Pro Installer April 2018 - Issue 61 | Page 43

Motoring
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
APRIL 2018 | 43

Motoring

SPEC PACK DEALS FOR VANS

A range of new high value specification packs , tailored for businesses large and small , are now available to order from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles .
The offer comes ahead of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ’ UK debut at this year ’ s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham from 24-26 April , and applies to deliveries to customers from May .
Business packs , which can be applied to Caddy panel van and kombi , Transporter panel van and Crafter panel van and chassis cab models , add items of specification which business customers most frequently specify , at a competitive combined price . Not only has Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles worked with customers to establish what they need on their vans , it ’ s also collaborated with influencers , resulting in a residual value uplift of up to £ 450 on models with business packs .
Caddy : The Caddy business pack can be added to the Startline
model for £ 950 ( basic RRP ex VAT ) and adds an alarm , rear parking sensors and air conditioning ( saving £ 520 if you were to add these options individually ). This is on top of an already generous spec which includes front assist including city emergency braking , a five-inch colour touchscreen infotainment module , leather multi-function steering wheel and electric windows with electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors . Prices for the standard Startline start at £ 14,155 ( basic RRP ex VAT ). Two petrol and two diesel engines are available .
Transporter : Volkswagen ’ s best-selling van is also available with a business pack on Startline models for £ 975 ( saving £ 510 if you were to add these options individually ). In this case , an alarm , rear parking sensors and air conditioning
are also added , and are joined by a bulkhead . Prices for the Transporter Startline are from £ 19,870 ( basic RRP ex VAT ).
Crafter : A business pack with alarm , front and rear parking sensors and air conditioning can be added to Startline and Trendline Crafter panel vans for £ 1,250 . In addition , the pack for the Crafter
adds two remote folding keys with the alarm and an overhead storage compartment in the cab to store documents and other items ( saving £ 1,320 if you were to add these items individually ). Prices for the Crafter start at £ 24,640 ( basic RRP ex VAT ).
The addition of the business packs is another example of
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles bringing its Working With You promise to life , demonstrating the ways in which it partners with customers and Van Centres to become the manufacturer of choice for commercial vehicle operators .
For more information on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ’ award-winning range of products and services , please visit your nearest Van Centre or www . volkswagen-vans . co . uk . For more information or to book free tickets to the CV Show 2018 go to www . cvshow . com
Strong winds and heavy rain may not be over just yet - so experts have given these tips on driving safely in these conditions . Motoring giant Leasecar . uk issued the guidance following weather forecasts by the Met Office . The team warned motorists to beware of dangers
such as aquaplaning ( skating on water without a grip on the road ) and being buffeted by sudden strong gusts of wind .
1 . Ask if the journey is necessary
It sounds obvious , but if conditions are hazardous , consider whether the journey really is necessary . Can it wait ?
2 . Be prepared for breaking down
Make sure your breakdown recovery number is stored on your phone , along with any details you may need such as your policy or membership number . Keep your phone charged and have a charger in the car .
3 . Slow down
Stopping distances can double in wet weather , and wind and rain can affect braking and handling . Slow down and increase the distance between you and the car in front . Not going too fast will help you to keep more control . Remember that your stopping distance includes ‘ thinking time ’ as well as stopping time .
4 . Maintain the car
Check your windscreen wipers , tyre tread and tyre pressure before you set off . Keep your fuel , oil and screenwash levels up .
5 . Follow the tracks
In heavy rain , vehicles in front can leave ‘ tracks ’ in the ground water . Try to stay in these tracks to prevent aquaplaning .
6 . Be ready to aquaplane
If your steering goes light and it feels like you ’ ve dropped gears , you are likely to be aquaplaning ( driving on water with little or no grip on the road ). The engine may sound louder too . Stay calm and don ’ t steer or brake hard . Come off the accelerator gently until you feel a grip again and keep

DRIVING IN WIND AND RAIN

the wheel in the direction of travel . Once you feel you have control of the car again , you can brake gently . If for some reason you must steer , do it gently .
If you ’ re driving in wet weather , turn off cruise control to help prevent aquaplaning .
7 . Use your lights properly
Dipped headlights will make you visible without dazzling other drivers . Do not use fog lights unless it is very misty with very low visibility .
8 . Look ahead
If you want to know if you ’ re likely to aquaplane or be buffeted by wind , watch the vehicles in front of you to see what ’ s happening to them .
9 . Overtake with care
If you are overtaking in windy conditions , beware of sudden gusts as you clear the vehicle , especially if it is large . You should also look out for sudden gusts when passing buildings , trees and so on . The wind may blow vehicles off course – allow extra space and be very careful when passing cyclists .
10 . Hold the wheel firmly
You ’ ll need as much control as possible if you get blown by wind or start skating on water . Keep both hands on the wheel .
Look out for more driving tips in the next issue of the Pro Installer