New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 European Launch
Volkswagen’s Crafter has undergone a midlife makeover and gets a new front-end along with new Euro 5 engines… Read More
Scottish Council goes ‘green’ with Ashwoods
North Ayrshire Council (NAC) has taken delivery of seven Transit Hybrids from Ashwoods Automotive, making it the owner of the largest hybrid van fleet in Scotland. The Hybrids replace purely diesel-powered vans used by the Council’s Building Services department.Ashwoods’ Hybrid Drive system recovers energy normally lost during braking and deceleration, storing it in a battery before an electric motor redirects it to the rear wheels; making the vans extremely efficient. Because the hybrid system is entirely self-powered, the vans never need to be plugged in for a battery charge and unlike pure electric vehicles, hybrids are not subject to low mileage duty restrictions.
The Hybrids are capable of reducing fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent, which in the case of NAC equates to a saving of around £700 per annum.
“It is important to remember that the benefits of energy efficiency are twofold. Not only do we ensure that we are doing our best to save the environment from the effects of carbon emissions – we are saving money while doing so. This is especially important at a time when finances are tight,” commented Councillor Tom Barr, portfolio holder for the environment; don’t you just love local council-speak. “Should the new eco vans prove a success, they could be extended across the Council’s transport fleet.”
The Transit Hybrids are part-funded by Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme which enables public sector bodies to purchase electric and hybrid vehicles for extensive operational trials.
We caught up with Ashwoods' Martin Kadhim at the Commercial Vehicle Show back in April.
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Latest Features
Show Preview: CV Show 2012
This year's Commercial Vehicle Show is returning to the NEC Birmingham on 24 – 26 April following a very successful 2011 event… Read More
Vans of the Year Awards 2012
Each year we sit down and decide which, in our opinion, are best light commercials around in each market segment… Read More
Manheim: Used Van Market 2011
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Iveco: State of the Nation 2012
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Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2011
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Euro 5 Switchover
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ESP on Vans Explained
ESP, or Electronic Stability Programme to give it its full title, is either standard or available as an option on all light commercials. But what is it exactly? Read More