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.

Renault lines up major display for CV Show 2016

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The all-new Renault Trafic will be manufactured at Renault’s Sandouville plant, in Normandy, northern France.

The CV Show 2016 is set to be one of the best-attended commercial vehicle events in the UK for a number of years.

Volkswagen and Toyota are making long-awaited returns and regulars Renault are planning a major display that will include 11 vans, alongside other promotional displays.

Renault will occupy a prominent position in Hall 5 at the show and will use the themes of Design, Technology and Conversions to demonstrate the many attributes of its LCV range.

The stand will showcase 11 vehicles that illustrate the diversity and versatility of the extensive Renault LCV range. Models on display will include the Master LHL35 RWD with a massive 17m³ of load space and the innovative Twizy Cargo and Kangoo Z.E. electric vehicles.

Representing the brand’s many official conversions will be the increasingly popular Master-based Wellbus and the public debut of the brand new 3.5 tonne Master Passenger that can be driven on a normal driving licence. As with all Renault LCV models,the vehicles on display will come with Renault’s four-year, 100,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance.

Renault’s plans for Euro 6 compliance will be demonstrated with engine exhibits and a Euro 6-compliant Kangoo Panel Van.

James Boyer, Marketing Director, Groupe Renault UK and Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted to once again have a strong presence at the Commercial Vehicle Show and it comes at an incredibly exciting time for everyone with an interest in Renault LCV models as our range is more popular and versatile than it’s ever been.

Renault’s UK LCV sales reached their highest ever level in 2015 with 25,458 LCVs registered – up 40 per cent year-on-year and significantly outpaced the UK LCV market which grew by 16 per cent.

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2016 takes place from 26^th-28^thApril 2016 at the Birmingham NEC.

UK van registrations unchanged in February

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New van registrations in February were unchanged on last year’s record performance, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In total, 13,891 new LCVs were registered in February, almost unchanged from the 13,832 total record last year (bearing in mind that it was a leap year this year, so February saw an extra day’s trading).

This welcome stabilisation after January’s slippage suggests to me that there is a decent level of underlying strength in the market, now that the backlog of older vans has largely been cleared out of the vehicle parc.

This graph probably tells the story of the recovery in new van registrations better than I can:

UK van registrations rolling year Feb ’10 to Feb ’16 (courtesy of SMMT)

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

“After a record-breaking year for new van registrations in 2015, it was inevitable that such rapid growth would level off. The market’s performance so far this year is in line with expectations, and although further stabilisation is expected over the coming months, this is a sector in good health – with February’s figures still at high levels.”

Sales were particulary strong in the 2.5-3.5t sector, where new registrations rose by 6.2% to 8,864 units. In contrast, demand for smaller vans fell. Registrations in the 2.0-2.5t category were down by 23.9%, while sub-2.0t vans were off by 10.5%.

Ford topped the best-seller tables once more, selling 4,467 new vans — almost three times as many as second-placed Vauxhall, which shifted 1,512 vans. Volkswagen slipped into third, with Peugeot in fourth place.

Mercedes-Benz introduces fixed-price service for vans

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Main dealer servicing costs can often seem like a moving feast — and an expensive one at that.

‘Amateur’ car owners may begrudge these costs, but when you’re running a busy business fleet of vans then skimping on servicing makes no sense at all.

To try and encourage more van operators to sign up for servicing plans or to book scheduled services at their own dealers, Mercedes-Benz has introduced fixed national service pricing for all current van models:

	Sprinter	New Vito	Citan
Service A	£130	£99	£99
Service B	£250	£229	£185
Dust Filter	£23	£28	£50
Brake Fluid	£40	£30	£50
Coolant	–	–	£48
Total	£443	£386	£432

These prices are valid at all participating Mercedes-Benz van dealers and are subject to a £20 surcharge for our-of-hours servicing.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said:

“We have listened to our customers and evolved our National Servicing pricing and Service Plans to be transparent, easy-to-understand, and above all, cost-effective. Our customers are focused on their businesses and daily lives, so we hope that the launch of our National Servicing pricing and tailored Service Plans removes one less worry for them!”

However, customers who are prepared to pay up front by opting into a service plan can make significant extra savings. According to Mercedes, a business operating a Sprinter and opting for out-of-hours servicing can save £261 over four years on six services.

Service Plans allow you to choose out-of-hours servicing with no extra cost. Here’s how it could work out, assuming two services over two years (exc. VAT):

	Sprinter	New Vito	Citan
National Service Pricing	£443	£386	£432
Approved Used Service Plan	£396 (£16.50 per month)	£348 (14.50 per month)	£420 (£17.50 per month)
New Service Plan	£240 (£10 per month)	£192 (£8 per month)	£192 (£8 per month)

Mercedes isn’t doing this for love. Aftersales work is often more profitable for dealers than vehicle sales. It also helps dealers to stay in touch with previous customers and encourages customers to stay loyal.

Despite this, I have to say that these prices sound pretty reasonable to me. They seem on a level with the prices I pay to get my (older) Transit serviced at a local independent garage.

Of course, these rates exclude any repairs or non-services parts which may need replacing. This could cost more than at an independent garage. Yet on a well-maintained new or nearly-new van, extra costs ought mostly to be limited to service items such as brake discs, as a general rule.

The numbers certainly seem to add up in favour of pre-paying for a service plan when buying new or Approved Used.

UK commercial vehicle production up by 24.4% in January

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Export demand drove a 24.4% rise in UK commercial vehicle production in January 2016, compared to the same period last year.

The figures — from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) — show that export sales were 65% higher in January than they were last year.

The majority of our CV exports are sold in Europe. This strong rise in sales suggests that a real recovery is underway in major eurozone economies:

Data courtesy of SMMT.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

“CV production got off to a great start in January, with output up by a quarter on last year. Recovery in Europe continues to benefit the sector, driving production for export up an impressive 65% last month, with more than half of all commercial vehicles in January produced for international markets.”

Here’s how the UK’s CV export history looks in graphical form. After bottoming out at the end of 2014, last year saw a very strong recovery:

Graph courtesy of SMMT

Another way of looking at these figures is that UK CV production now accounts for around 10% of the commercial vehicles registered in the UK. Although I suspect this is much lower than in France and Germany, it’s not too bad a result given the globalisation of the automotive industry.

Citroën will debut new Berlingo and Relay models at CV Show 2016 (pics)

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Citroën has announced a number of updates and additions to its popular Berlingo and Relay Ready To Run ranges. The new models will be on show at this year’s CV Show, which is expected to be well attended.

Here’s a summary of the latest additions.

Relay ‘Ready To Run’

The Relay-based range of off-the-shelf conversions have proved popular with Citroën customers. The firm has now added three new models to the range:

A new ‘Plant & Go’ small plant carrier
A new car transporter
Two new Crew Vans

Plant Carrier & Car Transporter

The Plant & Go small plant carriers and the car transporter will both be converted for Citroën by KFS Special Vehicles. Both have been designed to offer class-leading payloads and to provide cost-effective solutions to what are often seen as expensive requirements.

The Citroen Relay Plant & Go small plant carrier can carry one large or two small pieces of plant.

The Plant & Go carrier has been specifically designed to eliminate the need for a trailer. As well as cutting costs, this also simplifies driver licensing requirements. Younger drivers no longer have full trailer entitlement as standard, meaning an additional B+E test is needed before they can tow.

The Plant & Go carrier takes advantage of the low chassis height available with the front-wheel drive Relay and the load area has a floor height just 530mm from the ground. Removable lightweight alloy sideboards double up as loading ramps and help the vehicle achieve an impressive 1,860kg payload.

The new Relay car transporter is aimed at vehicle logisitics and dealer stock movements.

A payload of 1,760kg is enough for the vast majority of cars. The transporter’s 3.5t rating means that operating costs will be low and drivers won’t need any additional licensing.

Crew van conversions

The two new crew van conversions are being produced by CoTrim for Citroën and are available in L1H1 and L3H2 configurations — short and long wheelbase with low or mid-height roofs.

They provide comfortable seating for a driver and five passengers plus load space. The short wheelbase model provides 1,500mm of load floor length, while the longer L3 model has a load length of 2,535mm. Additional space under the rear seats is available subject to height restrictions.

The Crew Vans’ rear seats have been designed and tested to comply with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards. The integrated, moulded bulkhead has been tested to ISO 27956 for load restraint protection.

The Relay Ready to Run Enterprise L1H1 is competitively priced at £20,450 + VAT, while the larger L3H2 is available at £26,250 + VAT.

Berlingo update

Citroën’s small van remains a popular choice with SME customers and enjoyed a sector market share of 19% last year, making it the most popular van in its class.

The Berlingo range has been refreshed for 2016. The updated models will make their debut at the CV Show and will be available from May onwards.

From May 2016, all Citroen Berlingo vans will have Euro 6 engines.

Here’s a summary of the changes:

An all-Euro 6 engine lineup, including a new BlueHDi 75 engine
Two new, stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise models
A new, high-value Berlingo Enterprise option pack

The switch to Euro 6 is no surprise. From September, it will be a legal requirement. However, the engines sound promising and it’s good to see Citroën is continuing to provide a petrol model. The new engine range will comprise:

VTi 95 PS petrol engine
BlueHDi 75, 100 and 120 PS diesel engines

The firm will also launch two new Berlingo Enterprise model vans at the CV Show.

These new, range-topping Berlingo Enterprise models are based on the newly launched BlueHDi 75 manual L1 625 van and the BlueHDi 100 S&S manual L1 850 van. Additional equipment fitted to these stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise vans includes:

Air conditioning
Touchscreen audio pack
Anti-theft alarm
Rear parking sensors
Connecting Box (Bluetooth®/USB port)

In addition, Citroën is introducing a Berlingo Enterprise Pack, which available as an option for just £800 + VAT on any Berlingo LX van. The Berlingo Enterprise Pack includes the same equipment as above.

Bedford CA Van used in “The Lady In The Van” up for auction

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A 1957 Bedford CA van, that starred in the awarding winning film ‘The Lady in the Van’ with Dame Maggie Smith, will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at this year’s Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show on Sunday 6^th March at the NEC, Birmingham.

The van is one of two specially prepared and cosmetically distressed for the film to mimic the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, who resided in a Bedford CA van on Alan Bennett’s driveway for over 10 years. The van is featured extensively throughout the film and is even painted by Dame Maggie on camera.

Speaking in advance of the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said:

“We’re excited to be offering a piece of British cinema history at our sale which, paired with the appeal of the Bedford van to classic collectors, makes for a very exciting and unique opportunity for our customers.”

Having had restoration works prior to filming the van is in good working order and now boasts very special paintwork, hand-painted by Maggie Smith herself. It is offered for sale next month and is estimated at between £9,000 and £12,000.

The restoration of the van included an engine rebuild and it presents today in good working order with rust free bodywork and the 3-speed manual transmission and electrics reported to be in good working order.

This early Bedford is not only an important piece of film history but also an increasingly sought after classic British van. As an early split-screen example, with its two opening rear doors and sliding front doors, the Bedford CA is a rare sight on our roads nowadays, despite being the mainstay utility vehicle of the period.

First introduced in 1952, the Bedford CA was a light delivery van built on a separate chassis with production continuing through to 1969. The chassis allowed specialist bodywork to be fitted such as the Dormobile and Campervan conversions and was offered in either short or long wheelbase.

The van will be auctioned at the NEC, Birmingham, alongside 70 classic cars and restoration projects. To read more about the van visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/bedford-ca-10-cwt-short-wheelbase-van.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Urban Edition targets city van users

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Mercedes’ new Vito Urban Edition featured a number of standard features chosen to cater for the particular needs of drivers who spend their days battling through the urban jungle.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito Urban Edition includes and automatic gearbox, reversing camera and sat nav as standard.

Top of the list is Mercedes’ unusual seven-speed 7G -Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Normally an option on the Vito, it’s standard on the Vito Urban Edition. This is a ‘proper’ torque converter automatic, not an automated manual gearbox. This means silky-smooth shifts and distraction-free driving in all conditions.

A second standard feature that’s also normally an option is the Becker MAP PILOT built in navigation system. This includes lane recommendations, speed limit display and route planning, all of which can help avoid costly delays and fines in city environments.

Urban parking spaces tend to be tight at the best of times. To help ensure drivers can make use of every inch without having to worry about shunts, the Urban Edition includes a reversing camera. This takes the form of a close-range camer in the rear doors/tailgate which captures the area around the rear of the vehicle. The image is displayed in full colour on the Audio 15 head unit.

Maximum power isn’t a big concern in cities — fuel consumption is far more important. As a result, the Vito Urban Edition is available exclusively as a 114 BlueTEC van model, in compact, long and extra-long body lengths. The BlueTEC diesel engine is Euro 6-compliant and offers amongst the lowest CO₂ emissions figures in the Vito range, at just 161g/Km.

Priced from £22,720 excluding VAT, Vito 114 BlueTEC Urban Edition returns up to 46.3 mpg (combined cycle).

Nissan Primastar replacement will be Renault-built NV300

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The Nissan-Renault alliance has been a fruitful one in recent years. The outgoing Nissan Primastar van was a re-badged Renault Trafic.

It’s no surprise to find that the Primastar’s replacement, the NV300, will be built by Renault and based on the same platform as the new Trafic.

Renault confirmed yesterday that the new NV300, which will go on sale later this year, will be built at Renault’s Sandoubille plant in France on the same line as the new Renault Trafic.

Renault Trafic vans being built at the firm’s Sandouville plant in France. The Nissan NV300 will be built on the same line as the Trafic.

The NV300 nameplate is no surprise, given the existence of the smaller NV200 and larger NV400. NV stands for Nissan Van is part of the companies new global naming policy. Nissan trucks will be badged NT. Nissan pick-ups, such as the new NP300 Navara, are now badged NP.

Anyone thinking that the partnership between Renault and Nissan is somewhat one-sided may be mistaken, however. The new Nissan NP300 Navara is expected to go on sale as the Renault Alaskan pick up later in 2016.

New Volkswagen Transporter Chassis Cab now available

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The VW Transporter has always been available in chassis cab form — a driving cab with a platform to the rear onto which a custom body can be built — but it’s always been a rare beast, especially in the UK.

The new T6 Transporter launched in panel van form in the UK in autumn 2015. Volkswagen has now announced the launch of the T6 Transporter Chassis Cab, which is now available to order in the UK.

For the time being at least, the T6 chassis cab will only be available in long wheelbase format with a choice of crew cab or standard cab. Engine choice is restricted to VW’s 2.0TDI 140PS Euro 5 unit for the time being. Presumably a Euro 6 choice will be available before the 1 September 2016 deadline, after which all new vans will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards. There will however be a choice of gearboxes, with buyers able to choose 6-speed manual or 7-speed automated DSG transmission.

The Transporter Chassis Cab will include the same standard features which are available across the Transporter range, including BlueMotion Technology as standard. This includes low rolling resistance tyres, regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems.

Other standard features include DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection. Volkswagen’s acclaimed Automatic Post-Collision Braking system is also standard. This automatically applies the brakes after a collision, reducing the risk or severity of a secondary impact.

Prices for the Transporter Chassis Cab start at £21,265 +VAT.

Volkswagen and Toyota make return to CV Show in 2016

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Given that new van registrations hit an all-time high in 2015, it’s not surprising that van manufacturers are queuing up to exhibit at the CV Show 2016.

The UK’s leading commercial vehicle show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from April 26-28. Expected to feature are key van manufacturers, including Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Iveco, LDV, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Among those making a return after a long absence are Volkswagen and Toyota. The Japanese manufactuerer hasn’t attended since 2008 but plans to exhibit the latest variants of its commercial range, including the PSA-based Toyota Proace.

Volkswagen’s appearance is perhaps no surprise — the group is fighting to repair the damage caused by the emissions scandal and will also be keen to promote its key Transporter and Caddy models against strong competition from the Mercedes Citan and new Vito and Ford’s Transit Custom and Transit Connect models.

Other highlights will include Mitsubishi, which will be showcasing the very latest L200 pick-up. The LDV name will also be making a return to the UK, with the new Chinese-built V80 panel van expected to make its UK debut.

The 2016 CV Show will also feature a massive range of racking and storage solutions for LCV’s from the likes of Bott, Bri-Stor, Rhino, Sortimo, System Edstrom, Tevo and many others, along with a range of goods from smaller suppliers designed to make the art of personalising a van or making it fit for a specific job much easier.

More than 19,500 visitors are expected at the three-day show, which is one of the flagship events for the commercial vehicle industry in the UK.

CV Show 2016 takes place in Halls 3a, 4 & 5 at the NEC in Birmingham from 26-28 April. Visitors can register for their free ticket at www.cvshow.com.

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UK van news and van hire tips

Category Archives: Van News

Renault lines up major display for CV Show 2016

UK van registrations unchanged in February

Mercedes-Benz introduces fixed-price service for vans

UK commercial vehicle production up by 24.4% in January

Citroën will debut new Berlingo and Relay models at CV Show 2016 (pics)

Relay ‘Ready To Run’

Plant Carrier & Car Transporter

Crew van conversions

Berlingo update

Bedford CA Van used in “The Lady In The Van” up for auction

Mercedes-Benz Vito Urban Edition targets city van users

Nissan Primastar replacement will be Renault-built NV300

New Volkswagen Transporter Chassis Cab now available

Volkswagen and Toyota make return to CV Show in 2016