Since last year’s pictorial roundup of the CV Show in Birmingham was so successful (it’s become one of the most popular posts on the site!), I thought I’d do another one this year.
The Commercial Vehicle Show 2013 is currently underway at the Birmingham, and as usual, there are a plethora of new and nearly-new van models for van operators and enthusiasts to inspect, drool over and consider buying.
Here, in no particular order, are some of the van highlights from this year’s CV Show.
First up, and one of the undisputed highlights of the show, the new Ford Transit range, starting with the all-new Transit Courier compact van, which is due to go on sale in Spring 2014:
The all-new Ford Transit Courier made its global debut at the CV Show 2013.
It’s bigger brother, the new Transit Connect, was also on display, featuring Ford’s new trademark front grill, which I really like:
The new Ford Transit Connect at the CV Show 2013
Next up in size, and not new (it’s already on sale), but still damn sexy, the Transit Custom:
The new Ford Transit Custom at the CV Show 2013
Finally, the big Daddy of the Transit range, the Transit two-tonne. This model is a full size van that will compete directly with vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Fiat Ducato, whereas the current Transit is smaller than these models.
The Ford Transit two-tonne at the CV Show 2013 — it’s due to go on sale in 2014.
If you’re not a Transit fan, then don’t worry — that’s all. I promise not to mention the ‘T’ word again…
Next up, the Citroen Berlingo Electric has stolen a march on most of its competitors by being the second all-electric production version of this popular van. The first was sold between 1998 and 2005, while the new model is due to go on sale later this year, I think:
The Citroen Berlingo Electric made its UK debut at the CV Show 2013. The van’s batteries are stored below the floor, meaning that load capacity is the same as the standard van. It’s due to go on sale later in 2013.
For something completely different, let’s sneak a look at this classic ERF lorry, which was on MAN’s stand (it now owns the ERF brand, which has now been discontinued). It’s not a van, but is a looker and bound to awaken nostalgia for the days when British lorries were slow, noisy, uncomfortable, unreliable and cold, in any older readers hearts…
A classic ERF lorry at CV Show 2013 — sorry, I don’t know what the model is.
Next, the Fiat Ducato tipper, which is now available directly from main dealers, along with its smaller and quirky sibling, the Fiat Doblo Work Up:
The Fiat Ducato Tipper can now be ordered directly from Fiat dealers.
The slightly quirky Fiat Doblo Work Up pick-up at CV Show 2013.
The Isuzu D-Max pick-up, with an optional utility body and ‘suicide’ rear doors on display:
Isuzu D-Max Pick Up with utility body at CV Show 2013
Next up, Mercedes has recently moved into the small van market with the Citan, which is not a rebadged Renault Kangoo. Honest. Here it is, in all it’s Germanic glory:
The Citan is Mercedes’ first small van for quite a few years.
Now this is a real Mercedes — an old Unimog fire appliance, on display outside the NEC exhibition hall. You just can’t have too many pictures of Unimogs!
A classic Unimog fire appliance on display outside the exhibition hall at CV Show 2013.
Mercedes also launched a new version of the Vito at the CV Show. The Vito Effect is basically a Vito Sport in style, but has a standard 113 CDI Euro 5 engine under the bonnet. Could be popular.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito Effect is a new model that combines the styling of the Vito Sport with a standard and more economical 113 CDI engine.
Finally, you’ve been asking, and I’ve been waiting to see one on the road — I still haven’t, but the MINI Clubvan is undeniably a good-looking set of wheels that is bound to be popular with people who want a more exclusive and upmarket alternative to a Fiesta Van…
It’s hot, it’s a MINI — and it’s a van. The MINI Clubvan was well in evidence at the CV Show 2013.
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A manufacturer needs to fill the void left by The Vauxhall Astravan. There’s a market for a car derived van that’s bigger than a Fiesta or a Mini.
You could be right Roy, especially as the Astravan (and Ford’s Escort van) always seemed to be quite big sellers. I think one reason might be that it takes the image of the related car downmarket – for example, one of the reasons that Peugeot discontinued the 207 Van is that it didn’t match up with the more upmarket image they wanted to create for their cars.
I suppose a small van like the Citroen Berlingo does the job as well as or better than the Astravan, but it’s a shame, all the same, when you think how many Astravans and Escort vans have been sold over the last 20 years.
Roland (VanRental.co.uk)