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Vauxhall aftersales feature

2007 was seen as a "van-tastic year" for Vauxhall with the manufacturer selling over 53,000 vans to its customers.

The popularity of the vehicle was seen at the Van Fleet awards in May which took place at the Royal Automobile Club, London.

Vauxhall won three awards including Van Manufacturer of the Year and Best Medium Van for the Vauxhall Vivaro.  

John Kendall, editor of Van Fleet World, said that the choice of Vauxhall as Van Manufacturer of the Year was based upon the wide and comprehensive range of vehicles.

"Their light commercial vehicle coverage is complimented with core and recognised conversions, which makes its leading position in the market very well deserved," he stated.

Vauxhall's tight grip on the market can also be attributed to the attention it pays to customers after a vehicle has been purchased.

Drivers receive access to the Premier Service Centre which helps with maintenance at the driver's convenience.

Centres are open for a minimum of 70 hours a week and offer on-the-day repairs if the parts required are in stock.

Other services the centres provide include a 24-hour guaranteed fix and an alternative transport option if necessary.  

Since the start of the year, a new service and maintenance plan has been put in place by Vauxhall to provide complete peace of mind for new van owners.  

This offer includes five years scheduled servicing free of charge up to a maximum of 100,000 miles. The offer also includes a routine service, parts and labour but excludes 'wear and tear' items and maintenance items not covered under the routine service schedule.  

The offer only applies to individuals, Vauxhall partners and small businesses.

Vauxhall have said that single payments of £29.99 including VAT for Corsavan, Combo and Astravan, and £31.99 including VAT for Vivaro and Movano should make it easier for Vauxhall owners to budget.

New Vauxhall vans purchased from authorised Vauxhall retailers during the first three years or 60,000 miles of ownership are able to take advantage of the scheme.

Vauxhall offers numerous methods of acquiring one of its vans.

Contract Hire conditions include a non-maintenance package for the bailment of goods over 36 months, assuming a maximum of 10,000 contract miles per annum.

 An advance payment worth three monthly installments needs to be given upfront and then be followed by 35 monthly payments commencing in the second month. 

The package includes road fund licence, Vauxhall Assistance and two days' relief vehicle cover in the event of a road traffic accident.  

It does not entail putting down a large deposit to ensure the correct van is secured. When you choose using the GMAC Hire Purchase deal, it states that £3,000 will be taken off the deposit.

The 0 per cent finance offer means that drivers have to pay a minimum deposit of 20 per cent (excluding VAT) - together with the full amount of VAT due on the on-the-road recommended retail price (RRP) of the vehicle.

Following this, a driver has 36 interest-free months in which to pay off the balance. The option to part-exchange with an old vehicle to make up all or part of the deposit also features in the payment plan.  

Vauxhall offers a rental service for firms. This includes free delivery and collection within ten miles of the supplying rental office, no extra charge for delivery to the driver's home, use of the users insurance, or Vauxhall's Collision Damage Waiver and cover from the AA or Vauxhall Assistance.

Network Q is a Vauxhall programme that offers an enhanced package to customers. It includes a seven day free insurance offer that comes as standard with every vehicle and a 30 day exchange programme. The latter offer is an addition to a customer's statutory rights.

If during the first 30 days of ownership a van develops a mechanical or electrical fault which cannot be repaired to a satisfactory standard, it can be exchanged for a Network Q vehicle of equal value.  

After winning the three prizes at the recent Fleet Awards, Steve Bryant, brand manager at Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said Vauxhall were very proud to have achieved so much.

"It's a great feeling to know that your products and services are well thought of in the industry and appreciated by your customers," he concluded.