Author Archives: Van Rental

British Gas Caddy 4 van

New Volkswagen Caddy wins 8,000-van British Gas deal

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British Gas has become one of the first big fleet customers for the new fourth generation Caddy van.

The firm, which is the UK’s largest domestic energy supplier, will take delivery of 8,000 new Caddy vans over the next three years, as part of a fleet replacement programme. The first 1,000 vans will be supplied this year.

British Gas Caddy 4 van

The new three year deal was awarded to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles thanks to the quality of vehicles and aftersales support already received by British Gas, which currently runs 8,500 Caddy models. With a sizeable, well-used fleet, whole life costs were essential to securing the new contract.

Converted to British Gas specification by Bri-stor, the fleet will be supported in the long term by Volkswagen’s extensive aftersales program. Engineers will be able to access any of the 71 Volkswagen Van Centres across the country for regular servicing to help reduce vehicle downtime, and ensure the business continues to run smoothly.

Colin Marriott, Fleet Manager at British Gas, commented:

“In order to provide a fantastic service to our customers, we depend on our fleet to travel the length and breadth of the country. It was the reliability of Volkswagen’s engineering and aftercare support that was once again a key factor when it came to renewing the fleet, and we look forward to taking delivery of the vehicles.”

 

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

Volkswagen unveils Multivan motorcycle transport concept at IAA

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The pressure of being a top automotive manufacturer at Europe’s largest motor show must be immense. You’ve got to produce something new to put on your stand, even if you haven’t really got anything that’s new.

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

How else can Volkswagen’s Multivan Panamericana concept be explained? It’s essentially a Volkswagen Multivan (the window van version of the Transporter) with the seats removed in order to transport a single motorbike.

Loading and unloading is facilitated with an electric loading ramp and tie-down points. To add some spice, the Multivan Panamericana comes in 4MOTION all-wheel drive spec and has slightly beefed up bodywork with custom badging.

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

The firm says that this concept model would target a discerning audience of sporting motorcyclists looking for a way of transporting their machines around Europe to their next big ride — whether alpine pass or track day.

Volkswagen does have at least one new LCV model scheduled for launch at the IAA — the Europe-only Caddy Alltrack I covered yesterday, However, my guess that as VW has only just launched new versions of its Transporter and Caddy vans and people carriers, new commercial-derived models were thin on the ground, so the firm’s offering was boosted with this very photogenic and easy-to-produce Multivan Panamericana concept.

Needless to say, Volkswagen has no plans to bring this concept to the UK market.

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack will offer new 4×4 alternative

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The limited number of off-road capable all-wheel drive vans on the market means that the new Caddy Alltrack will be joining a fairly exclusive club when it’s launched later this month.

Not all Caddy Alltrack models will offer power to all four wheels, but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system will be an option on the Caddy Alltrack.

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack

Sadly, the new Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack won’t be available in the UK.

Volkswagen have long produced a 4×4 version of the Transporter (the Transporter 4Motion) but appears to be targeting the lifestyle market more decisively with the Caddy Alltrack, whose name suggest a model with a specification echoing that of car models like the Volkswagen Passatt Alltrack.

The new Caddy Alltrack will be launched at the International Automobile Show in Frankfurt from 15-27 September. It will be available as a panel van and a family MPV model.

The standard specification will include several visual clues that will distinguish it clearly from the standard Caddy models. Exclusive 17-inch ‘Quito’ alloy wheels will be paired up with additional black plastic trim, an underbody protection panel, a modified radiator grill, Alltrack logos and silver roof rails.

Inside, the differences continue. The Alltrack has its own 7Summits seat covers plus folding tables on the front seatbacks for passenger-carrying models. Both variants will feature a leather package (steering wheel, handbrake lever, gear lever boot) and will boast model-specific Mojave Beige metallic paintwork.

However, for UK drivers thinking about buying a Caddy Alltrack, the answer will be no. Sadly VW has no current plans to offer this model in the UK market. If you want a 4-wheel drive VW van, then your only option will continue to be the Transporter 4Motion.

BVRLA RISC system screenshot

New BVRLA system could help blacklist troublesome van rental customers

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BVRLA RISC system screenshot

The BVRLA’s RISC system can be accessed by all BVRLA members and flags up problematic renters.

Rental customers who cause problems for van hire companies could find themselves blacklisted by rental firms across the UK, thanks to a new system.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which is the trade body for UK vehicle rental companies, has released a new version of its risk management software, RISC.

This enables BVRLA member companies, including the majority of UK van rental firms, to search for information about new renters and to record and share problems with existing customers.

For example, the names and details of customers who provide fake ID, such as fictional utility bills, or who cause damage to vehicles may be added to the RISC system.

The BVRLA says that the most common reasons for a rental firm to log a report on RISC are non-conformance with terms and conditions, lack of payment, damaging the vehicle and abusive behaviour towards staff.

Commenting on the revised RISC platform, BVRLA Director of Member Services Nora Leggett said:

“RISC is now an even more powerful loss prevention tool for our members. Opportunistic fraudsters and high-risk customers have become adept at sharing information to exploit vulnerable businesses. The collaborative environment of RISC will harness the power of the BVRLA community and help safeguard valuable assets.”

Other features include a heat map of the UK, showing members where risk activity is being reported in real time.

The BVRLA can also monitor incidents to issue general alerts on problems that may be spiking, such as identity fraud or large numbers of renters showing up with authentic-looking utility statements from bogus websites.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

New Volkswagen Transporter & Caddy vans now available in UK dealers

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The latest versions of Volkswagen’s popular Transprter and Caddy vans made their debut appearance in UK dealerships today (7 Sept).

We covered the global launch of these vans earlier this year (Caddy & Transporter) but today is the first time that right-hand drive models have been made available in the UK.

Potential buyers can pre-book test drives on the VW website, but here are the key details of the new models.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

Prices start from £17,745 +VAT for the new Transporter, which is clearly an evolution of the T5 model.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is now available in the UK.

According to VW, the T6 Transporter features the widest range of potential engine, transmission and trim level option ever offered on a Transporter.

Engines: Starting under the bonnet, a choice of four 2.0-litre TDI Euro5 engines with outputs of 84 PS, 102 PS, 140 PS and 180 PS (Highline only) and a 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 unit that develops 102 PS are available.

Fuel saving: As I expect to happen across the sector, all new Transporters are now fitted as standard with VW’s BlueMotion Technology modifications. These include low rolling resisitance tyres, regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems to reduce fuel consumption.

Interior: Inside the cab, new standard features include DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection. VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which applies the brakes automatically after a collision, is now also standard.

Payload and loadspace: The new Transporter is available in a choice of four gross weights, from 2,600kg to 3,200kg. Three roof height options are available, ranging from 1,410mm to 1,940mm, along with short and long wheelbase options.

Volkswagen Caddy

Prices start at £13,500 +VAT for the new Caddy, which the VW expects to remain the firm’s second best-selling commercial model.

Volkswagen Caddy 4th generation

The 4th generation Volkswagen Caddy is now available in the UK.

Trim: Like the new Transporter, the fourth-generation Caddy is available in three trim levels, Startline, Trendline and Highline. Highline is the top trim level.

Engines: The new Caddy can be specified with Euro 5 or Euro 6 engines for the time being. Unlike with the Transporter, BlueMotion Technology is not standard across the range, but is available. The most eco-friendly model, in Euro 6 spec, includes BlueMotion and a 2.0-litre Euro 6 102 PS engine that returns a claimed 65.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km.

Interior: Inside, the new Caddy is more car-like than ever. Standard equipment includes electric windows and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability.

Driving safety: The Automatic Post-Collision Braking system also makes an appearance in the new Caddy, and buyers can opt for Park Assist and a rear-view camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems.

Hertz autumn van sale

Book early & SAVE up to 25% in the Hertz Autumn Sale [EXPIRED]

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The weather may be cooler, but the sales are hotting up!

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

You can SAVE up to 25% on van rental in the Hertz Autumn Sale, including advance bookings:

  • DISCOUNT CODE (CDP): 809600
  • Valid from: 1 September 2015
  • Expires: 30 September 2015
  • Pick-up period: 1 Sept 2015 – 20 March 2016
  • Terms and conditions: Only available on for hire periods between 3 and 14 days. Offer not available on all van types.

This cracking offer is valid throughout September.

By booking now, you can save up to 25% on van hire right the way through to 20 March 2016!

Don’t miss out — visit the Hertz website for an instant quote today:

 

 

Terms and conditions apply. See Hertz website for details.

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 - Aug 15

Van registrations rise by 14.3% in August as momentum returns

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After coming to a halt in July, the rate of new van registrations increased again in August, rising by 14.3% to 14,467.

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 - Aug 15

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 – Aug 15 (courtesy of SMMT)

That takes the year-to-date rise in registrations to 16.8%, or 225,417 vans:

UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014

August % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 14,467 14.3% 225,417 16.8% 354,155 17.2%
Trucks 2,887 20.2% 30,432 38.3% 49,890 -0.2%
Total 17,354 15.3% 255,849 19.0% 404,045 14.8%

Data courtesy of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said:

“August’s registration figures are further evidence of the commercial vehicle sector’s return to form in 2015 after a year of regulatory upheaval. With certainty now restored, fleet renewal patterns are returning to normal, buoyed by the continuing growth in demand for online deliveries.”

I’d certainly second Mr Hawes’ suggestion that things are returning to normal. After years of extended fleet renewal periods and an abnormally strong used market, these distortions are dropping out of the market.

Booming demand for new vans also seems to be helped by the ever-growing home delivery sector and by strong demand from the daily rental sector. As usual, the category which saw the biggest growth last month was the 2.5-3.5t sector, into which fall the Sprinter, Transit, Vivaro and all other medium and large panel vans, of the kind used for deliveries.

Another factor in favour of continued high levels of new registrations is the van rental sector, which rarely keeps vans beyond 24-36 months. Daily van rental took on an enlarged role as a flexible, no-strings provider of vehicles and — effectively — finance during the credit crunch.

My perception is that the rental industry will continue to fulfil this role in better times. Companies have discovered that renting rather than buying can be financially and operationally advantageous, even though the option to buy may now be available. There’s also the fact that budget cuts are easier to make than to undo, so justifying new purchases to replace rented vans may be difficult.

Renault Alaskan Concept one-tonne pickup

Renault Alaskan pick-up concept unveiled ahead of production launch

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If the pick-up on the right looks similar to the one on the left, that’s because it is:

Renault Alaskan Concept and Nissan NP300 Navara

The Renault Alaskan concept (l) and the new Nissan NP300 Navara (r)

Renault has released the first pictures of the Renault Alaskan concept, a pick-up model that’s a teaser for the new Renault one-tonne pick-up model due to be unveiled in the first half of 2016.

Renault Alaskan Concept one-tonne pickup

The Renault Alaskan concept pick-up is a taster of what’s to come next year when Renault launches a production model. This will be based on the new Nissan NP300 Navara.

The firm’s long-standing partnership with Nissan on light commercial vehicles has been invoked and the new Renault pick-up will be based on the new Nissan NP300 Navara, which I wrote about here.

Renault Alaskan concept rear view

There will be some differences, of course. Renault may alter the engine offerings and will tweak the styling. Beyond that, we’ll have to wait until next year to find out, but I don’t think there will be massive differences.

Fire chiefs opt for Citans for fire prevention work

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Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

Two of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

The Mercedes-Benz Citan has chalked up another win in the competitive small van sector.

Fire chiefs in Scotland have drafted in a new fleet of 17 fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Citan small vans to help spread key safety messages.

The new vans replace previous models from another manufacturer and were supplied to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen.

Maintenance is being handled by the Dealer’s Service team, as well as in other workshops run by its parent company T.O.M.. This approach provides good geographic coverage across Scotland.

The new vans are all 90 hp Citan 109 CDI models with Long bodies, and assigned to fire prevention duties. They are used by officers who carry out risk assessments of commercial and public buildings, deliver safety demonstrations, and undertake door-to-door smoke alarm inspections in residential areas.

They may also be called into action to support front-line fire appliances at major incidents.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was formed in 2013, to replace the eight regional fire brigades which previously served the country.

Fleet Manager Scott Roberts, who was formerly responsible for those vehicles operated by the Tayside brigade, said:

“These are our first Citans but I know from experience that Mercedes-Benz vans are extremely reliable.

“We trialled vehicles in the same class from all of the main manufacturers and the quality and specification of the Citans was in a different league to their competitors. We were equally impressed with the attentive service we received from MBCV Aberdeen, and the extensive back-up network offered by T.O.M.”

About the Citan: The smallest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Vans range, the Citan is also available as a 75 hp 108 CDI, a 110 hp 111 CDI or a petrol-powered 114 hp Citan 112, and in Compact and Extra-long as well as Long body versions.

Hertz autumn van sale

Hertz Autumn Van Sale: SAVE up to 25%! [EXPIRED]

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After a wet bank holiday weekend, the nights are drawing in. Summer is officially over.

**THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED**

Luckily, you can SAVE up to 25% on van hire in the Hertz Autumn Van Sale!

  • Valid from: 1 September 2015
  • Expires: 30 September 2015
  • Pick-up period: 1 Sept 2015 – 20 March 2016
  • DISCOUNT CODE (CDP): 809600
  • Terms and conditions: Only available on for hire periods between 3 and 14 days. Offer not available on all van types.

This cracking offer is valid throughout September.

By booking now, you can save up to 25% on van hire right the way through to 20 March 2016!

Don’t miss out — visit the Hertz website for an instant quote today:

Visit Hertz Autumn Van Sale website

 

 

 

 

Terms and conditions apply. See Hertz website for details.