Author Archives: Van Rental

Joseph Valente with VW Transporter

Apprentice winner plumbs in new VW Transporter vans to power growth

Leave a reply

The winner of The Apprentice 2015 wasn’t looking for a job with Alan Sugar — he’s already a successful businessman with a fast-growing plumbing business in Peterborough.

Joseph Valente founded Impra Gas to provide service, maintenance and installation of all plumbing, heating and electrical products to property management companies, landlords and private homeowners in the Peterborough area.

Joseph Valente with VW Transporter

2015 Apprentice winner Joseph Valente with one of his new Volkswagen Transporter vans.

Lord Sugar’s investment will be used to help the firm increase the geographic coverage of its operations and target new business relationships with property developers and other plumbing users.

To help support the expansion of Impra Gas, Valente has used some of Lord Sugar’s funds to acquire four new Volkswagen vans for his engineers. The new vehicles – Transporter T28 Trendline models with a 2.0-litre 102 PS engine have been fitted with Bott Vario in-vehicle storage equipment to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Bott Vario racking fitted inside VW Transporter

The new vans have been fitted with Bott Vario racking to provide safe and efficient in-vehicle storage.

Valente, who started in the plumbing industry as an apprentice himself, commented:

“Winning The Apprenticewas a dream come true for me. Having already established my business, the £250,000 investment, as well as the counsel from Lord Sugar himself, have enabled me to grow it further and I am really excited about the next chapter for Impra Gas.”

As well as supporting his traditional plumbing and heating services, Impra Gas will also be championing smart heating and home technologies, partnering with the industry’s most innovative technology providers as soon as they come to market.

UK commercial vehicle production climbed 13.8% in May

1 Reply

May was a good month for the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturers, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

UK CV output rose by 13.8% to 7,748 units in May, up from 6.808 during May 2015.

The bulk of these gains were due to a 23.5% rise in demand from UK buyers, reversing most of the decline we’ve seen so far this year:

SMMT CV production May 2016

SMMT CV production May 2016 (courtesy of SMMT)

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“It’s good to see UK commercial vehicle manufacturing performing strongly in May which puts it on track for a positive 2016. The commercial vehicle market is linked to economic confidence in the UK and Europe, with 88% of UK-built CV exports shipped to the continent last year. For this performance to continue, we need to ensure we maintain free access to our main markets as well as pursuing new global opportunities.”

The news comes as European commercial vehicle markets reported a 17th month of growth as the region continued its economic recovery. New commercial vehicle registrations in Europe grew 16.4% in May, with the market up 13.5% for the first five months of 2016. 

Renault Alaskan

Renault Alaskan one-tonne pickup — first pictures

Leave a reply

Renault has released the first pictures of its new one-tonne pick-up, the Alaskan.

Renault Alaskan

We first wrote about the Nissan NP300-based Alaskan back in September, when Renault unveiled a concept version of the Alaskan. Today’s photos show how the production model will look.

The Alaskan’s Nissan heritage means that there are few surprises, but I think it’s fair to say that Renault has managed to put its gallic stamp onto this rather macho vehicle.

Renault Alaskan rear view

Renault promises that the Alaskan will deliver “exceptional driving comfort” thanks to its cutting edge five-link rear suspension and a fully boxed frame.

The Alaskan will be powered by the same Renault 2.3-litre dCi engine used in the Renault Master and will be available in 160hp and 190hp versions. Buyers will get a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, plus two or four-wheel drive.

The Alaskan’s class-leading 3.5 tonne towing capacity should make it a popular choice for demanding towing applications. The generous interior specification is likely to make it a popular choice with both leisure and commercial buyers:

 

Inside the Renault Alaskan

The Alaskan will be available through and supported by Renault’s Pro+ commercial vehicle network. This means dedicated LCV sales advisers and after-sales support will be available, including extended hours servicing.

The Alaskan will initially go on sale in South America. Renault hasn’t yet confirmed UK launch dates.

Ab Fab Movie Ape van goes on show at Beaulieu

Leave a reply

The Piaggio Ape getaway van used by Jennifer Saunders as Eddy and Joanna Lumley as Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie has been put on show at Beaulieu.

It will join other well-known television and movie cars in the On Screen Stars exhibition at the National Motor museum.

Ab Fab Piaggio Ape van

The Piaggio Ape van used in Ab Fab: The Movie has gone on display in the On Screen Stars exhibition at Beaulieu.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie makes its international premiere on June 29th and goes on general release in the UK on July 1st. The Ape is already on display, so visitors can see this new attraction even before its debut on the silver screen.

If you’re not familiar with the plot of this film, then here it is. Patsy and Eddy are living the high life in London when they accidentally drown Kate Moss in the Thames. The resulting media storm (and presumably police investigation) see them flee, penniless, to the French Riviera. There, they hatch a plan that will enable them to live the high life in France.

Presumably that’s where the Ape makes its appearance:

Ab Fab Piaggio Ape getaway van

If Ab Fab is your cup of tea, then it will be in cinemas from Friday. The Ape is already at Beaulieu as part of the On Screen Stars exhibition at the National Motor Museum. Admission is included in the Beaulieu admission price. More details at www.beaulieu.co.uk.

Kate Humble with her new Mitusbishi L200

No grumbles from Humble: TV star takes delivery of 4th L200

Leave a reply

Broadcaster, businesswoman and farmer, Kate Humble, has taken delivery of an all-new Mitsubishi L200 Series 5. The pickup is the TV presenter’s fourth, with earlier models having proved indispensable on her farm.

Kate Humble with her new Mitusbishi L200

Kate Humble with her new Mitusbishi L200

The well known TV presenter’s relationship with the L200 started when she bought a secondhand series 2 model some years ago. Kate has since gone on to become a Mitsubishi brand ambassador and the series 5 is her fourth L200.

Kate is currently busy gearing up for The Big Day Out, a weekend festival of food, music, crafts and fun at her farm, Humble by Nature, in the Wye Valley, Monmouth. The new L200 is already being put to good use and has become the go-to vehicle on her working farm.

It’s used for everything from transporting animals to getting things ready for the Big Day Out, which takes place from Friday, July 1st to Sunday, July 3rd in 2016.

Kate also uses the pick up for business, travelling to filming locations and personal appearances across Europe. Taking delivery of the new L200 Series 5, an excited Kate said:

“I absolutely love the L200. With my lifestyle, I want a vehicle that’s really going to work and one that isn’t phased by anything.

“For me, that’s the L200 because it does exactly what it says on the tin and is up to any job.”

Kate, whose second book, A Friend for Life: The Extraordinary Partnership Between Humans and Dogs came out at the end of May, added:

“I’ve been through the L200s over the years – this will be my fourth – and the Mitsubishi designers and engineers have been winning me over with a better driving experience and more creature comforts each time.

“As soon as you drive the new Series 5 you can feel the improvements Mitsubishi has made. It has a lighter touch and is instantly more responsive and car like. We have already been putting it to work on the farm and it can handle everything we need it to.”

Hertz logo

Save up to 16% on Hertz Van Rental in June! [EXPIRED]

Leave a reply

Hertz logo largeThere’s only a few short days left to take advantage of this fantastic new offer from Hertz:

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

SAVE up to 16% on Hertz Van Rental + DOUBLE Nectar points!

Here are the details:

  • 16% discount until the end of the month (bookings and collections made this month)
  • Discount/CDP: 778635
  • Promo Code: 108360
  • Double Nectar points
  • No minimum hire period, maximum hire two weeks
  • UK hires only
  • Cars and vans, not Collections

 

 

Please visit the Hertz website for full detail of this offer.

Fiat Ducato Euro 6

Fiat steers clear of AdBlue for Euro 6 Ducato vans

Leave a reply

The Fiat Ducato is now available with Euro 6 engines. But unlike some manufacturers, the Italian firm has opted to avoid using AdBlue to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Fiat Ducato Euro 6

Euro 6 Fiat Ducato vans will not require AdBlue, thanks to an updated EGR system.

AdBlue is required for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), the process used by most vehicle manufacturers to meet Euro 6. The other main approach to emissions reduction for diesel engines is Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

Fiat has developed a system it calls Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LPEGR) which the firm says avoids the need for SCR by channelling exhaust gasses away after the diesel particular filter (DPF), cooling them in a low-pressure EGR cooler and recirculating them ahead of the turbo charger.

Interestingly, the LPEGR system will be fitted to van and motorhome versions of the Ducato. Minibus versions of the Euro 6 Ducato will use SCR and will have a 15-litre AdBlue tank with a filler point next to the diesel tank cap.

New engine choices for Ducato

Alongside the switch to Euro 6, Fiat has introduced a new range of engines for the Ducato.

At the bottom of the range is a new entry-level 2.0-litre MultiJet II 115hp LPEGR engine. This will replace the current Euro 5 2.3-litre 110hp model and offer fuel consumption of up to 47.9mpg on the combined cycle. I’d probably only choose this engine for urban/short wheelbase vans, though.

In the middle of the range are updated versions of the firm’s  core 2.3-litre MultiJet II 130hp and 150hp engines. Both engines now have LPEGR to meet Euro 6 standards.

At the top of the range, a new 180hp 2.3 MultiJet II has been introduced to replace the previous 3.0-litre 180hp version. Fiat says that the new, smaller engine will offer a significant improvement in efficiency and emissions, with a combined cycle figure of 46.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 160g/km.

The FIAT Professional Ducato Euro 6, with LPEGR, is available to order now priced from £21,445 plus VAT and on-the-road charges.

Mercedes-Benz Citan van

Mercedes-Benz improves approved used van offering

Leave a reply

Mercedes-Benz Vans has redeveloped its Approved Used offering, enabling all UK van operators to access the right van for them, whatever their vehicle requirement.

The Mercedes-Benz Approved Used range of vans are all now available up to 6 years old, with a maximum mileage of 150,000 miles. The vans come with a full service history and have to meet a multi-point pre-sale check to qualify, with outstanding finance, theft and insurance write-off checked.

Mercedes-Benz Citan van

Approved Used vans come with a 12-month MOT, 12-month insurance-based ‘wear and tear’ warranty (which can be extended), and are serviced as required if there is less than 5,000 miles to the next service. The corrosion warranty is renewed and there is a minimum of 5mm tyre tread depth remaining. All vehicles are treated to a full valet.

Mick Glover, Head of Vehicle Remarketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans, said:

“We have redeveloped our Approved Used criteria to better serve the needs of van operators – it is very clear exactly what standards all of our Approved Used vans now adhere to, and enables customers to have a broader spectrum of vehicles that could better suit their needs.

MobiloVan, free UK and Europe-wide roadside assistance is also reactivated for all approved used vans, giving drivers up to 30 years roadside assistance from date of registration, with an average attendance time of under 60 minutes and roadside repair rate of 80%.

To view the full range of Approved Used vans, please visit the Mercedes-Benz Used Van Locator:www.usedvans.mercedes-benz.co.uk.

Fiat Fullback

Fiat Fullback: UK price and specification details announced

Leave a reply

Having received its global launch in Dubai last November, the Fiat Fullback pickup is due to arrive on UK shores shortly. The Fullback’s UK launch is scheduled for 4 July.

Fiat Fullback

The new Fiat Fullback will be launched in the UK on 4 July 2016.

To raise the profile of this Mitsubishi L200-based pickup model ahead of its arrival in right-hand drive land, Fiat has released pricing and specification details ahead of the launch.

UK buyers will be able to choose from three versions initially, the 2.4-litre 150hp SX, the 2.4 180hp LX and the 2.4 180hp LX automatic. All engines will be diesel, as you’d expect.

The entry-level SX has a less powerful 150hp engine, which will deliver 380Nm of torque and official combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.2mpg / 169g/km CO2. The SX will be fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and on demand four-wheel drive system with three electrically-selected settings, 2WD and 4WD high range, plus 4WD low range.

Power and torque are increased to 180hp and 430Nm for the LX model, pushing official combined-cycle fuel economy figure down to 42.2MPG (6.6L/100km) and lifting CO2 emissions slightly to 173g/km.

A more sophisticated full-time four-wheel drive system is fitted to the LX model, offering four electrically-controlled settings: 2H, 4H plus 4HLc and 4LLc. These last two settings utilise a locking central differential for improved traction.

The braked towing capacity of the LX is 3,100kg, while the SX is slightly lower at 2,700kg. Load bed payload is one tonne, and the load offers a maximum length up to 1.52m.

Standard equipment on the LX includes keyless go, leather upholstery, electrically-adjusted and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, enhanced body styling, privacy glass and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation as standard.

Fiat Fullback cab

Inside the Fiat Fullback

Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera and a comfort-oriented “Touring” suspension are also including in the generous LX specification When equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the LX version adds an upgraded 7-inch infotainment system and transmission paddle gear shifters.

The Fullback will be available as a double cab, four-wheel drive model only in the UK. Prices start from £20,995 +VAT +OTR costs.

Fiat Fiorino

Updated Fiat Fiorino with Euro 6 now available to order

Leave a reply

September’s Euro 6 deadline is fast approaching. All new vans sold in the UK after this time will have to meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

So it’s no surprise that model refreshes accompanied by new engines are coming thick and fast. The latest van to receive the Euro 6 treatment is the compact Fiat Fiorino.

Fiat Fiorino

The updated 2016 Fiat Fiorino with Euro 6 engines

The new model is now available to order. Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Choice of two turbo-diesel 1.3 MultiJet II engines with outputs of 80 and 95hp
  • Also available with a 77hp 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine
  • New diesel EcoJet model which uses fuel-saving technology including a Start & Stop system, a “smart” alternator and a variable displacement oil pump. Paired with a Comfort-Matic robotised transmission, the Fiorino EcoJet promises a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg with 100g/km of CO2. That’s a fuel saving of 14% on the standard Fiorino with manual transmission.

Other changes to the Fiorino appear to be fairly minor and cosmetic. The front bumper design has been updated, and new wheel trims and 15-inch alloy wheels are available.

For drivers wanting a more robust and capable vehicle, the FIAT Adventure is available. This soft-roader model offers 15-inch wheels with mud-and-snow tyres, a raised suspension, oversized body protection, a front bumper with skid plate and, of course, the Traction+ electronic differential lock system which assists driving in low-grip conditions.

Available in Cargo and Combi body styles, orders for FIAT Professional’s new Fiorino are now open priced from £11,315, excluding VAT and OTR charges.