ONE of the UK's largest parallel importers is launching a bid for major fleet business by pledging huge savings on new vans. Baglan Car Centre, which has a turnover of £100 million a year, is promising thousands of pounds worth of savings on the UK price of new Ford Transits.

Fleets looking to source a 260 short wheelbase low roof panel van (75bhp) can expect to pay about £12,000 (+VAT) at UK prices but Baglan is offering them for £10,000 (+VAT). A 280 short wheelbase medium roof panel van (75bhp) costs under £11,000 (+VAT) - a saving of £3,000 on UK prices. Fleets looking for a 330 short wheelbase medium roof panel van (90bhp) can expect to pay about £16,000 (+VAT) compared to the import price of under £12,000 (+VAT).

The vans are parallel imports and have exactly the same specification as a van bought in the UK. Vans are supplied unregistered. Geoff Thomas, the company's managing director, said: 'We supply the majority of all the main retailers. We are aiming to supply the trade and looking to win major fleet business.'