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.

Fiat Fullback pick-up

New Fiat Fullback pick-up is launched at Dubai Motor Show

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The latest addition to the Fiat Professional range is the Fiat Fullback pick-up, which is expected to be available in the UK in autumn 2016.

Fiat Fullback pick-up

The Fiat Fullback is based on the new Mitsubishi L200 and will be available in the UK in autumn 2016.

The observant among you will notice that the Fullback bears an uncanny resemblance to the new Mitsubishi L200. The Fullback is of course based on the new L200:

Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 front view

This is good news, really. The L200 has been a consistent success and remains popular in the UK pick-up market. Like the new L200, the Fullback will be available in the UK as a double cab model only with just two trim levels.

The Fullback will be powered by Mitsubishi’s new aluminium 2.4-litre diesel engine, with a choice  of 150PS or 180PS power levels. A choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission will be available, both with four-wheel drive.

Fiat Fullback interior

Inside, the Fullback is virtually identical to the new L200.

According to Fiat, the medium-duty pick-up truck segment accounted for 675,000 sales in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region in 2014. It’s understandable that the firm would like to get a slice of the action — I suspect this model may steal sales from the L200 in Europe and the UK, albeit probably not in Africa or the Middle East.

Ford Transit Golden Convoy

Ford extends approved used programme to include vans

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Ford Transit and Ford Transit CustomCar drivers are used to being able to by nearly-new cars from main dealers through approved used programmes that guarantee a certain level of quality and preparation.

This isn’t so typical in the commercial vehicle sector, but Ford has decided it should be.

The Ford Approved programme has now been extended to include the firm’s commercial vehicles — both vans and pick-ups.

Each Ford Approved commercial vehicle is backed by rigorous 160-point quality verification, includes service history and carries a 12-month warranty and Ford Roadside Assistance.

To qualify for Ford Approved status, vans must be Ford models owned by the dealer, be less than five years old and have covered less than 100,000 miles. They are sold on a 14-day/500 mile exchange programme, as well as with seven-day drive-away insurance.

The Ford UK website now includes a used van locator which can be used to search UK approved van stock.

The Ford Approved used van programme provides the following benefits:

  • Less than five years old and have covered less than 100,000 miles
  • Full service history
  • 160-point mechanical and safety check
  • Finance and mileage check
  • 14-day/500 miles exchange
  • Seven-day drive-away insurance
  • 12 month warranty
  • 12 month Ford Roadside Assistance

For more information, visit www.ford.co.uk/Approved-used-cars/Commercial-Vehicles.

SMMT CV registrations Oct 2015

Van registrations climb 6.2% in October: is the pace slowing?

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Is the long-running surge in new van registrations starting to slow?

Van registrations rose by 6.2% in October, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) — a respectable enough result, but below the double-digit increases we’ve grown used to seeing.

There is a precedent, too. The rate of growth of new car registrations fell by 1.1% in October according to the SMMT, ending a 43-month run that’s seen annual car registrations rise from about 1.95m/year to more than 2.6m/year.

We will see: getting back to the commercial vehicle sector, here’s a breakdown of van and truck registrations from October:

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

October % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 28,208 6.2% 312,369 16.3% 365,414 17.0%
Trucks 5,791 -31.5% 42,932 19.8% 48,559 -7.7%
Total 33,999 -2.9% 355,301 16.7% 413,973 13.5%

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

There is clearly still a strong demand for new vans, which seems to be being driven by Brits’ insatiable demand for online shopping. Businesses also have the confidence and financing options needed to update and renew their fleets, and as discussed before, may be switching from used to new purchases.

Here’s how the registrations have changed since January 2010:

SMMT CV registrations Oct 2015

Courtesy of SMMT.

Looking at van registrations in more detail, it’s the usual story: large 2.5-3.5t vans are the big sellers and the only category of van (excluding 4x4s and pickups) to show growth.

Registrations of vans in the 2.5-3.5t weight categroy rose by 17.5% to 17,766 last month, taking the total gain so far this year for this category to 21%.

These are, of course, the vans used by couriers. Van manufacturers appear to have much to thank internet retailers for!

Renault Kangoo

Updated Renault Kangoo van now on sale

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Renault has updated its popular Kangoo van with improved trim levels and a greater choice of Euro 6 engines across the range.

Renault Kangoo

All Kangoo van models now get a full steel bulkhead, adjustable driver’s seat and DAB radio with USB and Bluetooth. There’s also a choice of two new trim levels, Business and Business+, which correspond with those offered on the larger Trafic and Master vans. Business is now the entry-level specification.

Business specification includes ECO mode, load area lighting, roof bar fixings, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, electric front windows, Titanium upholstery, electric variable power steering, a front 12-volt power socket, grey side protection moulds, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a driver’s airbag a height-adjustable driver’s seat, deadlocks, the Renault anti-intruder device (R.A.I.D.) and remote central locking.

Business+ adds electrically operated folding door mirrors, one-touch descending electric front windows, a centre console with armrest, an overhead parcel shelf, rubber flooring in the load area, manual air conditioning, body-coloured front bumper and rear parking sensors.

There’s also an option to upgrade payload from the standard 650kg to 800kg, which may come in handy.

Engine choices

Ahead of Euro 6 becoming mandatory for LCVs in September 2016, Renault has expanded the choice of EU6 engines available on the Kangoo to include seven versions. These dCi 75, dCi 90 and dCi 110 ENERGY units provide lower NOx emissions achieved by the addition of a NOx trap in the exhaust system, with no requirement for AdBlue.

Electric power

The Kangoo Van Z.E. electric model enjoys the same trim improvements as its diesel sibling but is otherwise unchanged. Renault’s electric Kangoo has an NEDC driving range of up to 106 miles, ot 84 in extreme winter conditions.

Realistically, as the company points out, the Kangoo Van Z.E. can comfortably exceed the average daily mileage of 62 miles driven by 70% of local van drivers each day. Use of cheap overnight electricity can bring running costs as low as 2p/mile, while servicing costs are also lower than with diesel-powered models.

Prices

Kangoo Z.E. customers can choose whether to buy or rent batteries: in either case, the cost is comparable to that of the diesel models once the government’s plug-in grant for electric vehicles is factored in:

  • Kangoo Van Z.E. w/ rented batteries: from £12,994 +VAT
  • Kangoo dCi: prices from £13,200 +VAT
  • Kangoo Van Z.E. with outright purchase of batteries: £16,161.15

All versions of the Renault Kangoo are covered by a four-year vehicle warranty (unlimited for two years, then 100,000 miles) with four years’ roadside assistance. Z.E. versions also have a five-year powertrain warranty (two years unlimited and then 100,000 miles) and an additional battery performance guarantee.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Sprinter win top reliability award in real-world test

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Mercedes-Benz SprinterThe Mercdes-Benz Sprinter has been chosen for the FN50 Award for the most reliable van in 2015.

The FN50 awards are based on data from the 50 largest UK leasing companies. Reliability is measured based on vehicle breakdowns and warranty claims per 100 vehicles on each company’s fleet.

The study is carried out by Sewells Research & Insight, a leading provider of business intelligence in the UK for information on the fleet, dealer and vehicle leasing markets. Being based on real-world data gives these awards a credibility which some other awards lack.

Commenting on the award, Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said:

“Sprinter proves itself time and time again that it is the fleet champion, not just for load-carrying capabilities and safety technology, but also for after sales support and excellent reliability.

“We are especially delighted with this award as it is based on data taken from actual vehicles out on the road.”

It’s not the first time the Sprinter has won the FN50 reliability award, the big German van also came top in 2011.

UK CV output 2008-2015

UK CV manufacturing doubled in September!

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We’ve grown use to the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturers putting in strong monthly performances over the last year, but September was exceptional.

Van and truck production rose by 103.6% in September, compared to September 2014, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The increase took production from 4,818 units to 9,811 vans and trucks. Demand was strong in both home and export markets, but the exports had the edge, rising by a whopping 113.9%:

CV manufacturing Sep-14 Sep-15 % Change YTD-14 YTD-15 % Change
Total 4,818 9,811 103.6% 50,746 71,406 40.7%
Home 2,522 4,900 94.3% 24,474 36,396 48.7%
Export 2,296 4,911 113.9% 26,272 35,010 33.3%
% export 47.7% 50.1% 51.8% 49.0%

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

Commenting, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said that a mix of new models and resurgent EU demand was responsible for the gains:

“The British commercial vehicle industry’s continued recovery is great to see, with significant investments into new models reaping benefits and helping overcome structural changes.

Manufacturers are capitalising on increasing demand for CVs across the rest of the EU – the sector’s principal export market – as well as in the UK, where registrations have grown consistently throughout this year.”

As the graph below shows, the UK CV manufacturing sector is now starting to reverse some of the losses seen since 2008 — albeit only modestly:

UK CV output 2008-2015

UK CV output 2008- September 2015 (courtesy of SMMT)

No doubt some of these new vans are going to replenish and extend van rental fleets in the UK and EU markets; the van hire sector did well during the recession in the UK, so a similar story might be playing out in some european markets.

Volkswagen T1 and T6

Retro-style Volkswagen Caravelle Generation Six now available to order

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As promised, Volkswagen has launched a UK version of the Caravelle Generation Six people carrier, which celebrates the 60-year history of the Transporter/Caravelle with a special two-tone paint job.

Volkswagen T1 and T6

The T6 Caravelle Generation Six, alongside an original T1, a model first introduced 60 years ago.

Costing from £52,051 OTR, this isn’t a cheap bus. However, the specification makes up for this and for anyone looking for an eye-catching premium taxi or luxury minibus, this could be a smart choice.

The Generation Six is available with a choice of two power outputs, both using the new EU6 2.0 TDI engine with 7-speed DSG gearbox, one with 150 PS and the second with 204 PS. The specification also includes special edition 18″ alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, front fog lights with cornering function and chrome detailing.

To enhance privacy and convenience, the Generation Six also has electrically heated and folding wing mirrors and privacy glass to all rear windows.

Inside, the Generation Six’s has exclusive Alcantara /leather seats which are complemented by textile floor mats. A leather covered multi-function steering wheel gives access to many of the vehicle’s convenience and safety features, including the standard Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Front Assist, and the new Discover Media infotainment / navigation system which also has DAB and Bluetooth as standard.

Additional detailing emphasises the high specification of the Generation Six: a step illumination with ‘Generation Six’ lettering, decorative trim in ‘Dark silver brushed’ and a decorative insert across the dashboard to match the two-tone exterior.

Finally, to ensure that everyone is comfortable all of the time, the Generation Six has 3-zone Climatronic air conditioning and heated front seats.

BCA van auction (courtesy of BCA)

Used van prices rise in September — a return to normality?

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BCA van auction (courtesy of BCA)

BCA van auction (courtesy of BCA)

Used van prices rose by an average of £100, or 1.8%, in September, according to auctioneer BCA, compared to August.

However, compared to September last year — a more usual comparison — the average sale price only rose by £47 to £5,607. That’s despite a 5,000 mile drop in average mileage, and a slight reduction in average age.

Perhaps more significant is that the average percentage of CAP (book) price achieved has fallen from 103.9% in September 2014 to 99.8% in September 2015. In my view this suggests prices are reverting to more normal levels, relative to age, condition and book.

This is a view shared by Duncan Ward, BCA’s LCV Operations Director:

“We are now seeing the return of more typical market conditions with balanced supply and demand and elements of seasonality taking effect. The market was strong in September with average values increasing across the board and good levels of demand from buyers for well presented, good quality commercial vehicles.”

Ex-fleet/lease prices falling

Ex-fleet/lease vans are usually under four years old, in good condition and with one large corporate or public sector owner from new.

As such, they are desirable second-hand buys and a realistic alternative to a new van for many van operators. This also makes them a good barometer of used van market conditions, in my view.

The average price for an ex-fleet/lease van fell from £6,550 last September to £6,416 last month, despite average age and mileage remaining broadly unchanged.

What did change was the average sale price relative to benchmark valuations. The average sale price versus CAP fell from 103.5% last September to a more normal 99.3% last month. Similarly, the average sale price versus the manufacturer’s recommended price (MRP) fell from 36.3% in September 2014 to 34.0% last month.

A simple picture

I’m not suggesting that used van prices are falling off a cliff. They aren’t.

But the trend over the last year is clearly one of stagnation and modest decline, especially in the high-volume fleet/lease sector:

BCA used LCV prices 09-2014-15

BCA used LCV prices 09-2014-15 (courtesy of BCA)

The fact that used prices are remaining relatively firm in the face of a surge in new van registrations makes it clear that demand for used vans remains strong.

I may have overstated the downside case in previous posts, but I suspect the trend visible above may have a little further to run yet, before bottoming out.

Nissan NP300 Navara tailgate

New Nissan NP300 pick-up gets upgraded production line and 5-year warranty

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Nissan NP300 Navara pick-upThe new Nissan NP300 Navara pick-up will be built for European markets at the firm’s factory in Barcelona.

The firm’s flagship Spanish plant has been upgraded for the NP300 and the firm is backing a renewed drive for quality (which was always decent anyway) by launching the new five-year Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle warranty with the NP300.

It’s a big deal for Nissan, not least because the Barcelona plant will also build NP300-derived pick-ups for Renault and Mercedes-Benz. Quality will be paramount, especially where the three-pointed star is concerned.

The new NP300 Navara was engineered for Europe in Nissan’s Technical Centre (NTCE) in Barcelona, where the team developed the new 2.3 litre dCi engine and adapted noise and vibration, steering, suspension and brakes for European customers.

According to Paul Willcox, the chairman of Nissan Europe, the NP300 Navara will benefit from car-like levels of sophistication:

“With 80 years of pick-up heritage, this new NP300 Navara arrives with the off-road ability, durability and loading capacity you would expect from the name.

“What makes the fully-updated Navara truly unique is the driving experience, style and comfort that it inherits from of the Nissan crossover range, like Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail.”

The Barcelona plant has capacity to produce about 120,000 vehicles annually for Nissan, Merc and Renault, and should also generate 1,000 new jobs created once full production is reached.

Ashtray full of cigarettes

Smoking in a car or van with children present is now illegal

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Ashtray full of cigarettes

A new law bans smoking in any vehicle when children are present.

Although all rental vans (and cars) are no-smoking zones anyway, drivers now need to remember that smoking in any vehicle when children are present is now illegal.

Starting from 1 October 2015, new UK legislation makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle when any under-18s are present.

This applies even if the door, windows or sunroof are open.

The new law provides an extra layer of smoking prevention in addition to the existing rules that ban smoking in any enclosed workplace, include trucks and vans used by more than one person.

By definition all rental vans are non-smoking, but so are almost all company-owned vehicles  — used by only one person means exactly that. It isn’t acceptable to smoke in your van, for example, if you sometimes give your children a lift in it, even if they are not present when you smoke.

Anyone found to be smoking in a vehicle where children are present is liable to be finded £50. This fine can be doubled if the smoker is also the driver.