints new account manager as expansion continues

By |2024-02-12T09:54:40+00:00February 12th, 2024|Driving licences, Van management, Van News|

Reporting into Managing Director Yvette Giannini, Greenaway’s appointment is the latest in a series of new announcements at DriverCheck, the most recent of which was the promotion of Giannini herself to the position of MD. The company had an outstanding year last year and results show sales growth of almost 10%, with a further 26,500 drivers added across the 1,200-plus client portfolio.

New package combines cost certainty of leasing with rental flexibility

By |2024-02-12T09:45:52+00:00February 12th, 2024|Van management, Van News|

Offered as part of Europcar’s Long-Term Van Hire solutions, the new solution can be applied to any of the van fleet including short and long wheel base, Chapter 8 vehicles, crew cabs and specialist bodied vehicles. It also provides the option for variable mileage requirements and includes free delivery & collection to business or home addresses.

Duck the charge: Can van drivers save by avoiding toll roads?

By |2024-02-08T11:03:27+00:00February 8th, 2024|Van management, Van News|

Despite toll roads making up a small fraction of the 187,200-mile English road network, they significantly impact the 3.8 million van drivers regularly crossing the country. However, the impact isn't always negative, as some alternative routes can be pricier due to the additional mileage.

Quoted van insurance premiums soar in 2023

By |2024-02-06T11:38:55+00:00February 6th, 2024|Van Insurance, Van News|

Data shows that in December 2023, the quoted premium for a new van insurance policy most commonly fell between £500 and £999, with 36% of quotes falling within this range. Quoted van insurance premiums are being pushed higher by the rising cost of claims which is being driven in turn by the cost of sourcing replacement parts and carrying out repairs, Consumer Intelligence says.

LCV demand enters second year of growth

By |2024-02-06T11:19:38+00:00February 6th, 2024|Van News|

While the largest vans continue to be the most popular, registrations fell by 4.5% to 14,839 vehicles – still representing more than six in 10 (61.9%) of all new vans. Pickup and 4×4 uptake also increased, up 18.2% and 62.4% to 3,002 and 729 vehicles respectively, while registrations of the smallest vans dropped by a fifth (19.8%) to just 352 units.

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