Volkswagen's BUDD-e van concept shows off the van of tomorrow
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Volkswagen have given us a glimpse into the future of vans with their VW BUDD-e concept van.
The BUDD-e concept vehicle is the first to be based on the new MEB (Modular Electric Drive) architecture with two electric motors driving all four wheels. The chassis has been developed specifically for electric vehicles so can house a larger battery that can store up to 92.4kWh of energy - enough to provide enough power to cover 331 miles under combined NEDC conditions.
Interestingly as mentioned above there will be two electric motors powering the wheels; one for the front axle and one for the rear. The front wheels will be powered by a 148bhp (200Nm) motor while the rear wheels will run off a larger 168bhp (290Nm) motor.
The motors off high-performance with a top speed of 112mph and can go from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. You'll also find that charging times have been reduced with an 80 per cent charge completed in just 30 minutes from a 150kW DC connection.
Voice controlled vehicle
One feature that has been revealed is voice control technology which is to be featured throughout the vehicle. The BUDD-e will recognise 'natural speech', so if you say "turn up the heat please" the system will turn up the temperature inside the vehicle.
Cleverly the system recognises where in the vehicle the requests are coming from so if you are in the rear and say "its hot in here" the vehicle can cool down the temperature in that area alone.
The BUDD-e is currently only a concept vehicle and is showing off some pretty futuristic tech however at some point all tech in the vehicles we drive today seemed futuristic so its entirely possible that we could see these concepts in vehicles in the not too distant future.
Volkswagen to offer loyalty discount off new vans to VW owners
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Volkswagen van owners will be able to take advantage of new loyalty discounts worth up to £1,500 for new vans ordered before the end of March.
Customers for the VW Caddy will have £500 (excl. VAT) taken off the price of their new LCV with Transporter and Amarok customers having a £1,000 reduction. Better yet those who plan on purchasing the Volkswagen Crafter will see a tasty £1,500 discount off their new vehicle price if ordered before the end of March 2016.
Head of sales operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Andy Waite has commented, "We value those customers who have stayed loyal to us and want to thank them. We understand the importance of a smart, reliable vehicle to them and to their businesses, and are pleased to be able to help them kick off a successful year with a new van."
Waite also added, "With a 60 year heritage and following the launch of the new Transporter and Caddy in 2015, we know we have a fantastic range of vehicles and a broad customer base. We are pleased to be able to provide a wide range of offers and finance packages to all our customers, and look forward to welcoming them in one of our Van Centres to help them find the perfect vehicle for their needs and lifestyle."
Existing owners of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be contacted directly by Volkswagen with details informing them of the loyalty discount offer. Customers will also be invited to visit one of the dedicated VW UK Van Centres where they will be able to discuss their needs, tastes and budget with a Volkswagen rep and then place an order for a new vehicle should they choose to make use of the attractive discount(s) available.
Kwik Fit to attend 2016 Commercial Vehicle Show as exhibitors
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Kwik fit have announced that they will be exhibiting at the 2016 Commercial Vehicle Show being held at the Birmingham NEC from April 26-28.
Over the last few years, Kwik Fit have managed to penetrate the light van sector thanks to its increased offerings into the vehicle servicing and MoT segments.
Kwik Fit fleet director Peter Lambert has said, "The Commercial Vehicle Show is the shop window for commercial vehicle operators and at the event four years ago Kwik Fit launched its improved service to light commercial vehicle fleets, small business, sole traders and the retail market."
Lambert also added, "Since then demand for Kwik Fit’s light commercial vehicle tyre fitting proposition and expanded range of mechanical services has increased significantly, particularly as the number of vans on the UK’s roads continues to rise rapidly."
"The Show continues to provide a major focus for Kwik Fit to promote its comprehensive range of services to the sector, to secure new business opportunities and to network with existing customers."
Vauxhall Vivaro crowned Business Van of the Year 2016!
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The British built Vauxhall Vivaro has been selected as the 2016 Business Van of the Year by Business Vans.
Martyn Collins, editor of Business Vans has said, "So why is it our top van you may ask? Well in a nutshell, it’s a massive step forward over its already excellent predecessor"
Collins also added, "Like the last Vivaro, the current one is easy and car-like to drive. Yet the latest Vivaro adds impressive refinement and in winning 1.6 CDTI 16v BiTurbo form – this Vauxhall boasts 120PS and 320Nm of torque. However, all this power isn’t likely to hit buyers in the pocket as it’s still capable of a class-leading 47.9mpg on the combined cycle."
Dave Bowen, chairman of the judges and managing director of BT Fleet also shared his thoughts on the new award saying, "The Vivaro provides outstanding green credentials and a fantastic overall small business solution."
"The Vivaro eco FLEX BiTurbo offers a hard working business tool that through sheer efficiency helps minimise its environmental impact."
Vauxhall's latest edition of the popular commercial vehicle has been on sale for just over a year and added this latest accolade to its ever growing range of awards, also winning the 'Best Green Van' and 'Best Large Trades Van' categories.
Volkswagen's executive committee stand behind CEO Matthias Müller
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Following the discovery of the Volkswagen emissions scandal on 18 September 2015 and the subsequent resignation of then VW CEO Martin Winterkorn several days later, the mantle of CEO for Volkswagen AG was taken up by Matthias Muller.
During a recent committee meeting where members of the supervisory board had discussed the CEO's recent progress in cleaning up after the diesel-emissions scandal and as to whether they believed that Müller was the right man for the job.
Deputy Chairman of the supervisory board committee Joerg Hofmann has commented that, "We discussed many issues at VW yesterday, not only Mr Müller. We are very conscious that there is no alternative. The question does not arise,"
Hofmann also said that, "The impression he gives is that he is working in a very serious and results-oriented way on the problems. People like to speculate but there is neither cause nor reason to express doubt on this issue."
