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

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