Author Archives: Van Rental

New British-built Vauxhall Vivaro will be cheaper than outgoing model (and Renault Trafic)

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New 2014 Vauxhall Vivaro front

The new 2014 Vauxhall Vivaro

Vauxhall’s Luton-built Vivaro is on sale now with list prices starting from £17,995 excluding VAT – that’s £450 less than the outgoing model (and £250 less than its sibling, the new Renault Trafic).

First deliveries of the new Vivaro are expected in September, and the new van is now available to order in two trim levels — Vivaro and Vivaro Sportive — and four body styles: panel van, double cab, 9-seater combi and platform cab. Pricing for the 9-seater combi starts at £25,699 on-the-road including VAT, while platform cab prices start at £20,658.33 excluding VAT.

Like the new Trafic, the Vivaro benefits from an updated range of engines that include Bi-Turbo models offering fuel consumption of up to 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 155g/km — along with attractive performance.

Vauxhall is keen to emphasise the British-built credentials of its new van, and this is likely to play well with small businesses and self-employed buyers, who have historically formed the majority of Vivaro owners:

“It’s great news that our all-new British-built Vivaro enters the market at such a competitive starting price – £450 less than the outgoing model,” said Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.  “Vivaro is the highlight of our van range and boasts a new design, class-leading build quality and practicality and all-new fuel-efficient powertrains.”

The New Vivaro is built at Vauxhall’s manufacturing plant in Luton, Bedfordshire, which has received a significant investment in excess of £185 million. More than 40 per cent of the new vehicle’s parts will be sourced locally, and the plant and associated agencies directly employ over 1,200 people in the Luton area, and are a significant contributor to the local and wider UK economies.

Vauxhall is the UK’s number one CV manufacturer, building over 44,000 vans in the UK last year, all of which were produced at Luton.

Renault confirms pricing for new Trafic as UK orders open

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Renault Trafic at CV ShowRenault has confirmed pricing for the all-new Trafic van, and is now accepting UK orders for the van, with first deliveries expected in September.

Only a limited range of models will be available this year, with the remainder following in 2015. Here are the key points:

  • Panel van prices starting from £18,245, Crew Van starts from £20,395 and Platform Cab from £20,195;
  • Short and long-wheelbase panel van models available at launch, with low roof only. High roof and platform cab variants follow in 2015;
  • Three trim levels will be available, depending on the exact model — Business, Business+ and Sport;
  • Choice of four diesel engines, including new twin-turbo ENERGY dCi 120 and 140 (with Stop & Start). Others are dCi 90 and dCi 115. Renault claims typical fuel economy gains of over 5 mpg compared to previous single turbo versions;
  • New optional and standard equipment highlights include: Grip Xtend, hands-free card, Hill Start Assist, smartphone and tablet docks, reversing camera, removable A4 clipboard, Wide View Mirror, MediaNav and Renault R-Link app-based infotainment systems.

The entry level Business model is expected to be the best seller and will be well specified as standard, with a height adjustable driver’s seat with armrest, left side loading door (unglazed), reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, full steel bulkhead, spare wheel, remote central locking (two button key) and deadlocking, plus 16 anchorage points (18 on long wheelbase). New additions to the Trafic’s standard spec are Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend (advanced traction control system to cope with loose surfaces), plus DAB radio with USB connectivity.

The Business+ model adds additional mobile office facilities, such as a fold-down passenger seat with laptop storage, A4 clipboard and smartphone doc, as well as air conditioning and rear parking sensors.

Finally, the Sport model includes alloy wheels, plus metallic paint, colour-matched mirrors and bumpers and an uprated navigation and media system, complete with a 7″ touchscreen.

Volkswagen adds Crafter luton to Engineered-To-Go range

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Volkswagen Crafter LutonVolkswagen has expanded its Crafter large van range with the an all-new Luton model. Introduced as part of the brand’s Engineered-to-Go range of ready-built conversions, it has been designed and developed in partnership with leading British bodybuilder Ingimex.

Based on the adaptable Crafter chassis, the new Luton delivers class-leading payloads and a vast load cube. Constructed using GRP sides and bulkhead and a dip-painted and powder coated bolted frame, the finished bodies come readily modified for the addition of a tail-lift. The load cube has an overall volume of 17m3, while the internal roof height is a healthy 2,120mm.

The new Crafter Luton comes equipped with a host of standard features, including a four-tier load restraint system, a high-strength shutter and rear foot step. Naturally, the bodies are capable of carrying substantial loads and feature a reinforced bottom plank to protect against movement of unsecured loads.

As you would expect, the new Luton conversion meets the latest European standards, and has been designed and engineered to meet Volkswagen’s strict quality and durability controls. The new Luton comes with a three-year warranty that also covers any factory-fitted add-ons.

The Crafter Luton range is offered in long wheelbase and comes with Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI engine with an output of either 136PS or 163PS.

Crafter Luton prices

Crafter Luton range Wheelbase Price (Basic ex. VAT)
CR35 2.0 TDI 136PS LWB £32,470
CR35 2.0 TDI 163PS LWB £33,380

The new Crafter luton is on sale now.

Boiler maker stays loyal to Ford with 230-van Transit Custom order

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New Vaillant Ford Transit Custom vansHeating technology company Vaillant — best known for central heating boilers — is replacing its 230-strong fleet of Ford Transit vans with new Ford Transit Custom models.

The company, based in Belper, Derbyshire, will take delivery of 110 vans this year for Vaillant’s after-sales service engineers to use as a mobile workspace and for component storage.

Load-carrying ability and reliability were cited as two key reasons why Vaillant decided to stick with the blue oval:

“Our vans carry a large number of spares to enable them to maintain a very high first-call success rate,” said Keith Mathers, Vaillant group service director.

“When we are called out, our goal is to fix any problem immediately, which we do in more than 95 per cent of cases. The Transit is ideal for this role because of its high load capacity, and we know it to be exceptionally reliable in service.”

The Transit Custom is one of the most-decorated models in the Ford commercial vehicles range, having collected 15 awards in the last 12 months including International Van of the Year 2013, Auto Express Van of the Year, VansA2Z Small Panel Van 2014, What Van? Van of the Year 2014 and Fleet World Van Manufacturer of the Year.

The Transit Custom is powered by an advanced 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with three power levels: 100PS/310Nm, 125PS/350Nm and 155PS/385Nm.

Two wheelbase options are also available and Vaillant appears to have opted for thei high-roof model, which is not yet a common sight on UK roads but does offer significant improvement in load-carrying ability and improved ergonomics for Vaillant’s engineers, who may have to work in the rear of the vehicle.

A Ferrari for the weekend (DIY), sir?

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According to recent news stories, top bricklayers are earning as much as £100,000 per year as the housing market takes off once more… Apparently demand for construction workers has risen by 125% since 2008.

I suspect that most of these newly-flush construction workers are opting for pick-ups like the Mitsubishi L200 or, of course, staying loyal to their trusty white vans, but perhaps a few of them might fancy something different — a Ferrari pick-up, perhaps?

Ferrari 412 pick-up conversion

The world’s first Ferrari 412 pick-up conversion

This Ferrari 412 pick-up conversion is the work of London Supercar Workshop founder, Elo, and was constructed for the latest series of Ultimate Wheels, which is currently showing on History Channel.

The vehicle was dreamt up by Elo to reflect the crazy and luxurious state of the top-end of the London housing market, and is intended to be the ultimate builder’s workhorse!

Elo and his mechanic Will started by taking an angle grinder to the 1989 Ferrari 412, before reinforcing the rear suspension to boost the car’s load-carrying ability, and building a teak load deck at the back that would grace any luxury yacht:

Ferrari 412 pick-up conversion

Up front, the Ferrari has been adorned with a shotgun scoop bonnet and a bespoke exhaust system, creating a truly unique vehicle that combines hot-rod performance with load-lugging practicality. The unique exhaust has a valve system, whereby the driver can decide at the flick of a switch whether to have the exhaust growl fiercely or produce a more refined sound for London’s leafier avenues.

The pick-up is finished with a bespoke sound system (ideal for playing Italian opera) and a beautiful Ferrari rosso red paint job.

Elo commented:

“This is one of my favourite cars of the TV series – something truly unique and even experienced Ferrari technicians like what we’ve done.

Younger vans buoy used van prices in April

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Used van prices at auction orse in April, according to Manheim, whose latest market analysis shows that average LCV values bounced back to near-record levels of £4,735 during last month. This increase of £132 during the month came in the context of a fall in average mileage from 80,302 to 80,191 and a fall in the average age from 65 months to 63 months.

On a sector-specific level, 42% of all vans sold in April coming from car-derived van (CDV) sector. The average CDV in April was four months older (61 months) and mileage had increased from 69,982 to 70,128, which had an impact on the average selling price, which fell from £3,667 to £3,499 during the month.

However, within the small panel van sector, the second highest volume sector during April, average age fell from 74 months to 68 months and average mileage increased from 78,832 to 87,925 over the month. This increase in younger vehicles at auction had a positive impact on values for the segment, as they rose from £4,131 to £4,444.

Manheim’s head of LCV, Matthew Davock, explains:

“Despite the slight decrease in buyers at auction during April, many of the people that I have spoken to are reporting that the first three months of 2014 have been the strongest that they have seen in five years, with many of them keen to stock up and replace sold units. When comparing the year-on-year values, 2014 vehicle prices have remained very strong and we continue to see a great appetite in the market for older age, older mileage stock.”

James Davis, head of commercial vehicles at Manheim, concluded:

“As I predicted last month, it would appear that the watershed moment in the wholesale market has occurred and the number of older used vans entering the market will now begin to decline gradually. Daily rental companies are already predicting an increase in stock levels over the coming months, as lead times on new stock delayed the replacement in quarter two. This increase in good quality, younger vehicles into the market will have a positive impact on the average selling prices as we enter the summer.”

However, the two graphs below, from Manheim, suggest that prices have risen far more than average age, which is actually the same as it was a year ago — i.e. buyers are paying more for less, in terms of £/age. In my view, greater volumes of nearly-new vans, combined with rising new van sales, could still put pressure on this premium, which has built up over several years:

Manheim used van age and price April 2014

Used van ages and prices for the twelve months to April 2014 – courtesy of Manheim

Have I called the top of the used van market too soon? Probably, but I remain cautious and will be interested to see if trends have changed by the autumn.

Nissan e-NV200 electric van prices go head-to-head with diesel

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Nissan e-NV200 electric van at CV ShowNissan has announced pricing details for its e-NV200 electric van, which will be available from July in the UK. As I’ve written before, I believe this vehicle could be the tipping point for electric vans, and indeed British Gas has already ordered 100 e-NV200 vans following its extended winter trial of the model.

Prices have been set to start from just £13,393, after the £8,000 government plug-in van grant has been subtracted — meaning that the cost to buyers will be almost exactly the same as a standard diesel-powered van, such as the new Ford Transit Courier, which starts at £13,350.

It’s worth noting that this price applies to the ‘Flex’ purchase option, which means that you buy the vehicle, but lease the batteries, which cost from £61 per month. An outright purchase option for van and batteries is also available, and this puts the van’s starting price at £16,562, again after the government plug-in grant has been subtracted.

Nissan claims that electricity costs will be just 2p per mile, whereas a similar diesel-powered van will cost 12p – 14p per mile in fuel, meaning that the fuel savings from switching to electric are considerable — as long as you don’t need to exceed the e-NV200’s claimed 100-mile range, and have the facilities available to recharge it every night.

Although the additional cost of the batteries — whether leased or purchased — has to be factored into total cost of ownership calculations, so too does the van’s zero-rating for road tax and London Congestion Charge exemption, and in my view, it looks very competitively priced.

The e-NV200 will initially be offered in two trim levels, Acenta and Tekna, and two body styles — a panel van, and a five-seat combi.

Vanrental.co.uk EXCLUSIVE: SAVE 10% on Hertz Van Rental [EXPIRED]

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Hertz Newcastle Van Supersite

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

SAVE 10% on Hertz Van Rental, EXCLUSIVE to vanrental.co.uk!

That’s right, we’ve teamed up with the good people at Hertz UK to offer you an exclusive 10% discount code for Hertz van hire in the UK.

Here are the details for this exclusive 10% voucher code:

Offer: “10% Off Hertz Van Rental and collect Nectar points”

Valid from: 19 May 2014

Expires: 25 May 2014

Pick-up period: 19 May 2014 to 15 June 2014

DISCOUNT CODE: 778649

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

Subject to availability, terms & conditions may apply, see Hertz website for details.

Europcar spring sale: van hire from £17 per day

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Europcar van hire

Hire a van with Europcar from just £14.50 per day

Hire a van from just £17 per day in the Europcar spring sale!

Europcar’s spring sale is now underway.

Van hire booked before 31st May, for reservations up to 30th September 2014, starts from just £17 per day.

>> CLICK HERE TO VISIT EUROPCAR’S WEBSITE

If you’re moving house or planning some major DIY this spring, then this deal is worth a closer look.

Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group says:

“The days are getting longer and the weather’s warming up, which means it’s time to do those jobs around the house. Whether it’s de-cluttering, moving house or tackling some DIY, a van can offer the extra space to get the job done in just one journey.”

It’s also worth noting that because sale bookings can be made for as far ahead as September 30, this could be a good chance to lock in a cheap rate for student removals.

If you’re planning to help your child move into university later this year (or back home at the end of the summer term), then now is the perfect chance to book at a cheap rate — before the summer surge in demand makes discounts hard to find.

Europcar’s flexible service means that one-way hire, additional drivers and overnight hire are all available — so you should be able to organise something to match your requirements. Europcar has branches all over the UK — see here for a list of Europcar locations.

Terms and conditions do apply to this offer — see Europcar’s website for details.

 

Competition: WIN A Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 with vanrental.co.uk

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3To celebrate the launch of the new-look vanrental.co.uk website, we’re giving away what might be our best competition prize yet — a 7″ Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 in white, complete with a starter kit containing a case, stylus and screen protector.

>> Click here to visit our competition page and enter

The Galaxy Tab 3 is a stylish bit of kit that’s boasts a 7″ screen running at a resolution of 1024×600. This Android tablet is powered by a 1.2Ghz dual core processor and has 8GB of memory, providing plenty of room for video, music, pictures and apps. There’s also a MicroSD card holder that can take cards of up to 32GB, ensuring that you are never likely to run out of storage.

To help you capture life’s moments and stay in touch with friends and family, the Galaxy Tab 3 has two cameras — one on the rear for photos, and a video camera on the front for Skype video calls and online video chat.

Other features include GPS, a micro USB connector and a 4000mAh battery that provides up to 8 hours of internet usage on WiFi — or up to 109 hours of audio playback time!

Finally, to help you make the most of your tablet and keep it safe when you’re on the move, we’ve included a Starter Kit too, containing a dual position case, stylus and screen protector. What more do you need?

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize is to answer a couple of simple questions on our competition page:

>> Click here to visit our competition page and enter

 

UK residents only. Entries close 2pm 29 May 2014. T&Cs apply. See above link for details.