Light CV buyers' bonanza
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• Summer has brought a rash of incentive deals on light commercial vehicles in a bid to lure buyers back to the showrooms.
Ford is concentrating on lowinterest finance deals. On Fiesta vans and the P100 pickup three packages are now available: interest-free credit over 24 months, and APRs of 6.9% over 36 months or 7.9% over 48 months.
Prices of P100s have been cut by up to £650 depending on the model. Escort and Transit van buyers also benefit from lowinterest finance packages. Ford is offering APRs of 4.9% over 24 months, 6.9% over 36 months or 7.9% over 48 months. The offers, which began on 4 July, run for three months. Vauxhall is offering "cashback" deals of 2,200 on Nova vans and £500 on Astra vans, in addition to any discount negotiated with a Vauxhall dealer. Existing free insurance and lowinterest finance deals on both ranges will continue. The "cashback" offers, which began on 8 July, run until 30 September.
Renault's "diamond deals" offer is available across the entire Renault van range throughout July and August.
On offer are interest-free finance, or £300-worth of options free, or price reductions, or a third off the price of fixed-price servicing.
Fiat, Leyland Daf and Citroen have also introduced low-interest finance packages. With a 25% deposit Fiat is offering interest-free credit over 12 months, and APRs of 3.9% over 24 months, 5.9% over 36 months and 7.9% over 48 months. The offer runs until September.
Leyland Daf Vancredit is offering a range of low-interest finance deals which include interest-free credit over 12 months and an APR of 6.59% over 24 months, with a 30-34% deposit. Lease purchase is also available, offering interest-free credit over 12 months, with a deposit equal to three monthly rental payments and the VAT in full.
Rover, which increased prices by 2.5% on 1 July, does not plan to join the showroom battle. A spokesman criticised the schemes, saying they were "not offering any more than buyers can get up front in dealerships".
His argument that price reductions could affect residual values is echoed by VW. A spokesman says: "We have always paid great attention to protecting residual values."
The company, in common with Peugeot-Talbot, is studying the effect of the schemes before deciding how to respond.
Citroen's low-cost finance package is available for the C15 and C25 ranges, with offers running from mid-July to the end of August. Terms vary from 12 to 48 months and the interest rates between zero and 15.2%. A 50% deposit is required for the 0% deal.