Category Archives: Vans In Business

News and information relating to the use and function of vans by UK businesses.

Mercedes-Benz Citan wins alarm deal as Merc’s small van gamble pays off

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Alsecure Mercedes-Benz Citan vanManchester-based security specialist Alsecure Group Ltd has joined a growing list of companies who are switching to the Mercedes-Benz Citan, justifying Merc’s decision to add a small van to its range.

Alsecure had previously avoided the German marque because of its lack of small van models, but the availability of the Citan has changed the picture and Alsecure recently replaced three older vehicles with new Citans.

The firm’s three new vans are all Citan 109 CDI crew vans. Supplied by local Dealer Roanza, they have replaced the people-carrier cars used previously by engineers who fit and maintain alarm and CCTV systems, and the like, for Alsecure’s electronics division.

“For a long time Mercedes-Benz vans were too big for our purposes,” recalled Managing Director Rob Barry. “But following the launch of the Citan small van a couple of years ago, the manufacturer now offers a vehicle which is much better suited to our application.”

Alsecure’s Citan crew vans are fitted with second rows of seats so each can carry a driver and up to four passengers, while their Extra-long body length means they also retain a useful load area.

The operator additionally specified its Citans with optional Driver’s Packs, which include electric folding door mirrors, centre armrests with stowage compartments, air-conditioning and Parktronic proximity sensors.

“We had a close look at the Citan, and Roanza let us try one out to see how it worked in our operation,” continued Mr Barry. “The crew van configuration is ideal for our operation, as we often have to carry teams of engineers as well as their tools and equipment.

“The fuel economy of the demonstrator was excellent too, while at every 24,000 miles the Citan’s service intervals are much longer than those of the vehicles we stood down. These factors, coupled with the reliability for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned, mean we’re looking forward to a significant reduction in overall running costs.”

The Citans will be serviced and maintained in Roanza’s Manchester workshop, which is open round-the-clock from 6am on Mondays to 7pm on Saturdays, as well as from 7am-7pm on Sundays.

“The fact that we can drop a vehicle off at the end of our working day and pick it up again next morning ready to go, is a huge benefit,” added Mr Barry.

Alsecure was established in 1968 and provides a wide range of guarding, key-holding and alarm response services, alongside electronic security measures, to customers across the UK.

Search and rescue Amarok uses eye in the sky to find missing persons

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Surrey Search & Rescue VW AmarokSurrey Search & Rescue (SurSAR) has updated its fleet with a new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up for use by the organisation’s Lowland Rescue Unit, which operates in England’s most densely wooded county.

Specialising in the rescue of missing people, SurSAR covers large areas of wilderness on a day-to-day basis, and required a vehicle that could perform on all terrains.

The Amarok was chosen thanks to its combination of innovative technology including ESP and off-road ABS, and an impressive load area of 2.5m2. This isn’t the first time the model has been chosen for its off-road rescue capability, either.

The Amarok has been converted to purpose for SurSAR’s search and rescue operations and is the first of its kind to be in active service in the UK. Working as SurSAR’s initial response vehicle, the Amarok carries essential medical equipment and is fitted with the latest GPS tracking technology.

The Amarok’s permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive system delivers optimal off-road performance and gives the team the ability to tackle steep gradients of up to 45° and power through water depths of up to half a metre.

The Amarok has also been equipped to work with the unit’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), better known as a drone. The rear of the Amarok is fitted with a fold-out monitor on which rescue workers can view a video feed from the unit’s UAV. This is fitted with cameras to enable the team to search the surrounding area for any changes in terrain or colour that might indicate a missing person.

In terrain with limited visibility, being able to zoom in on the search area from above could save hours of searching — and potentially save lives.

Scottish island airport chooses Nissan Navara for extreme conditions

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Inverness Airport Nissan Navara

Inverness Airport’s new Nissan Navara fire command vehicle alongside the airport’s 32-tonne airport fire appliance

If you drove 2,000 miles a month, you’d probably expect to be covering some distance away from your home or work. But Stornoway Airport’s new Nissan Navara covers this distance every month without leaving the airport site.

The main reason for this is that the specially-equipped pick-up acts as a mobile bird scarer, fitted with high-powered external speakers, that’s used to clear huge colonies of birds away from the runway at Stornway Airport, which is on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Herbrides.

The truck is part of a diverse 100-strong fleet operated by Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd, which is responsbie for operating most of the airports scattered across the Scottish Highlands, Northern Isles and Western Isles.

Another recently-purchased Navara has been kitted out as a specialist fire command vehicle – complete with blue light pack and ground to tower radio system – and is now in operation with highly trained firefighters at Inverness Airport.

Paul Rodden, Chief Engineer and fleet manager at Highlands and Islands Airports, said:

“We went through a procurement procedure three years ago and Nissan came out on top. They were the only manufacturer that could supply vehicles that met our brief.

“Since then we’ve not been disappointed – the vehicles we’ve had have been up to any job and Nissan and Dicksons have been great at helping us maintain the fleet, much of which is scattered across remote areas where there are no dealerships.”

The Navara is available with a choice of 2.5dCi and 3.0 V6 dCi diesel engines. It has a payload of up to 1,250kg and a towing capacity of 3,000kg.

Volkswagen Transporter is newest choice for AA patrol fleet

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AA Patrol VW TransportersThe AA is adding 500 Volkswagen Transporter vans to its patrol fleet, including around 70 all-wheel drive 4MOTION models.

The Transporters will be painted in the AA’s distinctive yellow trademark colour at the Volkswagen factory in Hannover.

The vehicles will also be converted for purpose with specialist racking to accommodate the AA’s tow system, tools and additional equipment.

I’m not sure whether the AA fleet is switching wholesale to VW or whether the breakdown operator is adopting a mixed-marque policy. The Transporter has been used before, notably the T4 model. Recent years have also seen both the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro used as patrol vehicles by the AA, which seems to have less brand loyalty than it once did.

However, there’s no doubt that the Transporter is a high quality and capable choice that scores highly in the image department. VW’s network of more than 70 dedicated Van Centres around the UK also means that support should not be a problem, should problems arise.

LPG van driver saves £500 every 10,000 miles. Would it work for you?

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Tree Surgeon Graham Free chops his fuel bills with LPGBuckinghamshire tree surgoen Graham Free is an LPG convert.

Although he only does around 10,000 miles per year, Graham says that running his van on LPG saves about £500 each year.

The scope for bigger savings for higher mileage drivers is clear — and Graham says that LPG is more widely available than many motorists believe:

When I first started using autogas seven years ago, there were only three local stations to choose from. I now have a choice of five within a 20 mile radius so who knows what this could rise to in the future.”

As someone whose business revolves around the environment, the eco credentials of LPG are also very welcome.

LPG produces 33 per cent less CO2 emissions than petrol and 45 per cent less than diesel, as well as up to 82 per cent less Nitrogen Oxide pollutants than petrol and 99 per cent less than diesel, according to Autogas Limited, the main supplier of LPG at UK fuel stations.

High-flying transport firm relies on Mercedes-Benz vans

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JJX Logisitics' new Mercedes-Benz VitoIn an occasional series about the impressive loyalty Mercedes-Benz vans inspire in their operators, I bring you JJX Logistics of Wolverhampton.

This high-end light transport company serves the aerospace and aviation industry with a fleet of 24 Mercedes vans and a handful of Merc trucks. JJX was an early customer for the Euro 6 Sprinter when it went on sale last year, and the most recent addition to its fleet is a new Vito, a model that’s only just reached the UK.

A real head-turner in its metallic blue paintwork with colour-coded bumpers, five-spoke alloy wheels and roof rails, the latest addition to the JJX Logistics is also fully specced up.

The van’s equipment includes the optional Driving Assistance package with Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems, as well as host of other extra features such as Tempmatic Air Conditioning, an LED Intelligent Light System, a Comfort driver’s seat and Chrome interior trim.

JJX founder John Donovan had already placed his order when he trialled one of Rygor’s demonstrators:

“I liked everything about it,” he recalled. “The restyled front end looks really smart and it’s even more car-like and comfortable to drive than the previous model, while in terms of usable cargo space the Extra-long version is brilliant. I’m now looking forward to reaping some valuable fuel bill savings as a result of the New Vito’s improved economy.”

The New Vito is powered by an advanced 2.1-litre engine which transmits its 163 hp output via a six-speed manual transmission. The first low-emission Euro 6 engine in the mid-sized van class drives the back wheels –uniquely in this segment, New Vito customers can choose from variants with front- or rear-wheel drive configurations.The van also came with a standard-fit package of fuel-saving enhancements including alternator management, improved underbody aerodynamics and the ECO start/stop function.

Are London parking wardens getting 72% of van and truck tickets wrong?

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MoneyFigures released by the Freight Transport Association show that 72% of parking ticket appeals in London are successful. In other words, 72% of tickets issued to FTA members are issued incorrectly.

The FTA provides a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) Administration Service, which helps FTA members (including many van operators) to administrate and if necessary appeal their PCNs.

According to the FCA, the most common reason for a PCN is ‘stopping where prohibited’. This typically means stopping on a red route or on single or double yellow lines to deliver to a high street business. Almost 36% of tickets included in the survey were issued for this reason, which a further 33% handed out for parking or loading where restrictions are in force.

However, Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, says that many of these tickets are issued incorrectly:

“Loading and unloading is an exemption to restricted street regulations – it’s allowed on single or double yellow lines for a maximum of 40 minutes. Often PCNs are issued incorrectly because the enforcement officer needs more training and doesn’t realise what’s permitted.

“Our PCN Administration Service can advise members when tickets have been issued incorrectly and should be challenged.”

The survey was based on data provided by fifteen companies covering about 32,633 parking fines they had received over a 12-month period.

PCN’s are a daily occurence for many companies delivering into London and other cities. However, drivers of hired vans delivering on business in the capital should take note — the hire company will forward the penalty notice on to the company or individual who hired the van, but it could be worth taking a closer look at the circumstances of the parking ticket to check that it is valid.

FTA members can of course use the association’s PCN Administration Service.

Could your vans land you in prison?

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VOSA van enforcement checkpoint

A van being inspected at a VOSA/Police enforcement checkpoint.

More than 80% of van operators running individual van or small fleets are unaware that the UK’s corporate manslaughter laws could land them in jail if one of their vans was involved in was involved in a serious collision resulting in a death or serious injury.

This surprising statistic was the outcome of research by leading van news website VansA2Z.com at the 2015 CV Show in April.

The risk of employers being prosecuted under corporate manslaughter legislation is particularly high if the van they are responsible for is found to be defective.

Unfortunately, the chances of that happening appear to be quite high in the UK.

Government data, supplied by the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA), shows that at least 50 per cent of vans fail their first MoT roadworthiness test, with many older vans often exhibiting even more serious faults, such as structural corrosion. The vast majority of MoT failures relate to vehicle lighting, brakes and steering components, all of which could contribute to a major road traffic accident.

VansA2Z.com Managing Director, Kevin Gregory, said:

“Illegal, badly maintained vans are a peril to other road users, and many owners are not only unaware of the faults on some of their fleet vehicles, but also of their personal liability if something does go horribly wrong.”

Statistically, around 300,000 vans a year are sold in the UK, with the number rising to 320,000 in 2014 and projected to be even more in 2015.

That means, on average, at least 150,000 vans a year fail their first MoT, some with potentially deadly faults that could put drivers and road users at risk of injury, and their owners at risk of a jail sentence.”

That’s a depressing statistic, which suggests to me that a sizeable proportion of van operators and drivers do not carry out even the most basic checks — such as lights and tyres — on their vehicles. It also suggests many operators skimp on regular servicing and maintenance.

4×4 Sprinters maintain wind power for Siemens

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Siemens MB Sprinter 4x4 vanFew planning decisions attract more controversary than a new onshore wind farm. Personally, I don’t mind them.

Whatever your view, however, it’s clear that once installed, these massive, whirling constructions need to be well maintained. A load-carrying vehicle with genuine off-road ability is essential.

Enter the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4. Siemens, which operates around 50% of the UK’s total wind power capacity, has ordered a fleet of 50 Sprinter 4x4s from Merc dealer Midlands Truck & Van. The new vans both replace older vehicles and extend the German manufacturer’s current fleet.

The new vans are being fitted with racking and an electrical inverter system to provide power for electric tools when onsite and even include a section for cloths drying.

The Sprinter 4×4 is a geniune factory 4×4, not an aftermarket conversion, and includes raised suspension and an advanced all-wheel drive system that uses Mercedes’ electronic traction system (ETS) to replace mechanical differential locks. Essentially, this is an extension of the traction control system fitted to most new cars, albeit more sophisticated.

On road, the Sprinter 4×4 is rear-wheel drive, saving fuel and tyre wear. All-wheel drive can be selected when required, such as when venturing off road or driving in difficult winter conditions.

Rail truck saves time and money for network rail

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Network Rail FUSO Canter road rail vehicleIf James Bond was a Network Rail maintenance engineer, this is what he’d drive.

The company’s latest road-rail vehicles are 6.5-tonne 4×4 FUSO Canters that can be used on both road and rail, cutting down costly and expensive vehicle changeovers.

The 4×4 Canter 6C18Ds have Double crew cabs and were supplied by South Wales Mercedes-Benz Dealer Euro Commercials – the German manufacturer’s franchised network also sells and supports the FUSO light truck range in Great Britain.

They were converted for their highly unusual role by rail industry specialist GOS Tool & Engineering, of Blaenavon, South Wales, and undertake a variety of maintenance duties.

Six are fitted with dropside bodies and PM cranes used to lift sleepers, rails and bags of ballast, while the remaining 14 have box bodies housing welding equipment for rail repairs.

Their double-drive configuration (it’s 4×4, so both axles are driven) and additional rail wheels give the Canters unparalleled flexibility and plenty of traction. Network Rail’s operatives can drive to a level crossing – or RRAP (Road Rail Access Point) to use the industry terminology – then position their vehicle over the train track and deploy the wheels. The trucks can travel along the line to a work site.

These aren’t the first road-rail vehicles Network Rail has purchased. Just over two years ago, the the organisation purchased 29 5.5t Iveco Daily 4×4 Road Rail Vehicles for its support fleet. Presumably the concept has proved a success.