The vehicles chosen by large fleet operators can be a useful barometer of their reliability and overall cost of ownership – although no doubt bulk purchase discounts can play a part, too.

In this case, we’ve got two well known fleet van operators – the AA and Europcar – who’ve each publicised their latest van purchase choices.

AA Sticks With Trafic

Until recently, most AA vans were VW Transporters. However, over the last few years, the AA has been renewing their fleet with Renault Trafic panel vans – and based on their latest press release, they must be satisfied with them.

The breakdown service has just taken delivery of a further 150 Renault Trafic vans to add to the 400 they purchased in 2006. To top it off, they also have another 200 on order for later this year, making 750 Trafics in total!

Sarah Dopson, the AA’s Vehicle Supply Manager said that “excellent load space” and “excellent whole life costs” were key factors in the decision to stick with the French marque – quite an endorsement.

Europcar Goes With Maxus Luton

LDV’s Maxus panel van seems to be gaining a reasonably strong foothold in the market. Europcar have a long-running partnership with LDV and must be happy with the company’s vans as they have just taken delivery of 50 LDV Maxus Luton vans to add to their UK hire fleet.

The vehicles are 3.5 tonne models on a long wheel base chassis and all feature tail lifts – always in demand with renters. Europcar are apparently the first national rental company to take delivery of the new Luton variant of the Maxus – but are unlikely to be the last.

Michael McInerney, Europcar’s Fleet Operations Director, said that the company have received excellent customer feedback regarding the “performance and comfort” of the Maxus range, leading them to expand their range of Maxus vans.