October 2009 - 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.

\"Fleet

Northgate won 'Van Remarketing Initiative of the Year' in the 2009 Fleet Van Awards

Northgate 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 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 to150,000 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 the odd scratch or dent. This is to give organisations the opportunity to buy from a large reputable firm, a low priced 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 ex-rental vans that will keep them moving and give them more opportunity to control costs and continue trading during these difficult economic conditions."

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 beat short listed rivals, UK remarketing giants BCA and Manheim Auctions, to win this award from Fleet Van.

< back