Category Archives: Van News

News and articles about UK vans – especially information relevant to the van hire market. Coverage of new van model launches from all the major manufacturers – Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Fiat and Citroen.

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.

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.

Vans being sold at BCA auction

Used van prices rise in March as average age falls

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The average price of a used van sold at auction by BCA rose to £5,879 in March. That’s 4.6% higher than one year ago and the second-highest average price on record.

Vans being sold at BCA auction

But used vans aren’t just getting more expensive. They’re getting newer, too. The average age of the used vans sold by BCA in March was 55.5 months, down from 58.2 months in March 2015.

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value
Mar 2015 58.21 76,215 £5,616
Mar 2016 55.50 73,838 £5,879

Average mileage fell by a similar degree, from 76,215 at this point last year to 73,838 in March 2016. Used buyers will expect to pay more for newer vans, so I’d argue that this change means van pricing is relatively flat.

 

What does appear to be happening is that the average age of used vans entering the market through auctions if falling. This is presumably a reflection of the steady rise in new van registrations over the last few years.

Commenting on the latest figures from BCA, the firm’s LCV Operations Director, Duncan Ward, said:

“Even with the disrupting effect of the Easter break, demand for light vans remained strong in March with trade buyers competing strongly for the best-presented stock. Values remain exceptionally strong and well ahead of where they were a year ago, despite the poor condition of some vehicles reaching the used sector.”

The fleet and lease sector recorded average values of £6,726 in March, an increase of £101 (1.5%) compared to February and the highest monthly value recorded since 2014. Retained value against MRP (Manufacturer Recommended Price) improved to 34.44%. Year-on-year, values were up by £117 (1.7%), although performance against MRP was down slightly.

All in all, a healthy market, with no real signs of weakness at the moment.

UK van registrations March 2010 - March 2016

Van registrations up 3.3% in March as growth levels off

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Light commercial vehicle registrations rose by 1.2% during the first quarter of 2016, compared to the same period last year. In March, registrations rose by 3.3% to a total of 63,913 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

March’s growth was restricted to the the 2.5-3.5t segments, where registrations rose by 14.2% to 38,847. This growth offset a 9% decline in the 2.0-2.5t segment, and a 15.9% decline in vans under two tonnes. There was also a sharp 43.1% fall in pickup registrations, which fell to 1,336 units versus 2,349 units in March 2015.

It seems fair to say that the CV market is now levelling off after several years of strong growth, although as yet there’s no obvious sign of weakness:

UK van registrations March 2010 - March 2016

UK van registrations March 2010 – March 2016 (courtesy of SMMT)

 

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“Traditionally one of the busiest months of the year for the new British van market, March’s new 16 plate gave a welcome boost, closing the first quarter on a positive note after a more subdued start to the year. Following the sector’s record performance set in 2015, we expect to see steadier growth over the coming months.”

Who’s winning the race?

Among the big winners in March was Ford. The firm’s van range is gaining market share steadily and the Transit Custom and Transit are first and second respectively in the UK commercial vehicle sales league.

This helped Ford’s van sales hit a new record of 20,877 units in March. This means that the blue oval sold almost one in every three vans registered in the UK last month!

Renault is also performing well. The firm’s UK van sales rose by 20.8% to 6,618 vehicles during the first quarter, giving Renault a 6.6% share of the UK van market.

Overall, a strong performance which suggests the market is mostly holding onto last year’s gains and could continue to perform well.

2016 Fiat Fiorino

New FIAT Fiorino makes the switch to Euro 6 ahead of September deadline

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The FIAT Fiorino is the smallest van in the Italian marque’s range, but that hasn’t stopped sales of 370,000 units and counting.

2016 Fiat Fiorino

After eight years without any significant updates, the Fiorino is getting a facelift and a new range of petrol and diesel engines, ahead of this autumn’s Euro 6 deadline. The changes all sound sensible and shouldn’t detract from the appeal of this uber-practical small van.  The Fiorino’s load capacity of up to 2.8 m3 and payload capacity of up to 660kg will remain unchanged.

Here is a summary of what’s new.

Style update

The new van has a revised front bumper which speaks the “sophisticated design language of the FIAT Professional range”. The high-mounted headlights of the outgoing model have been retained and there is clear continuity in the style and appearance of the Fiorino.

The exterior facelift is completed with a new choice of 15-inch wheel trims or diamond-finish alloy wheels.

2016 Fiat Fiorino interior

New engines

The big change is the switch to Euro 6. This becomes mandatory for all new LCVs in September 2016, so expect a raft of model change announcements from van manufactuerers between now and then.

The updated Fiorino will be available with a choice of three engines. Diesel buyers can choose between  turbo diesel 1.3 MultiJet II engines with 80 and 95hp, while petrol buyers can opt for a 1.4-litre normally-aspirated petrol unit.

The EcoJet version of the new Fiorino will employ fuel-saving technologies such as a Start & Stop system, a ”smart” alternator and a variable displacement oil pump. Paired with a Comfort-Matic robotised transmission, Fiat says that this will deliver combined cycle fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg with emissions of 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

That’s a fuel saving of up to 14 percent compared to the manual transmission without EcoJet.

Safety & Traction

The new Fiorino will offer all the safety systems that were included in the previous model:  ABS with EBD, ESC complete with ASR, HBA, Hill Holder, parking sensors and front and side airbags.

An Adventure version will be available for buyers wanting limited off-road ability. This will be fitted with the Traction+ electronic differential lock system, which alters power delivery to the front wheels to maintain grip in slippery conditions. This model will also be fitted with M&S tyres, raised suspension, a skid plate under the front bumper and oversized rubbing strips.

On sale?

Order books for the new Fiorino will open in mid-April in the UK. Prices will be confirmed nearer the time.

Fiat Talento

New Fiat Talento will update Fiat Professional van range

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Fiat has released the first details of the Talento, a new van model which replace the outgoing Fiat Scudo and provide the Italian firm with a medium van model.

Fiat Talento

As we’ve previously reported, the Talento is a rebadged Renault Trafic — a model that’s also sold as the Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan NV300. The Trafic is a good van that’s available in a wide range of configurations.

Although Fiat hasn’t yet released any pricing and specification details, the firm has said that the Talento will be available in van, people-carrier, crew cab and flat bed versions. The vehicle will reportedly use the same powertrains as the Trafic, meaning a range of single and twin-turbo diesel models with outputs of up to 145hp and six-speed manual gearboxes.

Named after an ancient Italian coin, the Talento promises to update Fiat’s van range and will sit comfortably between the smaller Doblò Cargo and the larger Ducato.

Orders for the Fiat Talento will open in mid-May, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to the vehicle’s UK launch.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Extreme concept

Sprinter Extreme concept could crush opposition — and it’s real

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It’s a tough sell convincing Americans that European vehicles can make the grade when it comes to the rough stuff. If anyone can manage it, however, it’s likely to be Mercedes-Benz.

The firm recently unleashed the Sprinter Extreme concept on an unsuspecting Chicago Auto Show crowd.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Extreme concept

While the paint job adds to the wow factor, the most amazing thing about this 20′, 4-tonne beast is that the vast majority of it can already be ordered at any Mercedes dealer.

The Sprinter Sprinter Extreme wheel4×4 is a well-established production model and by ordering a chassis cab variant with a number of additional options the Sprinter Extreme can pretty much become a reality. There’s also an existing 6×6 Sprinter conversion for hardcore off-road use.

US customers may not by as familiar with Merc’s off-road heritage as we are in Europe, of course. I suspect that’s the reason for this flamboyant display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. If you’re interested in the nitty gritty technical detail, here are some of the highlights (bearing in mind that this is intended for the US market):

  • Payload: 6,400 lbs (approx. 2,900kg)
  • Towing capacity: 4 tons
  • Powertrain: 2.0-litre BlueTEC diesel combined with 7-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission
  • Scattolini ScattoMaax tipper bed
  • Beadlock wheels and off-road tyres with long-travel suspension

US customers can buy the Sprinter from Freightliner dealers and are able to specify many of the options seen on the Sprinter Extreme through Freightliner’s MasterUpfitter program.

SMMT: CV output rolling year Feb 2008-Feb 2016

CV export growth offsets flagging UK demand in February

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UK commercial vehicle production rose by a modest 1.5% in February, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.

This bland total hides a big divide in the figures, however. Production to meet export orders rose by 19.9% to 4,452 units, while home demand fell by 13.2% to 4,019 units.

This means that export demand accounted for 52.6% — a majority — of production. A year ago the split was in favour of home demand, with just 44.5% of CVs produced in the UK going for export:

SMMT CV manufacturing Feb 16

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

The growth in export demand is good news for the UK’s economy and suggests to me that the economies of major eurozone countries are continuing to recover.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“February’s positive CV output, while more subdued than in January, continued to reflect buoyant demand for British-built vans, trucks, buses and coaches. Once again, the ongoing recovery in European markets was the driving factor, with output for export growing for the seventh consecutive month, and up by more than a third for the year to date.”

With total production up by 10.5% so far this year, the outlook for the UK’s CV industry appears fairly strong. As the graph below shows, manufacturers have made steady progress since the low point of last February:

SMMT: CV output rolling year Feb 2008-Feb 2016

Money

Budget 2016: How will van tax change?

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MoneyThis year’s budget contained few real changes for van owners, but there will be modest inflation-linked increases in road tax (vehicle excise duty) for vans from April:

VED for 2016/17 for vans registered before 1 March 2001:

  • Engine size 1,549cc and below: £145 (no change)
  • Engine size above 1,549cc: £235 (up £5)

VED for 2016/17 for vans registered on or after 1 March 2001:

  • Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliant vans: £140 (no change)
  • All other vans: £230 (up £5)

What about other taxes?

VAT: Businesses that are VAT registered can reclaim the VAT paid when purchasing a van.

For vans that are also used privately, only part of the VAT can be reclaimed, in proportion to the amount of business use. So if 75% of your van usage is for business, you can reclaim 75% of VAT.

BiK (Benefit in Kind): Drivers that are provided with company vans which they can also use privately have to pay Benefit-in-Kind tax.

This is calculated using your income tax rate on a fixed value of £3,000. So a 20% tax payer would have to pay 0.2 x 3000 = £600 per year in BiK tax. That’s £50 per month.

Vans used for business are generally expected to be kept on work premises overnight and at weekends, although they can be used for commuting between home and a place of work. However, they cannot be used for any other personal use.

The same rules apply to double-cab pick ups, which have become popular company vehicles as they are treated as commercial vehicles for BiK tax, and attract a lower rate of BiK tax than many upmarket cars.

Volkswagen van mechanic

Why do 49% of vans fail their first MOT?

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According to figures recently released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 49% of vans fail their first MOT.

What this means is that by the time they are four years old, almost half of all vans have been sufficiently neglected to leave them in an unsafe and illegal condition. Yet most are still in daily use.

Perhaps the most depressing thing about these statistics is that the vast majority of the faults which lead to failure are minor, easily fixable and would be picked up by any driver who took five minutes to inspect his or her van.

According to Volkswagen, which has analysed the data, the most common defects are:

  • Lights (faulty bulbs): 32.2%
  • Brake faults/wear: 24.8%
  • Suspension faults/wear: 16.1%
  • Faulty mirrors, windscreen wipers, lack of washer fluid, illegal number plates: 8.0%
  • Excessive wear or damage to tyres: 4.8%

In total, these account for 86% of all failures. While suspension and (sometimes) brake problems are not always obvious to the driver, they should be picked up in routine servicing.

Volkswagen van mechanic

All of the other problems should really be picked up by drivers when they undertake daily or weekly checks of their vehicle.

For van owners, this isn’t just a safety and compliance issue: it could be costing money. Poorly-maintained vans can be worth up to £400 less when sold and are more likely to breakdown or require additional work doing when they are eventually serviced.

There’s also the risk that a poorly-maintained vehicle will be involved in a collision. If, for example, illegally-worn tyres are found to have contributed to a collision, then the operator of the van could face legal issues.