Author Archives: Van Rental

Builder backs Mercedes-Benz vans for nationwide work

1 Reply

Simon Taylor Group Mercedes-Benz vansAccording to Simon Taylor, boss of the eponymous Ayrshire commercial building, refurbishment and maintenance contractor, Simon Taylor Group, his vans tend to be used fully loaded and for long journeys. 

After five years of solid use, Mr Taylor’s firm has just stood down its last batch of Mercedes-Benz vans and replaced them with a new fleet of five new Merc vans, including the company’s first two Citans, on in van spec and one Dualiner model.

The company’s Sprinters are the main workhorses, and have been specified to suit — Mr Taylor opted for one 3.5-tonne Sprinter 319CDI panel van and a 316 CDI chassis cab with Inigmex dropside body — while the fifth van is a 116CDI Vito.

All of the vans will be used across the UK, on a variety of commercial refurbishment and building maintenance contracts.

Commenting on his choice of vans, Mr Taylor said:

“These are tough vans and experience has proved they can be trusted to stand up to hard work. 

“I have been a guest of the dealer at the Mercedes-Benz VanExperience LIVE event twice, and seen for myself the standard safety systems fitted to these vehicles, in action alongside models from the competition. Those demonstrations have left me in no doubt that Mercedes-Benz vans are the safest on the road.”

Mercedes vans seem to inspire a loyalty in operators that few other marques can attain — there’s little doubt why. Unlike some brands, Merc’s image of quality and technical superiority isn’t just down to marketing success; it’s a reality.

CV manufacturing down 31.1% in September — SMMT

Leave a reply

September’s commercial vehicle manufacturing update from the SMMT was short but not sweet. Production fell by 31.1% compared to the same period last year, leaving CV manufacturing output down by 25.2% on the year to date:

CV manufacturing Sep-13 Sep-14 % Change YTD-13 YTD-14 % Change
Total 6,997 4,818 -31.1% 67,887 50,746 -25.2%
Home 3,817 2,522 -33.9% 31,600 24,474 -22.6%
Export 3,180 2,296 -27.8% 36,287 26,272 -27.6%
% export 45.4% 47.7% 53.5% 51.8%

Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, stuck to well-worn script, blaming the impact of plant restructuring over the last year and the introduction of new models:

“UK commercial vehicle production remained negative in September, while key manufacturing facilities adjusted to new models,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “We expect monthly output to level off in the coming months, with the restructuring of operations last year now only affecting the year-to-date figures.”

If the last of last year’s restructuring has now fallen out of the figures, then that’s good news. In theory, monthly production should now be broadly flat — it will be interesting to see whether this actually happens, and whether the remaining manufacturers manage to generate any growth.

It is important to stress that the scale of the reduction in UK CV manufacturing over the last few years is huge, as these SMMT graphs show:

CV output rolling year & YTD totals

CV output rolling year & YTD totals (courtesy of SMMT)

Not a pretty picture, I’m afraid.

South West Water’s crack new ‘L-team’ is powered by Peugeot

Leave a reply
South West Water L-Team vans

South West Water’s elite L-Team gather at a top secret military location, before being unleashed on an unsuspecting public.

The A-Team were a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers who became an unstoppable force for good when they were unleashed on society.

Their former masters may well have wished they could recapture the A-Team and bring them back ‘in house’, but the team’s televisual success rapidly made that impossible.

A similar fate has befallen South West Water’s ‘L-Team’.

Previously outsourced to a company whose name has been erased from the history books, the L-Team has now been reclaimed by South West Water to become a highly-specialised, in-house Leak Detection Team, or L-Team.

Staff for the L-Team have been transferred from the “previous outsourced supplier” and start “operational deployment” with their new vans in October.

Wisely, given the probability that the L-Team will emulate their alphabetical predecessors and be a big hit with the laydeez (and gents), South West Water has opted for vans from Europe’s most romantic van manufacturer, Peugeot, whose rampant lion logo has clear synergies with the passionate, highly-committed rapid response service provided by the L-Team’s personnel.

The L-Team is a little larger than the A-Team and requires not one, but 54, specially-equipped Peugeot Partner vans to ensure it remains mobile, 24/7. Supplied by local dealership Hawkins Motors Ltd, in St Austell, the L-Team’s 54 Partner SE L2 HDi 92 vans have been converted and equipped with specialist leak-detection equipment and traffic management signs and bollards to cater for roadside incidents and other unforeseen emergencies…

The man behind the L-Team’s vans is Mark Karkeek, South West Water Transport Manager, who said:

“Faced with the opportunity to specify a whole new bespoke range of vans for this purpose provided us with a chance to do things quickly and utilised the expertise of our suppliers, helped by having first-hand experience of the durable Peugeot Partner van. Getting them modified for purpose by Hawkins, our local Peugeot Dealer, who converted the vehicle with our specific and exacting conversion requirements, was greatly appreciated.”

Threats of violence played no part in Hawkins’ prompt delivery and effective service, although South West Water’s existing relationship with Peugeot, which is the company’s primary LCV supplier, probably did help.

College stays mobile in all weathers with 4×4 Sprinter

Leave a reply

Treloar College Sprinter 4x4 minibusIt’s not often that you see a 4×4 minibus, let alone a 4×4 minibus adapted to carry wheelchair-bound passengers.

However, that’s exactly what Hampshire’s Treloar College has just bought, to ensure that its students and staff are never left stranded, whatever the weather conditions.

Naturally, the vehicle concerned is a Mercedes-Benz 4×4 Sprinter, and as it’s specified as a 17-seater minibus, it’s a 516CDI model to ensure adequate payload.

The college’s 4×4 Sprinter 516CDI was equipped as an accessible minibus by specialist convertor Stanford Coachworks, of Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, and joins another Sprinter 516 CDI, a standard rear-wheel drive model, delivered just two weeks earlier.

Both of the college’s new Sprinters have flexible interiors, each with up to 16 seats which can be moved, or removed entirely. The vehicles are used most often in a configuration with seating for five passengers and space for four students with wheelchairs, which can be safely secured to tracking in the floor. It is also equipped with no fewer than 10 electric power sockets inside, as well as wi-fi internet connectivity allowing students and staff to work on their laptops and tablets.

Meanwhile, the 4×4 model’s raised ride height, and all-wheel-drive chassis with advanced 4ETS automatic electronic traction control, mean it can take winter snow and ice, as well as the occasional off-road venture, in its stride.

College Transport Manager Mark Copping said:

“We had some problems during a bad winter a few years ago and since then have been discussing the best way to equip ourselves to deal with spells of adverse weather in the future. This vehicle is the outcome of that process.”

“We have students here for 50 weeks of the year and the college is in quite a remote location. We have to be able to get our staff to work in all conditions, as well as needing a vehicle that’s capable of getting students to the local hospital 15 miles away. It’s a demanding requirement but the Sprinter 4×4 gives us everything we need.”

Mr Copping ordered the 5.0-tonne gvw Sprinters after testing similar models at this summer’s Mercedes-Benz VanExperience LIVE, the manufacturer’s annual showcase of its full range of LCV products and services.

Is this the new face of the Vauxhall Corsavan? We drive the new Corsa

1 Reply
A Corsavan version of the new Corsa will follow shortly

The new 2014 Vauxhall Corsa — a new Corsavan model could up the stakes in the car-derived van market

Disclosure: I received no payment for this review but I did receive one night’s accommodation and hospitality paid for by Vauxhall.

Genuine car-derived vans are thin on the ground these days. Peugeot opted not to replace the 207 Van and MINI abandoned the Clubvan after a short flirtation with the UK van market.

As a result, there are only two real players — the Ford Fiesta Van and the Vauxhall Corsavan. Both models are popular and well-respected, but there’s no denying that the current Corsa is getting a bit long in the tooth, compared to its Dagenham competition.

Luckily, Vauxhall has just launched a new version of the Corsa, and I suspect that a new Corsavan model will break cover in the near future.

This could be good news for Corsavan drivers, as having driven the the new Corsa car at its UK launch, I can report that it’s by far the best Corsa yet — and a big step up from the outgoing model.

You can read my full review of the new Corsa here, on SimpleMotoring.co.uk, but here are some of the main highlights:

  • New engines: the reworked 1.3CDTi diesel engine likely to be popular with mile-munching van drivers promises in excess of 80mpg. However, there’s also an all-new 1.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine that could be a much better choice for urban van operators.
  • Improved interior: the cabin of the new Corsa is significantly improved — comfort, quality and specification are all better than in the old model.
  • Driving: The new Corsa has a smooth, six-speed gearbox that’s far superior to the old Corsa’s rather notchy effort. If you’re behind the wheel all day, you will really notice and appreciate the improvement. Handling and ride are also much better, although they continue to lag the market-leading Fiesta.

Watch this space for more details.

Hertz Van Rental now from just £13 per day

Leave a reply

Hertz Van Rental from £13 per dayIf you’ve missed out  on our recent exclusive 10% offers for Hertz Van Rental, but still need to hire a van during October, then you’re in luck — it’s not too late to SAVE with Hertz.

Hertz Van Rental is currently offering UK van hire from just £13 per day.

With locations all over the UK (see here for a list), you’re sure to find a Hertz branch near you.

The offer is valid until 31 October 2014, using the discount code 778636.

UPDATE 03/11/2014: This offer has now been extended until 9th November:

Click here now to visit the Hertz website

 

Terms and conditions may apply, see Hertz website for details.

New Renault Trafic takes Best MPG crown at 2014 MPG Marathon

1 Reply
New Renault Trafic wins 2014 MPG Marathon

All-New Trafic crowned best performing LCV at the 2014 MPG Marathon

Renault’s all-new Trafic van has triumphed as the best-performing Light Commercial Vehicle at the 2014 MPG Marathon winning the titles of “Best MPG”, as well as “Best percentage improvement” compared to manufacturer claimed economy figures, in the LCV category.

Held on the 8th – 9th October, the MPG Marathon is a grueling two-day economy challenge designed to put fuel economy performance claims and eco driving techniques under the spotlight.

Behind the wheel of Renault’s All-New Trafic SL27 ENERGY dCi 120 Business+, Dan Gilkes, Editor of Van Fleet World, and co-driver, Ray Penford drove the 330-mile varied road route through the Cotswolds and South Wales achieving an overall economy figure of 55.55mpg to take the “Best MPG” title for an LCV.

That figure is some 15.98 per cent higher than the Trafic’s official EU combined cycle figure of 47.9mpg which was enough for All-New Trafic to also scoop the award for “Best percentage improvement” in the LCV category.

It’s also significantly more than the 42mpg which is the best I’ve ever achieved in my 12-year old Transit — highlighting just how much the technology has improved over the last decade.

Commenting on the Trafic’s performance in the MPG Marathon, Dan Gilkes said:

“With a combined fuel figure of 47.9mpg, the Energy dCi 120 Twin Turbo Trafic is already one of the most economical vans in its class, making it tough to improve upon. But, as a number of vehicles struggled to even reach their advertised combined figure, we were more than happy with a final result of 55.5mpg – the most economical van in the MPG Marathon.

“The Trafic never missed a beat and was a pleasure to drive, with a quiet comfortable cab and effortless controls. Though maintaining low rpm throughout for maximum economy, the new 1.6-litre twin turbo engine delivers plenty of torque, even at lower engine speeds, allowing higher gears to be used. Even in normal driving conditions, customers should find Trafic an economical yet rapid van.

“Having covered 311 miles over the two days, the van was still showing more than 900 miles of available range when we finished! Now that’s a marathon.” added Gilkes.

The all-new Renault Trafic went on sale in the UK in September available in a choice of three bodystyles – Panel Van, Crew Van – to carry up to six people and equipment – and Passenger, which seats up to nine people in comfort.  All-New Trafic is available with a choice of four efficient turbodiesel engines.

The new Trafic boasts the best load capacities on the market with clever solutions to make the loading area more practical. Innovative features such as keyless entry, touch-screen infotainment, mobile office storage and functionality and sophisticated stability control are available.

Northumberland Fire & Rescue takes delivery of custom 4×4 Sprinter conversion

Leave a reply
Northumberland Fire & Rescue 4x4 Sprinter

Northumberland Fire & Rescue’s latest 4×4 Sprinter has been configured as an Incident Support Unit, with full IT and communications facilities.

Northumberland is home to some of the UK’s most rural and rugged scenery, prompting the county’s Fire & Rescue Service to acquire a new Incident Support Unit, based on a 5.0-tonne Sprinter 519 CDI, which arrived via North-East Dealer Bell Truck and Van.

The long-bodied, V6-engined van was converted for command and control operations by West Midlands specialist Macneillie (see here, here and here for some more of this company’s specialist conversions), and is fitted with cutting-edge communications technology that can be used by up to five personnel.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Bennett said:

“This custom-built vehicle will allow us to deliver our services in a more co-ordinated and professional manner and mean we are better able to protect our communities across the county at a time of increased risk from floods and other natural events.

The Incident Support Unit represents a significant financial investment but given that we expect to run it for at least 10 years, I have no doubt that it will prove to be money very well spent.

Past experience has given us complete confidence in the Mercedes-Benz 4×4 chassis, which means we can operate anywhere across a county that includes some very challenging terrain.”

Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service also operates four other all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz vans – three are assigned to its Swift Water Rescue teams and carry inflatable boats, while the fourth is a Specialist Rescue Unit and equipped with heavy-duty cutting gear, including shears and saws, as well as stabilisation tools.

Prior to entering service the new vehicle was presented at this year’s Ambition show at Olympia – where it was seen by Home Secretary Theresa May – and at the Emergency Fleet Exhibition in Telford.

Factory 4×4

The Sprinter 4×4 is a genuine, factory-built option, rather than an aftermarket conversion, and rides higher than its standard counterpart. It employs rear-wheel drive for road use, but all-wheel drive can be selected when venturing off road.

Conventional 4×4 vehicles rely on mechanically operated differential locks to prevent spinning wheels and guarantee equal speed on all four wheels. The Sprinter 4×4, by contrast, uses a development of the Mercedes-Benz 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System), which is integrated with the Adaptive ESP® anti-skid technology to provide unrivalled traction management.

ICT equipment supplied by Excelerate Technology for installation in the air-conditioned Northumberland vehicle includes a roof-mounted, foldable satellite dish and a camera mounted on a retractable six-metre mast. Macneillie also fitted M1-compliant swivelling seats, a 10kVA generator which is accessed via the rear doors and housed behind a sound-proofed bulkhead, and stabiliser legs to ensure continuity of satellite signal during operations. An awning and external hatch through which a 40in screen can be viewed, means the area beside the vehicle can be used for meetings and briefings.

Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service Technical Officer Steve Kennedy said:

“We considered a few chassis options but the 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ticked all the boxes in terms of its size, off-road capability, and proven reliability and durability.

“The communications systems on this vehicle allow us to pass messages and stream live, real time data back to HQ without having to rely on the public network. We can also conduct video conferences, for example, which will assist in managing incidents efficiently and safely, and undertake comprehensive incident debriefs based on the passage of information and audits of all decisions made, which can only improve future performance.”

 

Electric Vito hits the mark for London parcel specialists

2 Replies

Gnewt Cargo TNT Mercedes Vito E-CellWithin three months of commissioning its first all-electric Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL van, zero-emission final mile delivery specialist Gnewt Cargo had returned with an order for three more.

The vehicles are assigned to the award-winning company’s prestigious contract with TNT Express, and are now operating primarily within London’s Congestion Zone.

Gnewt – the name is an acronym for Green NEW Transport – was launched in 2009 and utilises a fleet of electric cargocycles and minivans to provide deliveries and collections across Central London.

Co-founder Sam Clarke said:

“Our customers include third-party logistics companies, large retailers and other forward-thinking organisations who recognise that freight can be moved around cities in more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly ways.

“Our service, vehicles and micro consolidation hubs are precision-targeted to each client’s needs and locations, we create fulfilling work for local people, and best of all we have been independently verified to cut CO2 emissions per parcel delivered by upwards of 62%.”

Gnewt Cargo’s Vito E-CELLs are the subject of CharterWay contract hire agreements with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, for which the operator receives funding support via the government’s Plug-in Van Grant. Two charging points by Charging Solutions, part of Chargemaster plc, the UK’s leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, have been installed at the company’s base in the City.

Key to the ground-breaking vehicle’s appeal for Sam Clarke and his colleagues, is its size and carrying capacity. “We have a lot of electric vans by other manufacturers but they are much smaller and can’t match the Vito E-CELL in terms of load volume and payload potential,” he explained.

“The Mercedes-Benz is a genuinely practical proposition with a very respectable range, while the feedback from those at the wheel has been brilliant too. Jose Britto drives our first E-CELL and he loves it for its comfort and high specification – it’s a proper van, and there’s nothing bigger when it comes to fully electric drivelines.”

The Vito E-CELL is the world’s first battery-powered light commercial vehicle to be built on line at a mainstream production facility. An 82 hp (60 kW) electric motor drives the front wheels, so the space beneath the load floor can be used to store the lithium-ion batteries without impinging on the passenger or cargo areas.

The near-silent E-CELL also employs a regenerative system, which captures the energy that would otherwise be lost in braking. As well as increasing range, this is used to power the heating and ventilation system and standard-fit heated seats, making the vehicle suitable for use on the coldest of days.

The Vito E-CELL is free from the Congestion Charge and VED fees, and meets the requirements of the Mayor of London’s intended Ultra Low Emissions Zone, which is due to be introduced by 2020.

It offers similar cargo carrying capacities to standard models and will cover an average of 80 miles between recharges – to maximise operating range top speed is electronically limited to 56 mph. A completely empty battery can be recharged from a 380/400 volt input in a maximum of six hours. Charging is quick and entirely safe, as the smart cable cannot be removed during charging, nor the vehicle driven off while it is attached.

Stratford van hire: Stratford Self Drive

Leave a reply

Stratford Self Drive vanI’m very pleased to welcome Stratford Self Drive to vanrental.co.uk. Based at Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford Self Drive is a friendly independent van hire firm serving both trade and public customers.

The firm currently offers three main types of van, all of which are ideal for DIY removals, tip trips and other typical requirements:

  • Medium van (e.g. Vauxhall Vivaro LWB)
  • Large van (e.g. Ford Transit LWB with high roof)
  • Luton van with tail lift (top choice for small house moves)

All prices include VAT, insurance, unlimited UK mileage, breakdown cover and unlimited additional drivers (costs extra with most companies), and Stratford Self Drive says that it will match any written quote, subject to T&Cs.

To find out more, check out the company’s details on our Stratford-upon-Avon page or contact them directly:

If you’d like your van or minibus hire company to appear on vanrental.co.uk, click here for advertising costs or get in touch.