So says Nissan following the publication of its 2013 Van Report, which provides an in-depth study into professional drivers.
The study, which has been released to coincide with the debut of the 100% electric eNV200 at the CV Show, looked at popular measures to reduce fuel usage, with a half (51%) of the 252 van operators surveyed saying that driver training tops their list, along with technological interventions such as speed limiters (37%) and telematics (35%).
The research also showed that costs are clearly a big driver for respondents adding vans to their fleet, with whole-life costs (25%) and front-end prices (18%) major considerations. Contract hire monthly rates (12%) and strong residuals (8%) were also important but vehicle reliability was only listed by 7% of fleet managers.
A total of 250 van drivers were also surveyed for the report, which found that drivers are better drivers when their van is clean, their favourite radio station is Radio 2, a packed lunch is their food of choice, some take a nap when they are stuck in a traffic jam and the majority of van drivers are over 45 years old.
The survey also looked at drivers’ van usage, with nearly half (48%) of those questioned driving 100 miles or less per day, reinforcing they could successfully use a Nissan eNV200 van without having to compromise their daily delivery routines. Spending longer behind the wheel are the 26% of drivers who said they drove more than 200 miles every day.
‘Our research gives an insight into what modern day van drivers and fleet managers are thinking and the challenges they face as part of a modern van fleet,’ said Jon Pollock, Nissan’s corporate sales director.
‘With almost half of van drivers questioned driving less than 100 miles a day, the research further supports our decision to build an electric van and we are excited to be showcasing the new zero CO2 emission eNV200 in the UK for first time at the CV show, which also responds to the need for reduced fuel costs.’