PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 36 Vans& Racking


The UK’s most MOT- friendly vans revealed


The most common MOT faults for the UK’s most popular van models have been revealed by MoneySuperMarket’s new Van MOT Fail Checker. Analysis of DVSA data shows worn handbrakes, faulty registration plate lamps and ineff ective windscreen wipers are among the leading causes of MOT failure, while models such as the Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200 are more likely to pass. MoneySuperMarket analysed


more than 800 million MOT records to identify frequent faults across over 70 van models. Other common reasons for failure include tyre tread depth falling


below the legal 1.6mm limit, insuffi cient washer fl uid and faulty front position lamps. Handbrake issues are particularly prevalent, with drivers often unaware of problems if they park on fl at ground or leave vehicles in gear. Alicia Hempsted, van insurance


expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “For tradespeople and van drivers, an MOT failure can mean more than just inconvenience – it can lead to lost earnings and even


invalidate your insurance. Our Van MOT Fail Checker is designed to help drivers spot common issues before test day, empowering van owners to make informed choices, save money, and stay safer on the road.” Based on models with more than


10,000 tests since 2005, the Nissan Primastar is the most likely to fail its MOT, followed by the Fiat Scudo and Vauxhall Astravan. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/68


Stolen vans cost trades millions in 2025


Transporter raises the bar


Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded the Transporter line-up with a new Sportline fl agship panel van, adding distinctive styling, lowered suspension and a premium, tech-focused cabin. A limited Sportline 75 special edition brings added exclusivity, while the new Commerce Pro S trim introduces a sharper, design-led option at a lower price point. Diesel, hybrid and fully electric drivetrains are available across the range. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/70


How to avoid aquaplaning


Insurance experts at Quotezone. co.uk are urging drivers to check their tyre tread depth and significantly reduce their speed when it’s raining to help keep control during unexpected aquaplaning. Also known as hydroplaning, aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface, causing the tyres to lose grip. This can lead to a complete loss of steering and braking control, leaving drivers unable to manoeuvre safely until the tyres regain contact with the road. Even a small amount of water can cause aquaplaning if tyres


are worn or under-inflated. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, so it’s important for motorists to regularly check their tyres to ensure they meet or exceed this limit. Drivers are advised to slow down when conditions are wet, as aquaplaning is far more likely to occur at speeds above 35 mph. It’s also important to avoid harsh acceleration, braking or sudden steering movements in rainy weather. Instead, drivers are advised to gently ease off the accelerator and keep steering straight until the tyres regain contact with the road. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/72


A van is stolen every 55 minutes in the UK, with 9,522 vans reported stolen in 2025, according to new research from Direct Line Business Insurance. Based on an average used van value of £8,080, the total estimated cost of thefts reached around £77 million last year. Around three in fi ve stolen vans are never recovered. The fi ndings highlight the


operational and fi nancial risks van theft poses to tradespeople and small businesses that rely on vehicles for day-to-day work. Direct Line’s research shows 64% of tradespeople say their ability to work would be signifi cantly


aff ected if their van were stolen, written off or badly damaged, while a further 26% say it would be slightly aff ected. One in three say losing access to their van for even a day would negatively impact their business, with those aff ected estimating average losses of £420 per day in lost earnings. Eva Sandstra-Bennett, van


product manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, says: “Van theft


continues to destroy livelihoods. When a van is stolen, tradespeople face not only the cost and stress of replacing it, but also the immediate loss of income if they can’t work. With a van stolen every 55 minutes, the impact on hardworking professionals is severe. Choosing insurance that includes a courtesy van can help keep things moving while they recover.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/71


Help in choosing the best electric van


Interest in electric vans among tradespeople jumped 75% year-on-year in September 2025, driven by improved ranges and zero-emission benefi ts. New research by Tempcover, analysing small, medium, and large electric vans using manufacturer


specifi cations, suggests the models best suited for tradespeople’s daily needs. Small vans: The Ford E-Transit Courier tops the


category, off ering a 181-mile range and fast charging to minimise downtime, making it ideal for city routes and tight sites. The Peugeot e-Partner and Fiat e-Doblò follow closely, off ering extra range and manoeuvrability. Medium vans: Fiat e-Scudo leads with a 219-mile


range and compact dimensions for busy job sites. The Peugeot e-Expert and LEVC VN5 are strong contenders, with longer ranges and agile handling for longer-distance work. Large vans: Fiat E-Ducato dominates with 267


miles of range and substantial cargo space while remaining practical for urban environments. Peugeot e-Boxer and Ford E-Transit also rank highly for long routes and fast charging. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/73


Zero-emissions van winner


The all-electric Farizon SV has been named ‘Zero-Emissions Van of the Year’ at the 2026 What Van? Awards. Judges from across the industry praised its efficiency, running costs, driver- friendliness, and overall suitability for commercial use. Prices start from


£40,000 + VAT, including the Plug-in Van Grant. Buyers can choose from three battery sizes – 67, 83, or 106 kWh – and the van’s electric motor delivers 170 kW of power. It can travel up to 247 miles on a full charge and can recharge from 20% to 80% in about 36 minutes, making it practical for long days on the road. The SV is packed with innovative


features, including a smooth drive- by-wire system, a cleverly hidden B-pillar, and efficient battery


design. It offers a payload of up to 1,350 kg, load space of 13 m3


, and an


ultra-low loading height of 550mm, making it easy to load and versatile for many trades. The van also includes practical


features for everyday work, such as a low step-in height for easier loading, generous cargo space, and a strong payload capacity. Its range and fast-charging make it suitable for both urban deliveries and longer routes. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/69


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