NORTHGATE SCOOPS TOP FLEET AWARD FOR RECESSION-BEATING VEHICLE REMARKETING INITIATIVE

An innovative recession-busting van remarketing initiative from Britain’s largest vehicle rental company has won a top fleet industry award.

Northgate Vehicle Hire launched Trade Vans Direct this year and the service, targeted at small to medium-sized businesses, was today (Thursday, October 1) named Van Remarketing Initiative of the Year in the 2009 Fleet Van Awards.

Trade Vans Direct currently operates at Northgate locations in Banbury, Birmingham, Bridlington, Colchester, Darlington, Leicester, Newmains, Norwich, Swindon, Wakefield and Warrington and there are plans to introduce the concept in other towns and cities.

Trade Vans Direct takes ex-rental commercial vehicles, which have been fully maintained in-house, straight from the Northgate fleet and remarkets them direct to trade customers through the centres as well as online at www.tradevansdirect.co.uk.

Ranging from car-derived vans to panel vans, chassis cabs and tippers, the majority of vehicles - typically Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall models but also including Citroen, Fiat, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot and Volkswagen - have covered 60,000 to 150,000 miles and are competitively priced.

Gary Sullivan, Northgate Vehicle Sales Operations Director, who collected the award at a winners’ lunch held at the Lancaster London Hotel, said: "Trade Vans Direct markets lower priced vehicles, with a higher mileage that are mechanically sound directly to customers."

"Trade Vans Direct specifically targets any small or medium enterprise or individual that needs a reliable used van that is well maintained, but is not overly concerned about a scratch or dent. This is to give organisations the opportunity to buy from a large reputable firm, a cheaper vehicle that will see them through the recession."

Trevor Gelken, editor of Fleet Van, sister publication to industry fortnightly Fleet News, said: "Trade Vans Direct is a new offering that recognises the difficult business circumstances in which many companies currently operate."

"This is a perfectly-timed venture that meets the needs of thousands of small businesses in the current economic climate. Northgate has recognised that some businesses need cheaper alternatives to new or nearly new commercial vehicles and this gives them the chance to keep costs down, but keep their business moving at the same time. Overall it offers an innovative recession-busting service that will help small businesses throughout the country."

More than 1,000 vans have been sold so far this year through Trade Vans Direct and Mr Sullivan said: "In this economic climate it important for customers to have access to vehicles that suit their budget."

"Some businesses that are struggling through the recession need cheaper alternatives to buying new or nearly new commercial vehicles. Trade Vans Direct gives them the opportunity to purchase vehicles that will keep them moving and give them more opportunity to increase their business and revenue throughout the economic crisis."

Would-be buyers can view vehicle availability online or visit one of the Trade Vans Direct centres to buy their chosen vehicle. All vehicles sold through Trade Vans Direct have been serviced and maintained from new by Northgate and come with a peace-of-mind free three-month or 3,000 miles Major Component Protection Scheme warranty and a 14-day no quibble exchange or repair option.

Trade Vans Direct operates alongside Northgate’s premium used vehicle remarketing channel, Van Monster, which sells ‘the best of the best vans’ direct to customers through seven sites across the UK.

Northgate Vehicle Sales beat short listed rivals, UK remarketing giants BCA and Manheim Auctions, to win the award.

One of the UK's biggest suppliers of used commercial vehicles has launched a new venture to offer businesses and the general public the opportunity to buy low cost trade vans.

Northgate, the UK's leading vehicle hire company, have been selling used vans for over 25 years across the UK and Ireland. Due to the recent economic climate they have begun a new venture to offer low priced used vans to businesses around the UK. Trade Vans Direct has opened its doors in Bridlington, Colchester and Newmains at the same locations as their premium retail arm, Van Monster.

They are sure to be a success with their excellent range of used commercial vehicles, ranging from car-derived vans to panel vans such as Sprinters, Transits and Vitos, chassis cabs and tippers, with the majority of vehicles ranging from 60,000 to 150,000 miles. This gives customers a comprehensive choice from all the leading manufacturers including Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall, at a wide range of prices to suit every budget.

Gary Sullivan, Operations Director, comments about the new venture: "At Trade Vans Direct we offer such a wide range of used vans that we believe we have a vehicle suitable for anyone where budget is their main priority. We fully describe any blemishes on each vehicle so our customers can rest assured that when they come and view a vehicle they know what they are going to get. We offer clean and well maintained vehicles at low prices, some vehicles do have the odd scratch and dent here and there but for many small businesses all they need is a reliable and cheap van. It's ideal for builders where the vans go onto work sites and do get scratched from time to time. We know these vehicles are sound as we have serviced them since new, so we offer 3 months (or 3,000 miles) protection of all major components."