The UK Government is Building an EV Charger Network
The UK Government plans to build over 300,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2030. This is around 10 times more than the amount of public EV chargers that currently exist.
Leasing Plans – How Long Can You Lease A Van For?
The world of work has embraced more flexible schedules and routines. If your job requires you to hit the roads all day, why not make the most of flexible driving opportunities too?
LCV Registrations are Down in February
LCV registrations for February are down 6% over the previous year, according to data from SMMT. 16,165 LCVs were registered in February 2022 compared to 17,205 in February 2021. The year-to-date numbers show a greater drop overall, from 41,234 in 2021 to 33,731 in 2022.
VW Reveal the ID Buzz
While many van manufacturers are converting their existing models to electric, some are designing brand new models to make the most out of a fully electric-powered vehicle.
Volkswagen are doing both, and this week they unveiled the ID Buzz Cargo.
Euro NCAP Van Safety Ratings Announced
Euro NCAP have recently revealed the results of their 2022 van safety tests, and they are showing steady improvement. The ratings are based around testing each van model’s crash avoidance system, both in fitment and performance.
UK Automotive Industry Calls for EV Chargepoint Mandate
The UK automotive industry has published a new plan to lay out their ideas for improving the electric vehicle charging network.
The seven-point plan is designed to encourage collaboration between the industry and the government, and includes infrastructure targets and calls for investment.
Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone Delayed
Greater Manchester’s new Clean Air Zone was due to launch in spring, but due to several factors this will not be happening.
Instead, the project launch has been put on hold.
Ford and ADT Announce New Canopy Security System
A new system is in development through a partnership between Ford and ADT. The new system, named Canopy, is designed to add security to cars and commercial vehicles.
UK CV Manufacturing Up 11.3%
UK factories produced 73,600 commercial vehicles in 2021, up 11.3% from the previous year. The number includes vans, trucks, buses, coaches, and taxis, though most of the increase came from vans and home delivery vehicles.
Next Generation Ford Ranger Revealed
Ford have revealed the next generation of the famous Ranger and, while it’s more of an evolution than a revolution, the new pickup truck definitely looks the part.
New Rules For Transporting Goods to the EU
Starting May 2022, vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes will need an International Operator’s Licence to cross international borders.
Highway Code Changes for 2022
These changes are designed to clarify some rules around overtaking, and around cyclists and pedestrians, and it’s worth reading up on them to make sure your knowledge is up to date.
LCV Registrations are up 21% Year-on-Year over 2020.
Despite the continuing parts shortages and coronavirus restrictions, the SMMT recorded a 21.4% increase in all LCV Registrations under 3.5T compared to the previous year.
Government Cuts Electric Vehicle Plug-in Grant
The government announced today that they are changing the plug-in grant scheme for new electric vehicles.
Both cars and vans will be affected, with the grant being reduced across the board.
December’s Top Van Lease Deals
Our Fleet Team continue to outdo themselves, as we find new stock for our customers despite the ongoing shortages. Have a look at what our recommendations are this month.
New Builds in the UK Will Require EV Chargers From 2022
The UK is supercharging its electric vehicle charging network, starting next year, with new legislation around EV charge points.
The Best Vans on a Budget
This month we’re looking at the best options for a van lease on a budget. With the current state of the world, new vans are rare, and tradespeople are looking for the best deals they can find.
Overnight Tool Theft on the Rise
A recent study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found that 57% of tradespeople regularly leave tools and equipment in their vans overnight and are at risk of tool theft.
Citroen e-Relay on Sale Now
The brand new Citroen e-Relay has launched in the UK, and can be seen in showrooms now. First deliveries are expected in September, to time with the new 71 registration plate change.
Government Adds Additional Funding to Improve Local Roads
A £15 million funding package has been announced by the Government to improve traffic signals and reduce congestion across England.
Vauxhall is UK’s Best-Selling Electric LCV Manufacturer
According to the latest sales and registrations figures produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today, Vauxhall leads the pack as the UK’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle manufacturer.
The Benefits of Leasing a Large Van
Having a van at your disposal is always a benefit to a small business. Whether for deliveries, collections, transporting tools or equipment, it makes sense to have a van on hand.
Five Vans With Good Air Con Systems
It’s getting hotter out there, and spending the day driving under the sun is not always comfortable. Your next van lease should have a good air con system.
BVRLA Announce Their Van-Plan to Reach Zero Emissions
This new BVRLA plan sets out some of the challenges commercial vehicle owners will face as they seek to meet zero emissions targets.
Ford Transit Custom Limited Vans in Stock
Van Ninja have some Ford Transit Customs in stock. Not many, but enough to help you out.
These vans are the high-spec Ford Transit Custom Limited model, with a lot of additional features included.
BVRLA Release Clean Air Zones Guide
The BVRLA have released an online guide for fleets and drivers to provide information on the Clean Air Zones that are cropping up around the country.
Vauxhall Reveal the Movano-e to Complete Their Electric Range
Vauxhall have revealed the first images and details of the new Movano-e.
The latest version of the Movano is Vauxhall’s first large van that is fully electric with zero emissions.
Van Ninja Sponsor Redcar Bears Speedway
Van Ninja have become an official sponsor of the Redcar Bears speedway racing team.
Vauxhall Reveals the Vivaro-e Hydrogen
Vauxhall unveiled their newest zero-emissions van this week, releasing some specifications for the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen.
The new model uses the same basic design as the Vivaro-e, but switches out the fuel system to hydrogen.
Van Sales Market Shows Highest Ever April Numbers
The figures are in from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and they are very promising for van manufacturers, sales and leasing companies.
Ford Announce UK Trials for All-Electric E-Transit Van
The first trials of the Ford E-Transit will soon be underway in the UK and Europe.
The E-Transit is the all-electric version of Ford’s best selling large van, and Ford have assigned prototype vehicles to a range of businesses in UK, Germany and Norway.
Semiconductor Shortage Continues
Early 2021 has proven to be a perfect storm for semiconductor production. During 2020, many factories were shut or working to reduced numbers due to the pandemic. When economies began to reopen in 2021, there was greater demand than expected, which put a strain on manufacturers.
New Vauxhalls in Stock Now
Great News. Van Ninja have sourced a stock of brand new small, medium, and large vans available for lease right now.
If you apply for a new van through another leasing company, you are very likely to be looking at a factory order, which currently has a 10-month lead time.
New UK Built Arrival Electric Panel Van Revealed
As electric technology advances, more and more manufacturers are producing their take on the electric van. Many of these are based on their diesel counterparts and look very similar to the previous models.
Vauxhall Combo is the UK’s Best Selling Small Van
According to sales and registrations figures from the SMMT, the Vauxhall Combo is the best-selling small commercial vehicle of 2021 to date.
Ford Releases a Smart Mirror System to Aid Van Drivers
The Smart Mirror is a solution to the issues van drivers have with blind spots. As vans don’t have rear windows, they do not have rear mirrors inside the cab. This reduces situational awareness and requires drivers to take extra care when manoeuvring.
What is Chapter 8 and Why Do You Need It?
Chapter 8 regulations are designed to ensure both workers and the public are not put at risk during road work operations. This means the signage must be visible for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
New All-Electric Vauxhall Combo-e To Go On Sale in Late 2021
Vauxhall are continuing their move to zero carbon emissions with the introduction of the Vauxhall Combo-e Cargo.
This fully electric small van follows the Vivaro-e as Vauxhall expand on their electric range.
Does Your Business Require a Specialist Vehicle?
While the large proportion of LCV users find that a standard panel van meets their requirements, there is a significant number that require something different.
Choose The Right Double Cab Van Lease For Your Crew
Looking for a double cab van lease for your team? Look no further. Van Ninja have road tested a range of 5 and 6 seater vans to find the best crew vans on the market.
Is it the Right Time to Go Electric?
We are on the threshold of a potentially huge change in the van leasing market. Infrastructure is developing constantly, and prices are becoming more competitive, and we think it could be time for electric vans to take a big step into the limelight.
Government to Release £500 Million to Repair the UK’s Roads
Good news for van drivers across the UK as £500 million has been allocated to local authorities for highway maintenance.
According to the Department for Transport, an average pothole costs £50 to fill and repair…
February’s Top Van Lease Deals
We’ve put together some great deals for you this month. Whether you need a small van lease or a large 3.5 ton van lease, we’ve got you covered.
Things are even better for this month. Any new van ordered at Van Ninja will be delivered in March, and so have the brand new 21 registration plate.
Top 5 Small Van Lease Options
We find a lot of customers need a van, but don’t realise that they don’t have to spend big on a large van lease. Sometimes a small van will do the job just as well. Small vans are cheaper to lease and to maintain, and have better fuel economy, so in many cases they are the better option.
The Ford Ranger is Now Available as a Chassis Cab
A chassis cab vehicle is exactly what it sounds like. It provides only the chassis and the cab, leaving the rear area empty and ready for modification.
The Best Large Vans by Carrying Capacity
When our customers look to lease a large van, capacity is the primary concern. To that end, we’ve put together a comparison of some of our largest vans and what their unique strengths are.
The Mercedes Sprinter Progressive is available at Van Ninja
The latest model, the Mercedes Sprinter Progressive, is now available to order at Van Ninja. This large van lease is an excellent choice for drivers that need a lot of space but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or technology in the process.
Ford Have Increased Security with FordPass Pro Guard Mode
A new app has been released by Ford for drivers of Ford vans and commercial vehicles. The goal of FordPass Pro is to make drivers’ lives easier by connecting your phone to your van so you can operate some systems remotely
5 Reasons to Change Your Old Van
We get it. You like your old van. It’s familiar, comfortable. You’ve had it for years, and even though it’s a little slow and a little loud, it gets the job done. How old is it? 6 years? 8 years old? A good van can last a long time and run up a lot of miles before it reaches the end of its life.
Driving Your Van Fully Loaded – Some Tips
Driving a fully loaded 3.5 ton van is significantly different to driving a car or motorcycle. The additional weight increases stopping distance and you’ll take longer to accelerate.
End of Contract Hire Agreement- Returning Your Vehicle
At the end of a contract hire agreement, your van will need to be returned to the finance company. There are a few steps which you will need to be aware of as you approach the end of your van lease.
Coming in December – The New VW Caddy
Volkswagen announced their fifth-generation Caddy back in February, and this version of the popular small van does not disappoint. This latest iteration of the Caddy goes on sale in December…
November’s Top Van Lease Deals
Choosing a new van is a big decision, as you’ll be driving it for a few years. Your new van must be able to carry out all the tasks your business requires of it. At the same time, everyone has a budget.
Driver Hours – What You Need to Know
In the past, van drivers had no limit on the number of hours they could drive in a day. This led to driver exhaustion, which in turn led to errors and accidents. To combat this, the EU established legislation…
Signwriting Your Lease Van
Leasing a van is a big investment for your company. For many businesses, the van is one of the most important pieces of equipment as it carries tools, workmates, parts and other equipment to the…
Dealing With Driver Fatigue as a Professional Van Driver
Van drivers can spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Courier and delivery drivers especially can be affected by long hours driving the UK’s roads. If you’re leasing a van for the first time…
Our Guide to Van Insurance Groups
When you lease a van, you need to arrange insurance yourself. You should budget for this when you are looking to lease, as different vans belong to different insurance groups
Driving Your Van In The Rain
Autumn is here, and as usual it will bring heavier rain, stronger winds, and generally more adverse driving conditions. Weather warnings are in force across some parts of the UK and we can expect to be dealing with further storms in the coming months.
Why It’s a Great Time to Lease a Van
Times are certainly strange. There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and the landscape is changing for both the leasing and the sales markets.
End of Contract Hire Agreement – Wear & Tear
At the end of a contract hire deal, your van will need to be returned to the finance company.
When you return the vehicle, it must meet an acceptable standard of wear and tear…
Leasing Your First Van – Some Handy Tips
If you’ve never driven a van before, it may feel a little different to your usual car. There is a lot to keep in mind when you lease a van for the first time. Don’t worry, it’s not as complex as it looks…
Our Guide to Comparing Lease Deals
Leasing a van for your business is a big financial commitment, and as such is a big decision to make.
There are many factors that need to be considered when leasing a van…
The best vans for tradespeople
A trusty van is a key piece for your tool kit whatever your trade. Plumbers, builders, joiners or electricians, whatever your trade there’s a range of vehicles on the market to suit your needs.
What to look for when leasing your van
If you’re a commercial van user there’s a wealth of options when it comes to a leasing a vehicle. Which vehicle should I choose for my business? The answer, of course, depends on your personal…