Over half (52%) of tradespeople are concerned about the impact of the cost of living crisis – up from 36% a year earlier2 – with one-third (36%) admitting to worrying about money every week in new research commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.1
Rising prices for materials (46%), as well as tax and regulation changes (39%) were the top two factors driving cost increases, according to the survey of 1,000 UK van drivers.1
And it’s not just hikes in materials and rates that can come as a surprise – in the last year, van drivers forked out an average £566.32 on vehicle repairs and maintenance, and £883.26 (ave.) for van insurance, with one in three (34%) spending over £1,000 to cover their van.1
Alongside mounting costs, many small businesses are plagued by late payments, with an average of £3,399.51 owed, impacting companies’ cash flow and security. In fact, 1 in 3 (32%) businesses identified late payments as a barrier to growth.1
With overhead costs mounting – and late payments impacting liquidity – it comes as little surprise that van drivers are feeling the strain on their mental health and wellbeing; with 47% of drivers surveyed citing financial pressures as their leading cause for concern.1
Richard Welch, Technical Training & Development Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Tradespeople are facing a perfect storm of rising costs from materials as well as economic changes placing undue pressure on small businesses all over the country.
“It’s therefore never been more important to plan ahead, avoid unexpected pay-outs and spread the cost with vehicle service plans. Our all-in service packages allow customers to do just that, with peace of mind and no hidden costs.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning 5+ Promise is included as standard on all new Transporter, Amarok and California vehicles, including five services – three services for electric models – three MOTs, a five-year Warranty and five years’ Roadside Assistance,3to support drivers taking on new vans for the long-term.
Customers buying older vehicles also have access to the All-in servicing package, which includes two services, two MOTs, two years of Roadside Assistance, and up to two years’ Warranty free of charge.4 The All-in package is provided by Volkswagen Financial Services and can be paid upfront or in monthly installments, providing flexibility to help all drivers access support.4
2Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2024, covering the 2024 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
3Additional work, including wear and tear, is excluded. Warranty: earlier of 5 years or 124,000 miles. Servicing must be carried out in line with the requirements of the service schedule and all servicing and warranty work must be carried out at a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Authorised Repairer. Warranty exclusions apply (including shorter warranty period for components subject to wear and tear, mechanical adjustments (6 months/6,500 miles) and windscreen (1 month/600 miles). Roadside assistance: excludes costs of parts, garage, labour or other costs in excess of specified limits. Other limitations & exclusions apply.
Servicing & MOTs administered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Financial Services. Warranty administered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK. Roadside assistance administered by AA.
4Valid for vehicles aged between 3 and 6 years, with a 2.0L engine or less and under 100,000 miles at activation. Excludes electric vehicles and vehicles with an existing Service Plan. Vehicles that have been out of a warranty (that has been provided by Volkswagen UK or Volkswagen Financial Services) for more than 30 days will have a no-claim period of 30 days at the start of their All in Plan. Volkswagen Group provides the All in Warranty free of charge following purchase of an All in Plan. The All in Warranty does not cover any vehicle already covered under any other guarantee, insurance, warranty and/or gesture of goodwill. All in Plan validity is dependent on required payments received. Volkswagen Financial Services.
