Author Archives: Van Rental

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Extreme trucking with the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

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Isuzu promised pickup buyers an exciting new model for the CV Show, and here it is.

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a bit of a mouthful. It’s also the first collaboration between Artcic Trucks and Isuzu and the most extreme version of the D-Max ever to go on sale:

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

With a price tag which starts from £30,995, this isn’t the cheapest truck on the market. But it does offer something genuinely different to the usual blinged-up special edition models provided by most pickup manufacturers.

Arctic Trucks is a vehicle engineering specialist, developing and building 4×4 vehicles able to conquer the most challenging conditions for over 25 years. The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will be the first Arctic Trucks pick-up in the UK that can be ordered directly from a vehicle manufacturer’s dealer network.

The AT35 retains the D-Max’s standard 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and one-tonne payload. It’s also powered by the standard D-Max 2.5-litre, 163PS twin-turbo diesel. However, there are significant changes below the bodywork.

Suspension is re-engineered with Fox Performance Series shocks, which help deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.

Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most challenging, slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road surfaces, with the rubber fitted to 17”x10” wheels, considerably larger than the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates larger diameter tyres and boasts wider extended flares, giving the AT35 a securely planted and powerful look.

The combined effect of Arctic Trucks specialised suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than the equivalent standard 4×4 Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles, capable of tackling the harsh Icelandic terrain or the steep slate slopes of Wales.

The AT35 is available in double-cab and extended-cab configurations. Inside the cab, occupants will benefit from a six-speaker audio package with an ‘Exciter’ speaker in the roof lining, plus iPod/USB/Bluetooth connectivity to provide high-quality sound. Comfort is assured thanks to heated and folding door mirrors (including side indicator repeaters) and a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls provides additional safety and convenience.

The double-cab model also includes full leather upholstery for an even more luxurious interior, as well as automatic climate control air-conditioning. This is controlled by a large, circular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) selector located on the cabin’s centre console, which allows occupants to control temperature and fan settings with a single dial.

Exterior standard features include projector headlamps, body-coloured front bumper, chrome door handles and chrome grille and chrome rear bumper, LED rear lights and a rear load liner. The double-cab model also adds roof bars and rear parking sensors for further increased practicality. A raft of optional extras are also available, including powerful LED work lights, skid plates.

Vans on the road

More vans than ever on UK roads as total rises over 4 million

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There are now more than four million vans on UK roads, a record high according to Motorparc data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

SMMT vans parc 2016

There are more vans on UK roads than ever before, according to the SMMT (image courtesy of SMMT)

The number of vans on our roads has risen by 4.3% over the last year, an increase the SMMT believes is linked to rising business confidence and rapid growth in online shopping.  Here’s a few surprising facts about the UK’s vans:

  • If you parked all the vans in the UK end-to-end, they would stretch 28 times the length of the A1.
  • The combined payload volume of all the vans in the UK adds up to 26.2 million cubic metres – the equivalent of 10,483 Olympic swimming pools.
  • More than half (57.0%) of the vans on the road are white, with silver (11.4%) in second place and blue (9.0%) third.

Demand for new vans in the UK is now at record levels: registrations grew 1.2% in the first quarter of 2016, following a bumper 2015 which saw more than 370,000 units registered. Vans now cover around 45 billion miles across the UK each year. This makes it important that the van parc is kept modern and is well maintained in order to minimise its carbon footprint.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“Commercial vehicles have never been more important to the British economy, transporting vital goods and services using the latest low emission technology. The CV Show will demonstrate the huge progress that the whole industry continues to make, with a wealth of new products on display from manufacturers, suppliers, aftermarket companies and service providers.”

According to the SMMT, the commercial vehicle sector contributes £11bn annually to the UK economy. CVs cover 61 billion miles each year in the UK, with vans account 45 billion of these – an all-time high. Almost 3,000 tonnes of goods are moved by road every minute – three times more than by water and rail combined.

Heading abroad in a hired van? Missing paperwork could prove costly

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Car ferry

Anyone driving in mainland Europe is required to carry a vehicle registration document. That’s easy if you are in a vehicle you own, but what if it’s hired or leased?

The hire or lease company which owns the vehicle won’t provide the vehicle registration document. Instead, what should happen is they will issue a VE103 document to the driver of the vehicle. This  contains details of the vehicle taken from the V5, along with the name and address of the hirer.

This is the only acceptable substitute for the V5C, and enables the authorities to verify that the person driving the vehicle has permission to do so.  Photocopies of the V5C or letters of authority are not accepted. 

The penalties and inconvenience resulting from failing to carry a valid VE103 document can be considerable, warns the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).  Drivers caught without the correct documentation can face long delays which can be time consuming and costly. The consequences will vary according to the country, but a driver may be fined and the vehicle could be impounded.

The BVRLA has been told of drivers being stuck at border control for four days while the VE103 document is sent through to them. There are even examples as close to home as Dublin where drivers have encountered issues following minor parking infringements.

BVRLA Director of Member Services Nora Leggett says:

“Whether it’s because they are not aware of the rules, or they decide to take the risk, there are drivers who travel abroad in a leased vehicle without the correct VE103 documentation. And we aren’t just talking about company cars; there are a significant number of commercial vehicles that leave the UK without a VE103 too.  It is essential that businesses understand their responsibilities and educate drivers to avoid significant disruption.”

What do you need to do? If you are planning to take a hired van abroad, you must arrange this in advance with your hire company. That includes driving into the Republic of Ireland in a vehicle hired in mainland UK.

There will be an additional fee, in return for which the hire company will normally provide you with a VE103B document plus European insurance and breakdown cover. You should also check whether any extra equipment is required, such as reflective yellow (hi viz) vests or breathalysers.

European use is not normally included in hire agreements. Anyone taking a hired vehicle abroad without the agreement of their hire company may also find that they do not have insurance or breakdown cover. 

Renault Trafic mark I

Renault Trafic celebrates 35 years and 200,000 UK sales

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It’s been 35 years since the first Renault Trafic made an appearance on UK roads. Introduced in 1981, the Trafic I shows just how much has changed in the van sector over the last three and half decades.

The Trafic was one of the first of the modern generation of panel vans. It’s fair to say that it helped to define a shape and form factor that has remained the norm ever since.

How it started…

The Trafic I was available at launch with a payload of up to 1200kg. Driver comfort was given increased focus with improved seating, soundproofing and ventilation compared to the previous Renault Estafette model.

Renault Trafic mark I

Renault Trafic I interior

A choice of rear and side doors made loading and unloading easier, while corrosion resistance was improved with additional bodywork treatment. Safety was improved thanks to better visibility and assisted braking with ventilated discs at the front.

Renault Estafette

The original Trafic might seem dated today, but it was a huge leap forwards compared to its predecessor, the Renault Estafette.

In total, 80,442 first-generation Trafics were sold in the UK.

New century, new model

It’s fair to say that by 2000, even the facelifted 1995 model of the Trafic was looking and feeling pretty outdated. Renault rose to the occasion, introducing an all-new design for the Trafic II which was once more at the leading edge of panel van design.

Renault Trafic market II

Launched in 2000 and brought to the UK in 2001, the Trafic II also had the added attraction of being manufactured in the UK, at General Motor’s Vauxhall plant in Luton.

The Trafic II offered a refrigerated glove box, radio with CD player and central locking as standard, while options at launch included mobile ‘phone connectivity, air conditioning and a full-glazed bulkhead. Always targeting small-business customers, the Trafic was much more likely to be seen in a colour other than white than vans such as the Transit and Sprinter.

To help encourage such personal touches, the Trafic II was available in a a range of twelve colours such as Desert Yellow, Laser Red and Storm Blue.  Between 2001 and 2014, 102,486 Trafic II were sold in the UK.

The third generation

Renault didn’t need to do anything too drastic with the Trafic III. The Trafic II was still a good van and simply needed a comprehensive update and more modern engines.

Renault Trafic mk III

Launched in 2014, the Trafic III is available with four turbodiesel engines with combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 50.4mpg.

The current model is available in more variants than ever before — according to Renault, 70 variants are available in the UK. These include two different heights, two lengths, panel van, crew van, platform cab and people carrier models, as well as a range of conversions.

So far, 18,189 of the latest third generation Trafics have been sold since launch in late 2014.

Fiat Fullback pick-up

Fiat, Volkswagen & Isuzu release details of new pickup models

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As we head towards the start of the CV Show on 26 April no fewer than three popular manufacturers have released details of new and updates pickup truck models.

Fiat joins the party

First up is Fiat Professional (the firm’s CV arm) which plans to give the FIAT Fullback pickup truck its UK debut at the CV Show next week.

The Fullback is an all-new model for Fiat and is the firm’s first foray into the one-tonne pickup market.

Fiat Fullback pick-up

The Fiat Fullback is based on the new Mitsubishi L200 and will be available in the UK in autumn 2016.

However, it’s not a new vehicle. As I’ve reported before, this is a rebadged Mitsubishi L200 — one of the most popular pickup models on the market.

The Fullback will be available in a double cab body style and will be powered by the L200’s usual 2.4-litre, aluminium turbo-diesel engine. There will be a choice of 150hp and 180hp output levels, along with a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed auto transmissions. Naturally all models will have full four-wheel drive.

Volkswagen teases with Amarok facelift

The Volkswagen Amarok is already one of the more upmarket pickup models available in the UK, but the facelifted version that’s due to hit UK showrooms before the end of the year will aim to strengthen the marque’s position at the upper end of the market.

Volkswagen has just released the first pictures showing how the updated Amarok will look. VW says it is targeting premium buyers with “A more athletic front and a modified instrument panel”.

The new model will be 5.25m long and 2.23m wide, including mirrors. That’s almost identical to the current model. However, VW says that the curves of the current model will “give way to horizontal and vertical lines”. I suspect it will look more chunky and macho. Here’s how the new model may look:

Volkswagen Amarok facelift sketch front view

Volkswagen Amarok 2016 facelift rear view sketch

Just for comparison, here’s how the current model looks:

Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label

The Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label edition

Isuzu’s Double D-Max presentation

Isuzu is planning to give its Isuzu D-Max Centurion model its show debut at the CV Show, although this version has actually been on sale since April. The D-Max Centurion is a limited edition model that includes over £11,000-worth of accessories. It celebrates the Japanese manufacturer’s 100 years of vehicle production and is limited to a run of just 100 examples.

Isuzu D-Max Centurion

The Isuzu D-Max Centurion

Isuzu will also unveil another new D-Max model at the CV Show. No pictures yet as this is going to be a show surprise…

Renault Master X-Track

Renault adds extra traction to van range

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Here at vanrental.co.uk, there’s nothing we like more than a 4×4 van! So it is with great pleasure I can tell you that Renault is taking the fight to Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in this specialist market.

Renault’s popular range of vans is now available with an enhanced traction solution called X-Track. Buyers of Renault’s biggest van, the Master, can go one step further and specify a full 4×4 system.

Renault Master X-Track

The new Renault Master X-Track. A full 4×4 model will also be available.

The Renault Kangoo, Trafic and Master vans will shortly become available with with X-Track. This is a system that combines  a limited slip differential, raised ground clearance, underbody protection and all-weather tyres to provide significantly improved traction in off-road or severe winter conditions.

The X-Track concept is an extension of Renault’s existing Grip Xtend system. This uses electronic traction control to maximise grip by varying power delivery to each of the drive wheels to suit the underlying conditions.

Combined with improved ground clearance and all-weather tyres (also known as all-season tyres or mud and snow tyres), X-Track should be enough to enable vans to operate in the vast majority of conditions. But for operators who need more serious off-road capabilities, the Renault Master will also be available with switchable all-wheel drive. Drivers will be able to choose between two-wheel drive for normal road conditions and all-wheel drive when additional traction is required.

The Master 4×4 is expected to be available in the summer. Availability dates for X-Track have not yet been confirmed but are expected to be “later in 2016”, according to Renault.

Signature Van Hire of Northolt joins vanrental.co.uk

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I’m very pleased to welcome Signature Van Hire of Northolt, West London, to vanrental.co.uk.

Signature Van Hire

Signature has a comprehensive modern fleet of Ford vans, including:

  • Ford Transit Connect
  • Ford Transit Custom
  • Ford Transit long wheelbase
  • Ford Transit extra-long wheelbase
  • Ford Transit Luton with tail lift

These vans offer load capacities from 2.6 cubic metres right up to a chunky 19 cubic metres. There should be something to suit almost every requirement. Accessories including sack barrows and load straps are also available.

All vans include comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover and European hire is also available, for an additional fee.

Signature Van Hire is open from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

For more information or to obtain a quote, contact Signature Van Hire directly:

  • Web: www.signaturevanhire.co.uk
  • Telephone: 0203 4343 788
  • Email: sales@signaturevanhire.co.uk
  • Address: 45 Rowdell Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 6AG

 

If you’d like to see your van hire company listed on vanrental.co.uk, please see our advertising page for more information.

Vauxhall Made in Britain badge

Vauxhall joins Made in Britain campaign with Luton-built Vivaro

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I’ve commented before that by building the Vivaro van at its Luton plant, Vauxhall single-handedly provides most of the volume commercial vehicle production in the UK.

To celebrate its contribution to the UK economy and to make sure potential buyers are aware that the Vivaro is made in Britain, Vauxhall has joined the Made in Britain campaign. This was founded in 2011 with the aim of helping everyone identify British-made products.

Every Vivaro built at Luton will now include the tradermark protected Made in Britain badge.

Vauxhall Vivaro Made in Britain badge

The not-for-profit campaign now includes thousands of products from over 700 members. Made in Britain members range from large manufacturers to small companies and start-ups, with Vauxhall joining Unipart, Naylor, Anglian Home Improvements and the National Gallery among others on the campaign.

“We are very proud of our 113-year heritage of building vehicles in Britain, and being part of this campaign is a great way to communicate this,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director.

Last year, Vauxhall manufactured 60,280 Vivaro vans at its plant in Luton, with 28,000 of those sold in the UK. Over eight million vehicles have been built at Vauxhall’s Luton site since 1905. Since the closure of Ford’s Southampton plant in 2013, Vauxhall has been the only volume manufacturer building vans in the UK.

Breezemount Vauxhall Movano MaxiQube van

T.O.M. helps Breezemount save cash with innovative MaxiQube van

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Choosing a van often involves a trade off between cubic capacity and payload. Sometimes standard 3.5t body shapes just aren’t big enough. This is an especially common problem for companies moving furniture, which tends to be relatively light for its size.

Furniture delivery specialist Breezemount UK has taken a step towards solving this problem by replacing its standard 3.5t panel vans with a fleet of 47 new Vauxhall Movano MaxiQube vans. These were designed by Maxi-Low and are new to the UK market.

Breezemount Vauxhall Movano MaxiQube van

These new vans were sourced and provided to Breezemount under contract hire by T.O.M. Vehicle Rental. Whereas removal firms often use jumbo luton designs, these aren’t efficient for pure furniture delivery, as the luton area cannot be used for heavy objects and causes a sharp rise in fuel consumption.

The streamlined and large capacity body of the MaxiQube offers improved payload and cubic capacity, with an internal load length of 4200mm and internal load height of 1951mm. Breezemount makes more than 1 million home deliveries each year. The firm believes that greater volume and payload of the new vans will mean a reduction in road miles. This should cut costs and help reduce the firm’s environmental impact.

The service from T.O.M offers Breezemount a fleet-focussed, fixed cost, risk managed solution on the exact vehicle types their business needs with additional features including lightweight rear container-style barn doors, LED rear lights and reversing camera with integrated rear light to reduce collision and damage incidents and recessed D –load rings for securing loads as well as a mix of single and dual passenger seats to suit different operations.

Breezemount Vauxhall Movano MaxiQube van

The contract hire offering from T.O.M includes repairs, servicing, maintenance, tax, worn tyre replacement and replacement vehicles to keep Breezemount moving. The vans will also be fitted with Lytx DriveCam cameras as part of a drive to improve driver standards and safety.

Anyone interested in viewing one of the vehicles  or discussing its improved payload can visit the T.O.M Vehicle Rental/MaxiLow stand 5C40 at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC on 26-28thApril where the new MaxiQube will be officially launched and a completed Breezemount vehicle will be on display.

New 2016 Peugeot Expert

All-new Peugeot Dispatch and Citroën Expert unveiled

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The new Peugeot Dispatch and Citroën Expert vans will make their global debut at the CV Show 2016 in Birmingham, on 26 April.

New 2016 Peugeot Expert

Both firms are part of France’s PSA Group and the two vans will be very similar to each other. The new Dispatch and Expert vans will be based on PSA’s EMP2 platform, which is also used for the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C4 cars.

Toyota has also opted to use the Dispatch/Expert as the basis for the new Toyota Proace, which will be unveiled as part of Toyota’s comeback appearance at the CV Show.

The new Dispatch/Expert van will be available in three lengths, ranging from 4.6m to 5.3m. Maximum payload will be 1,400kg, while a roof height of 1.9m, should mean that most height-restricted car parks are accessible.

New 2016 Citroen Dispatch interior

In addition to the standard panel van model, crew van and minibus models will be available. All The standard van will continue to have three seats in the front, while maximum seating capacity for the Combi (minibus) model will be nine people.  There will also be a platform cab model, opening the door to a wide range of potential bodywork conversions.

Diesel engines will all be Euro 6 and will offer a choice of power options from 95hp up to 180hp. Manual and automatic gearboxes will be available. A number of new safety and convenience features will be on offer, including hands-free sliding doors and Active Safety Brake, which is an automatic emergency braking system designed to prevent rear-end collisions.

The MPV version of this van has already achieved a 5-star score in the Euro NCAP safety tests, so this model should continue to raise the safety bar for vans, improving occupant and pedestrian safety.