Author Archives: Van Rental

CV Show 2013 Roundup: Vans You Probably Haven’t Seen (But Will…)

3 Replies

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

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

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

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.

Ford Transit two-tonne at the CV Show 2013

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 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…

Classic ERF lorry at CV Show 2013

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:

Fiat Ducato Tipper at CV Show 2013

The Fiat Ducato Tipper can now be ordered directly from Fiat dealers.

Fiat Doblo Work Up pick-up at CV Show 2013

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

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:

Mercedes-Benz Citan at CV Show 2013

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!

Classic Mercedes-Benz Unimog at CV Show 2013

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.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Effect at CV Show 2013

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…

MINI Clubvan at CV Show 2013

It’s hot, it’s a MINI — and it’s a van. The MINI Clubvan was well in evidence at the CV Show 2013.

All-New Ford Transit Courier Makes Global Debut At CV Show

Leave a reply
All-new Ford Transit Courier

The all-new Ford Transit Courier is due to go on sale in the UK in spring 2014.

The all-new Ford Transit Courier has made its global debut at the International CV Show in Birmingham, alongside models from the all-new Ford Transit two-tonne range and a new high-roof version of the Transit Custom.

Ford’s compact and efficient all-new Transit Courier van makes its global debut at the 2013 Birmingham CV Show as the company presents its complete line-up of four next-generation Transit commercial vehicles for the first time.

Offering class-leading loadspace, running costs and safety features, the Transit Courier is the smallest member of the all-new Transit range, and joins the Transit Connect, Transit Custom and Transit in the most comprehensive ever line-up of Transit vehicles.

“Ford has now completely transformed its commercial vehicle line-up, with four all-new, class-leading Transits for European customers,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “With the all-new Transit range, we expect sales to grow to 400,000 units per year by 2016, well over 50 per cent more than we sell today.”

The Transit Courier goes on sale in spring 2014, when all four new Transit models will be available in European showrooms. The line-up will also include the spacious new high-roof version of the Transit Custom that is also revealed for the first time in Birmingham.

Ford Transit Courier

Inside the new Ford Transit Courier

Inside the new Ford Transit Courier — car-like and comfortable.

The all-new Transit Courier marks a significant development for the Transit range, expanding the nameplate into the compact van segment for the first time.

Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Transit Courier delivers class-leading load volume of 2.3m3 (SAE) with standard full bulkhead within an overall length of 4.16 metres, and offers the agile handling and manoeuvrability of a compact vehicle.

With a highly-competitive load volume and maximum payload capacity of 660kg, the Transit Courier can accommodate a wide variety of cargo and equipment, including a standard Euro pallet, and will go head-to-head against the Citroen Nemo / Peugeot Bipper / Fiat Fiorino when it’s launched next year.

The Transit Courier will be available with both diesel and petrol engines that Ford says will target best-in-class fuel economy. Auto-Start-Stop will be available on all units and customers will be able to choose between the Dagenham-built 1.5-litre 75PS and 1.6-litre 95PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, and the remarkable 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol engine, the “International Engine of the Year” 2012.

The cabin offers a mobile-office environment, with smart stowage including a “mega-centre” console capable of storing A4 documents and small laptops; overhead stowage; and a storage drawer under the driver’s seat. A device dock in the centre of the instrument panel enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices including phones and satnavs.

The Transit Courier will also offer voice-activated in-car connectivity system, Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, Rear View Camera, Easy Fuel, Speed Limiter and standard ESC (Electronic Stability Control); and a class-leading variety of safety features.

Nissan e-NV200 Electric Van Completes Winter Testing With Flying Colours

2 Replies
Nissan ENV200 electric van in British Gas livery at CV Show

A pimped Nissan ENV200 electric van in British Gas livery at the 2013 CV Show

On the opening day of the Commercial Vehicle Show, British Gas has announced the conclusion of an intensive month long Nissan eNV200 test programme ahead of its plan to make a substantial proportion of its 13,000 strong LCV fleet electric by 2015.

The cold weather testing programme was conducted in and around Nissan’s Sunderland Plant and testing facility, aimed at getting feedback from various British Gas departments on the 100% electric van driving experience.

With the rising cost of filling up at the pump, the 100% electric e-NV200 promises to help reduce fleets’ running costs while also helping the environment by bringing CO2 down to zero at the point of use.

The recent test in Sunderland saw the zero emission eNV200 run part laden to recreate the conditions of its working life. With temperatures dropping to -12 °C during testing, the UK weather didn’t disappoint and neither did the e-NV200.

During the testing, British Gas engineers, members of the fleet team and part of the management board plus eight members of GMB union successfully put the e-NV200 to the test, demonstrating the pioneering van can be driven safely by staff across British Gas.

Nissan NV200 electric van British Gas trial

The original NV200 electric van that was trialled by British Gas

The company first tested the zero emission e-NV200 in 2012 when drivers praised the van for its driver comfort and generous payload.

The Nissan e-NV200 is a breakthrough zero emission compact van combining certain attributes of two award winning models, the best in class EV power train from the Leaf and the class leading cargo area within a compact body of the NV200.

Bringing electric vehicle benefits to the business world, the e-NV200 offers effective running costs, sustainability and new business opportunities for drivers, such as night time deliveries.

Colin Marriott, fleet general manager at British Gas said:

“We have been very impressed with all elements of the Nissan e-NV200. After our month long test in 2012 which went well the cold weather testing was vitally important to establish the van’s characteristics in real life working conditions. The drivers enjoyed the experience and the vehicle’s performance and reliability. We will now continue further testing in 2013 and 2014 ahead of us deciding our future fleet mix.”

Citroën Berlingo Electric Makes UK Debut At CV Show

Leave a reply
Citroen Berlingo Electric

The Citroen Berlingo Electric makes its UK debut at the CV Show in Birmingham from 9-11 April 2013, and will go on sale later in 2013.

The new Citroën Berlingo Electric makes its UK debut on the Citroën stand at the CV Show (stand 5C80/Hall 5, NEC, 9-11 April).

The CV Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 9-11 April, and Citroën’s new van will be the second generation electric Berlingo, following the previous model which was sold from 1998 until 2005.

Scott Michael, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Centre Programme, explains what the previous model taught the company about market demand for electric vans:

“The new Berlingo Electric has been launched to meet the transport requirements of a number of significant specialist sectors. Our previous electric LCV experience showed that these specific operations include local authority applications such as meals on wheels, parks departments and many other metropolitan council applications.

In addition, we expect to see Berlingo Electric demand come from urban-based, private sector businesses, where its ease of driving and silent operation are complemented by availability of public charging points and more favourable parking legislation.”

Berlingo Electric Specification

Citroen Berlingo Electric load space

The load compartment of the Citroen Berlingo Electric is just the same as a standard Berlingo.

The new Berlingo Electric has an advanced permanent magnet synchronous 49kW electric motor, with a 22.5kWh lithium ion battery pack that gives the Berlingo Electric a range, of up to 106 miles, as tested in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle.

The motor’s peak torque is a meaty 200Nm, developed between 0 – 1,500rpm, and it drives the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox. Top speed is 68.75mph (can they really be that precise?!).

In energy recovery phases — deceleration & braking — the electric motor acts as a generator, recharging the battery pack.

Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 12 hours; alternatively, it can be charged to 80% of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode. Thanks to the Berlingo being designed to be an electric vehicle from the outset, its load compartment space is not reduced by battery intrusion. The Berlingo Electric’s electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the load deck. This means the Berlingo Electric’s load compartment cube of 3.3m3 (extendable to 3.7m3)/load deck length of 1.8m (extendable to 3.0m) and payload of 636kg are equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van.

Citroen Berlingo Electric motor engine compartment

The Citroen Berlingo Electric looks a little different under the bonnet.

Based on the Berlingo LX model the Berlingo Electric is well equipped, with a specification that includes:-

  • ABS, EBD and EBA
  • Hill Start Assist coupled to the ESP system
  • Air conditioning and an electric heating system with an eco-mode to limit energy consumption
  • Driver’s airbag
  • RDS stereo radio/MP3 compatible CD player
  • Remote central locking with deadlocks
  • Electric front windows
  • Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
  • Three seat Extenso® modular cabin
  • Nearside sliding side load door

The Berlingo Electric’s instrumentation also includes a number of specific features, including Eco-driving information; an energy consumption/regeneration indicator; an instantaneous energy consumption gauge and an auxiliaries consumption gauge, which displays data on heating, air conditioning and other secondary power usage.

When the battery charge falls to 20% of its total useable capacity, a warning light comes on and the power sent to the heating and air conditioning systems is gradually reduced. Then, when the battery charge level further falls to 10% of the total useable capacity, a “tortoise” light comes on – the power supply is limited and the air conditioning and heating systems are turned off to extend the vehicle’s range.

Pricing will start at £21,300 +VAT, full specification and pricing details of the Berlingo Electric will be announced nearer to its UK on-sale date.

Citroën Van Sales Up 31.7% In March

Leave a reply
Citroen Relay, Dispatch and Berlingo models

The Citroen Relay, Dispatch and Berlingo.

Citroën van sales rose by 31.7% in March, outperforming the 11.5% gain for the van market as a whole.

Figures just released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) show that Citroën LCV registrations in March of 3,856 were up by no less than 31.74% over those of March 2012, in a market that was up by 11.53%.

In the first quarter of 2013, Citroën’s LCV registrations of 6,280, were up 23.33% on the same period last year, in a market that was up by 11.66%.  As a result Citroën moved to fourth place in the up to 3.5 tonne gvw sector.

All four Citroën LCV models performed strongly:-

March 2013 registrations
(% change on March 2012)		 1st quarter 2013 registrations
(% change on 1st quarter 2012)
Nemo 345 (+61.97%) 584 (+57.84%)
Berlingo  2,374 (+38.67%) 3,797 (+24.21%)
Dispatch 502 (+23.95%) 822 (+30.48%)
Relay           635 (+6.37%) 1,077 (+4.06%)

Scott Michael, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Centre Programme, comments:

“The award-winning Citroën LCV range continues to go from strength to strength as more businesses gain experience of the proven financial and operational benefits provided by our Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay models. Citroën’s current LCV success is due to an increase in sales to both large National Fleets and also Small and Medium Enterprise fleets. The latter is in no small part aided by our unique Business Centre network which is steadily increasing the company’s sales to SME fleets, contributing over 75% of our LCV sales to this market segment.”

Brutal Testing Regime Tests Ford Transit Custom Limits

Leave a reply
Ford Transit Custom undergoing durability testing

Ouch. A Ford Transit Custom hits a 14cm kerb at no less than 35mph to see if the chassis or suspension will break…

Ford’s testing engineers put the Ford Transit Custom through the company’s toughest-yet set of tests before the van was allowed to go on sale late last year, simulating 10 years of ownership in just six months.

More than 150 professional test drivers, plus customer fleet drivers and Ford engineers, put the Ford Transit Custom through a punishing regime, covering the equivalent of three million miles. Ford Transit Custom tests included marathon non-stop driving tests to simulate an extremely demanding 10-year lifecycle in just six months, along with extreme climate testing and corrosive salt- and mud-baths.

“I don’t think many customers would believe what this vehicle has been through,” said Barry Gale, commercial vehicles chief engineer, Ford of Europe. “We inflict the worst possible treatment that a van could endure, and we’re only satisfied when our new vehicle comes through with flying colours – just as the Transit Custom has done.”

Ford analysed data from real-world Transit use gathered from more than 600 vehicles, over six million miles, in seven markets around the world; that helped inform worst-case usage durability targets based on a 10-year, 150,000-mile lifecycle. This in itself is interesting, although your mileage may vary, to coin a phrase; a courier doing long distance motorway work should be able to expect much higher trouble-free mileages than someone doing urban multi-drop.

Examples of the extreme challenges included:

  • Autobahnspeed: maintaining maximum speed for two months non-stop;
  • Figure Eight: executing figures-of-eight non-stop for one month;
  • Chassis strength: crashing into a 140mm kerb at more than 35mph;
  • Potholes and bumps: completing a potholed and bumpy course at speeds of up to 45mph – more than 5,000 times;
  • Corrosion resistance: driving over rough gravel roads, through salt- and mud-baths, and soaking in high-humidity chambers – for 12 weeks.

During its development, Ford Transit Custom prototypes also endured the toughest “real–world” conditions, surviving the extremes of 40degC heat in Dubai and -40degC biting cold in Finland, plus high-mileage road testing in the hands of professional fleet drivers. It also endured a specialsed door-slamming test at Ford’s test centre near Basildon — the van’s doors were slammed 550,000 times to simulate the higher duty cycle expected from van doors.

In the test labs, Ford subjected the all-new 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine – powering the all-new Transit Custom – to 46 days of continuous high-load urban driving on specialised rigs, as part of tens of thousands of hours of engine testing. Component test rigs simulating real-world punishment can prove-out a full 10-year vehicle lifecycle in as little as 30 days.

Ford has engineered more than 100 significant improvements as a direct result of its testing regime. These include the redesign and strengthening of the engine mount brackets and body rocker panels. The same regime will deliver similar benefits to the all-new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models due for launch by 2014.

Used Vans Hit Record Prices Despite Rise In Age & Mileage

1 Reply

BCA Commercial vehicle auctionBCA’s latest Pulse data shows that average LCV values continued to rise in March, with new record values set for fleet & lease and dealer part-exchange vans.

The average March figure of £4,860 for all LCVs was the highest on record for any month since Pulse began reporting in 2005.

Average age rose slightly to 58.8 months, while average mileage increased by over 2,000 miles to 80,800 miles.This continues a trend that has been ongoing for at least the last two years, as this graph shows:

BCA used van values at auction March 2013

Used van values at auction Feb 2011 – March 2013 (courtesy of BCA)

BCA’s Duncan Ward commented:

“Values remained strong in the run-up to Easter, as the combination of limited supply and good levels of demand in the remarketing sector saw prices rise for corporate stock and older dealer part-exchange vans.  LCV values have been universally strong throughout the first quarter of this year and are significantly higher than the same period last year.”

“In fact the market has been even more competitive over the past few weeks and well-presented LCV’s are routinely outperforming guide expectations – often by a considerable amount.”

“Anecdotal evidence from a number of sources suggests retail used van activity remains slow, yet the wholesale remarketing sector is relatively strong.  BCA believe the continued shortage of stock is helping to drive demand and keep prices firm.”

The ongoing strength of the wholesale used van sector becomes even more obvious and dramatic if you look at the figures for age, mileage and value over the last two years:

All vans Avg Age Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Apr 2011 51.64 72,201 £3,969 97.5%
Mar 2012 57.35 77,804 £4,227 98.90%
Mar 2013 58.88 80,853 £4,860 103.32%

(All data courtesy of BCA – www.british-car-auctions.co.uk)

Monthly figures can sometimes create an exaggerated or distorted picture of what’s really happening — but in this case, there’s no mistaking the big trend.

The average used van sold by BCA costs 15% more than it did one year ago, despite having 4% higher mileage. Looking back over two years, used van prices have risen by an average of 22%, despite a 12% rise in average mileage. Over the last two years, the average age of used van sold by BCA has also risen by 14%: used van buyers are paying more, and getting less.

This is confirmed by the fact that used vans in April sold for an average of 103.3% of their CAP prices — trade buyers are paying over book price to secure new stock.

As BCA’s Duncan Ward has been pointing out for many months, there is a dramatic shortage of used stock, due to a deep slump in new van registrations in 2009 and the fact that registrations are still well below pre-recession levels. Arguably, this is the new reality — used vans were undervalued before and will now become more valuable until such time as we enter another boom…

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter whether you think used vans are overpriced or underpriced — this is market reality, and sellers have the upper hand (which has proved helpful for van rental companies like Northgate as they’ve downsized their nearly-new fleets).

Europcar Launches New Branding On 250 Peugeot Vans

Leave a reply
Europcar's new branding on its UK van fleet

Europcar’s new branding is being debuted out on the company’s UK van fleet, incorporating the slogan ‘moving your way’.

London, February 2013 – Europcar the leader in car hire services in Europe, is unveiling its new branding as it goes onto 250 Peugeot Partner Vans.

Featuring the new brand positioning, ‘Moving your way’, the Peugeot vans available for hire across the UK will help build awareness of the message that Europcar is focused on enhancing the rental experience from start to finish.

Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group says:

“We’re excited to see our new brand positioning rolling out across our UK van fleet.Acting as a quality stamp, ‘Moving your way’ demonstrates Europcar’s commitment to providing vehicle solutions that fit in with the mobility requirements of our customers.”

You can find a full list of Europcar’s UK van hire branches here or book van hire by visiting Europcar’s website.

Renault Master Low Loader Delivers For Masons Moving Group

Leave a reply

Masons Moving Group Renault Master with low floor and loading rampBarry-based international removals company, Masons Moving Group Ltd., has taken delivery of two new Renault Master 150.35 low loader Luton vans. 

The 150hp, 3.5 tonne vehicles have been specified with a low-floor luton body and fold down rear loading ramp, that negates the need for a tail lift, saving weight and speeding up loading. The new vans will be used to support the Barry-based company’s European and International removal and packing service, for businesses and homes across the UK.

Gordon Mason, owner, Masons Moving Group says:

“We had heard good things about the Renault Master and so decided to trial the vehicle. The low loader body appealed as it enables faster loading, with no need for a tail lift. The Renault Master’s payload is also impressive with enough space for larger, bulkier items. Another advantage is its tight turning circle – something that is a huge benefit when undertaking removals from residential areas and businesses in built up locations.”

“As a company, image is very important to us – the Master is a great looking vehicle which reflects the high standards of quality for which Masons Moving Group is renowned.”

Masons Moving Group Ltd. is an independent, family company that has been providing removals and storage across the country and the world for over 100 years. The company was set up in 1905 as a horse and cart operation and now, in its third generation, has grown to become an International removals business, offering home and office moves, storage and packing services. Based in South Wales, the company has depots in Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend and Swansea.

Van Registrations Up 11.5% In March

Leave a reply

New registrations of commercial vehicles — a good indicator of sales — rose by 11.5% to 43,684 in March, continuing February’s increase.

CV registrations rose by 11.5% in March, compared to March 2012, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). As we saw in February, the biggest increases were in the Pick-up category (up 29.2%) and the vans under 2.0t (up 22.8%).

Also on the up were vans between 2.5t and 3.5t, which rose by 8.8%. This is by far the largest category of vans, and accounted for 23,483 of the 43,684 vans sold last month. This class includes vans like the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes Sprinter — van that form the backbone of van hire fleets and courier businesses and are commonly used by tradesmen, the construction industry and many company fleets. (A whopping 10,025 of the 23,483 2.5t – 3.5t vans sold last month were Ford Transits, underlining the ongoing dominance of this great van.)

Such a solid increase in new registrations for this category may suggest that these businesses are seeing an improvement in economic conditions or in credit availability. Alternatively, it could just be that the poor supply and rising prices of nearly-new used vans are making buying new more attractive than buying used.

Trucks reversing

In contrast to the more buoyant van registration figures, rigid truck registrations (3.5t – 32t) continued to drop in March, although artic sales remained steady. The biggest drop was in small rigids (3.5t – 6.0t), where registrations fell by 37.2%, in a potential reversal of last year’s 28.8% increase in registrations for this previously unpopular category.

With a quarter of the year gone, and the new registration plate and government budget under out belts, I think the year-to-date figures are the best way of comparing registrations from the last two years:

Year-to-date YTD-13 YTD-12 % change
Pickups 8,443 6,266 34.7%
4x4s 2,005 2,156 -7.0%
Vans <= 2.0t 12,525 10,502 19.3%
Vans > 2.0 – 2.5t 9,127 8,437 8.2%
Vans > 2.5 – 3.5t 36,782 34,327 7.2%
All Vans to 3.5T 68,882 61,688 11.7%
Rigids > 3.5 – 6.0t 1,699 2,190 -22.4%
Rigids > 6.0 – 16t 2,097 2,729 -23.2%
Rigids > 16t 2,782 3,418 -18.6%
All rigids 6,578 8,337 -21.1%
2-axle artics 593 545 8.8%
3-axle artics 2,889 3,198 -9.7%
All artics 3,482 3,743 -7.0%

Figures courtesy of SMMT.

It is perhaps not a surprise that pick-up sales have taken off so well this year — not only have several new models (e.g. Ford Ranger, Great Wall Steed) gone on sale during the last twelve months, but we’ve also had above-average amounts of snow — always a good way to convince people, often mistakenly, that they need a four-wheel drive. (Of course, what they often need is a bog standard vehicle with winter tyres…)

Pick-ups remain popular thanks to the tax benefits they offer for business owners, too, although this trend seems to be fading away in the area where I live.

This graph shows how sales have increased in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period of 2012:

Van registrations Q1 2012 vs Q1 2013

Van registrations Q1 2012 vs Q1 2013 (courtesy of SMMT)

It’s a promising start to the year, although I do have some concerns over the durability of the gains, especially when truck registrations are declining sharply, suggesting that underlying economy activity and growth remains weak.