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.

New Fiat Doblò Cargo unveiled at IAA Show

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Fiat Professional branding

Fiat Professional badging will now be used on all Fiat commercial vehicles.

Fiat will launch an updated version of its Doblò Cargo small van for the 2015 model year.

The new version of the Doblò Cargo has been debuted at this week’s IAA show in Hanover. Changes focus on an updated exterior design and improved fuel efficiency and running costs, according to the firm.

The new model will have updated versions of the popular 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre MultiJet engines, both of which will also be available in a new EcoJet version of the Doblò.

The EcoJet specification will focus on delivering maximum fuel efficiency through the addition of features such as Start&Stop; low rolling-resistance tyres; low-viscosity oil; an ‘intelligent’ alternator; a variable-displacement oil pump and a new aerodynamic pack.

As a result, Fiat expects the EcoJet models to deliver fuel economy of up to 64mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 115g/km.

Externally, the front end of the van has been updated to reflect the changes seen on the latest Ducato models, while the Doblò will also be the first Fiat model to bear the Fiat Professional badging, which will now be used on all Fiat commercial models.

2015MY Fiat Doblo Cargo

The new 2015 Fiat Doblo Cargo

Finally, like most other manufacturers, Fiat has an ever-expanding arsenal of electronic safety systems derived from traction control: the Doblò will now be available with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) and Hill-Holder systems that help the driver during hill starts.

Front airbags and front side airbags, as well as TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) are also part of the Doblò’s safety arsenal.

The new Doblò Cargo will have a payload of up to one tonne and will be available with up to five cubic metres of loadspace. First UK deliveries are expected in Spring 2015.

Commercial vehicle production falls 43.5% in August as retooling hits output

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Commercial vehicle production has been falling steadily in the UK all year, as we’ve pointed out before, but August’s 43.5% fall (compared to August 2013) was substantially larger than the 20% or so we’ve seen in previous months, thanks to the impact of additional factory shutdowns for retooling activity, according the latest production report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

“UK commercial vehicle production fell 43.5% in August – traditionally the year’s quietest month – as some plants took additional shutdown to retool for new models,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “We expect the recent decline to level off in the next few months as newly introduced models reach full production and the rising demand across the EU takes hold.”

Here’s a full overview of UK CV production in August:

CV manufacturing Aug-13 Aug-14 % Change YTD-13 YTD-14 % Change
Total 3,772 2,130 -43.5% 60,890 45,928 -24.6%
Home 1,416 1,229 -13.2% 27,783 21,952 -21.0%
Export 2,356 901 -61.8% 33,107 23,976 -27.6%
% export 62.5% 42.3% 54.4% 52.2%

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

Does August’s jumbo fall mean that production will finally start to rebound from September? The ramp-up of production of the new Vauxhall Vivaro model (at Luton) should help, but it’s hard to imagine production rising to 2013 levels, let alone those seen as recently as 2012 — as these graphs show:

SMMT CV manufacturing August 2014

UK CV output August 2014 (courtesy of SMMT)

 

Great Wall announces updated Steed with focus on quality

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The 2015 Great Wall Steed

The 2015 Great Wall Steed

China’s Great Wall is one of the world’s largest automotive companies, but is almost unknown in Western Europe.

However, as I wouldn’t bet on that situation staying this way: as with Korean and Japanese manufacturers in the past, I’m confident the Chinese will soon get the measure of western automotive markets.

In Great Wall’s case, the company launched its Steed pick-up in the UK in 2012, trading on its price — it was (and remains) by far the cheapest full-size pick-up on the market, with on-the-road prices starting from just £14,998 for the 2015 model year.

The original model was well specified in a cheap and cheerful way — reminiscent of early Kia models — but next year’s update looks set to raise the bar.

The Steed’s looks have been subtly updated, and the firm says that the 2015 Steed will be built in a newer factory, which boasts high levels of automation and should deliver ‘improved quality levels throughout the vehicle’, according to the firm.

Specification wise, the Steed remains impressive. Standard spec includes alloy wheels, full leather, air conditioning, full electrics and heated seats, parking sensors and much more — plus the firm’s impressive six-year, 125,000 mile warranty.

Although the Steed has a healthy 2.5 tonne braked towing capacity, the only power plant is a 139hp, 2.0-litre engine, so performance is unlikely to be sparkling, and fuel economy isn’t exceptional either, with the company claiming 32.8mpg for the combined cycle. Other improvements that most European buyers will take for granted are a switch to rear disc brakes, instead of drums, and

Nissan showcases updated NV400, Navara & e-NV200 concept

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Nissan NV400 XLWB RWD model

The new Nissan NV400 in extra-long, rear-wheel drive guise.

Nissan has released detailed of updates to its commercial vehicle range at the IAA Hannover show this week.

NV400 large van

The Nissan NV400 is, of course, a rebdaged Renault Master, and the NV400 has now been updated in-line with the new Renault Master model, deliveries of which are due to start this month.

Among the changes are Renault’s new twin-turbo engines, which are designed to provide more power, better torque at low revs and improved fuel efficiency.

A pair of single turbo units produce 110hp/285Nm (previously 100hp) and 125hp/310Nm and these are joined by the newly developed Twin Turbo units, developing 135hp/340Nm and 165hp/360Nm.

Also available is a 150hp/350Nm version of the engine that has a variable geometry single turbo and is available only with a robotised semi-automatic gearbox.

It is estimated that the new 165hp NV400 will consume up to 1.5 litres/100km less than its 150hp predecessor, a significant saving of up to €1,500 over three years.

Other new features include Extended Grip, the electronic limited slip differential system which can be used to provide improved traction on mud and snow, along with Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and the new Wide View Mirror, which is essentially a blind spot mirror fitted on the passenger side sun visor.

Nissan NavaraNavara pick-up

The Navara now gets 17-inch alloy wheels and Vehicle Dynamic Control, while two new metallic body colours — bronze and grey — have been introduced.

Trim quality has been improved on SE and LE models, and buyers can now opt for a 144hp version of the SE spec; a lower-powered engine previously only offered on the fleet-spec XE model.

The other two engine options are a 190hp version of the dCi engine, while the top of the range LE models – accounting for around 10 per cent of all Navara sales – are also available with the smooth and potent 231hp 3.0L V6 diesel which is coupled to Nissan’s advanced seven-speed automatic gearbox.

e-NV200 luxury MPV concept

Nissan e-NV200 VIP concept

The Nissan e-NV200 VIP concept MPV

I’ve made no secret of my admiration for the way in which Nissan has trialled and launched its all-electric e-NV200 van, nor for the potential it has to be a genuine game changer: according to Nissan, in Europe, almost a third of van users never drive more than 120kms in a business day.

This means that at least 200,000 diesel vans each year could be replaced with a zero emission electric van, which could be charged once a day at home or at the base.

Nissan is continuing to press home the potential advantages of this model, this time with a luxury MPV concept vehicle aimed at urban VIP transport — a perfect application for electric vehicles.

The high-spec concept model is an upgraded version of Nissan’s e-NV200 Evalia people carrier, and comes in a two-tone metallic paint job, white leather seats and ‘limousine-like space’, according to Nissan.

The cabin contains two luxury rear seats with armrests and leg rests, and the cabin houses a 21.5″ screen which can be connected to passengers’ digital devices, along with LED lighting and individual reading lamps, a drinks fridge, plus ample luggage space.

The vehicle’s driver also benefits from a rear-view display, powered by a high-definition camera at the rear of the vehicle, which neatly addresses the impracticality of having a traditional rear-view mirror in a van-derived model that’s likely to have a privacy bulkhead when used for VIP transport.

Volkswagen Tristar concept hints at next-gen Transporter T6

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Volkswagen has unveiled a new concept van, named the Tristar, at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover. The Tristar is significant because Volkswagen says it provides a pointer as to how the T6 — the next generation of VW’s best-selling Transporter van — will be designed.

Volkswagen Tristar concept

The Volkswagen Tristar concept provides clues as to the likely design of the next-generation T6 Transporter, according to the German firm.

The Tristar concept has been inspired by the Transporter Synchro, the four-wheel drive version of the Transporter which celebrates its 30th birthday this year. There is no Transporter Synchro model any more — and while 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on T5 Transporters, the raised suspension and rugged design of the old Synchro models is no longer an option.

Cab of Volkswagen Tristar T6 concept

Inside the cab is thoroughly VW — and very nice

The Tristar concept has been engineered as a beefy pick-up with an extended cab, short wheelbase has permanent four-wheel drive with mechanical rear axle differential lock and 30mm additional ground clearance.

Volkswagen Tristar T6 concept

Volkswagen says that the vans designers have developed a high-precision, new and yet familiar design language: the sharp wrap-around lines, LED headlights and a changed architecture of the whole front give the concept vehicle a wide and purposeful appearance. In other words, it looks like an updated and more modern version of the current Transporter.

If the Tristar is anything to go on, the T6 will be an evolution of the current T5, not a revolution — although that’s no bad thing, as the T5 remains one of the most desirable and modern vans in its class.

Indeed, Volkswagen says that firm’s Hanover plant, where most Transporters are built, has reached capacity and is working an extra night shift to meet demand — with Transporter order books now full until ‘well into the first quarter of 2015’.

VW launches 60th anniversary Transporter accessory pack

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Volkswagen Transporter with 60 Anniversary Pack

A Volkswagen Transporter fitted with the 60th Anniversary Pack

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Volkswagen Transporter, and VW has already announced a limited edition Sportline 60 model to mark the occasion.

However, if you’re not in the market for a top-of-the-range new Transporter, you may have been feeling left out — but not anymore!

Today, Volkswagen unveiled the Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack — an aftermarket set of accessories that can be fitted to existing T5 Transporters to give them a bit of 60th anniversary bling (in a tasteful German way, naturally).

The new accessories package includes LED running lights*; chrome accent items such as mirror caps, side indicators and grille, Transporter 60 exterior decals and embroidered waterproof seat covers.

The pack goes on sale on 22 September, and prices will range from £609 up to £1,009, including VAT and fitting. Here’s what you get:

Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack details:

Items Detail
Transporter 60 exterior decals
(exclusive to pack)		 Exterior detailing
Transporter 60 seat covers
(exclusive to pack)		 Front seats and headrest waterproof covers featuring an embroidered Transporter 60 logo
Enhanced upper grille
(exclusive to pack)		 A gloss Piano Black upper grille with chrome detailing
LED daytime running lights Only available on Trendline and Highline models
Chrome side mirror covers Exterior detailing
Chrome side indicator surrounds Exterior detailing
Chrome tail guard cover Exterior detailing
Limited edition anniversary celebration book First 250 packs only

So there you have it: the first 250 customers to order the accessory pack will also receive a copy of a limited edition coffee table book that celebrates the Transporter’s 60 years in the UK.

Manheim’s first online-only van auction delivers the goods

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Manheim online van auction

Sophisticated imagery and guaranteed inspection reports gave buyers the confidence to buy vans without viewing at Manheim’s first online-only auction.

When we ran a competition recently here at vanrental.co.uk, we asked entrants how they would normally hire a van — online, by telephone or via a recommendation from a friend or colleague.

Six in ten of those questioned said their first choice was to head online and hire, compared to just 24.4% who telephoned a local firm and just 15% who relied on recommendations. It seems the move online is unstoppable — and not just for hire firms.

Vehicle auctions are also increasingly moving online — witness the success of eBay Motors — and while ‘bricks and mortar’ auction houses which allow online bidding are not a new phenomenon, auctioneer Manheim UK recently took the concept to the next level with an online-only auction.

The auction, which took place in August, offered 102 Lex Autolease vans for sale virtually and exclusively to an online buyer audience.

The sale was delivered by Manheim Online’s team in Bruntingthorpe and saw 125 unique buyer log-ons and an 89% conversion rate. A total sales value of just under £500,000 was achieved.

From a buyer perspective the online auction’s operation mirrored a physical sale, with the exception that the vans were sold remotely using condition reports and images; without being driven past a rostrum.

Online buyers instead received a live audio and video feed of the auctioneer conducting the sale.

Matthew Davock, head of LCV, Manheim commercial vehicles, said:

“It’s fantastic to be at the forefront delivering new and innovative remarketing solutions. The buyer engagement and social media buzz created by this event was considerable.

I auctioneered at all three sales and the online sale in particular had an amazing atmosphere. Buyers have truly embraced this online sale format. They are comfortable using Simulcast technology. They trust Manheim. All told we delivered a unique event that countered the seasonal retail sales lull and produced a market leading result.”

The online auction also featured Manheim Van Check, Manheim’s unique and industry leading mechanical inspection product. Van Check provides buyers with a money back guarantee covering 21 major areas. When coupled to detailed inspection reports and high quality zoom imagery, online buyers were given maximum confidence to bid and buy remotely.

Manheim reports ‘younger vehicles’ entering used market

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Last week I speculated that August’s rise in used van prices was due to a change in the vehicle mix, not to absolute rises in the sale prices of like-for-like vans.

A press release from auctioneers Manheim today appears to confirm my theory, as Matthew Davock, head of light commercial vehicle sales at Manheim, explains (my emphasis):

“Our monthly Market Analysis is beginning to reflect the fact that defleet activity is finally returning to normality after several years of post-recession contraction. It is good to see that younger vans – those aged five years or younger – now make up a larger proportion of vehicles at auction.”

Given this, it’s only natural that realised prices will continue to rise — buyers are getting more for their money. As with the BCA figures, however, Manheim’s latest figures make it clear that used prices are not at all-time highs, which were seen at the start of this year:

Manheim prices Aug 14

Used van selling prices Aug 13 – Aug 14 (courtesy of Manheim)

Admittedly, sales were much stronger than last August, bucking the usual seasonal trend, according to Manheim, as Mr Davock commented:

”We’ve seen a real spike in 4×4 sales this August, at a time when summer breaks and bank holidays usually hold back demand. Our data shows that trade buyers have possibly been tempted to stock up earlier than normal for autumn sales, given the changing seasons and the fact that we’ve tended to see lower mileage, younger vehicles entering the halls.”

Will this strength continue through to the end of the year? Demand for new vans has risen by around 20% this year, which should free up better quality stock for the used market, which in turn should support prices, as buyers will have access to an increased number of younger, lower-mileage vans.

Still, I think this marks a turning point for the used van market — instead of buyers paying more for the same (or less), they are now paying more and getting more. A return to normality, at last?

Toyota concept hints at future urban pick-up

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Toyota has released pictures of the U2 — described as a concept car for the US market, from a European perspective, it combines the benefits of a pick-up with the load-lugging efficiency of a small van, by removing the divide between the cab area and the load area and providing a large opening tailgate and roof panel:

Toyota Calty U2 concept

The Toyota Calty U2 concept

The U2 is the work of Toyota’s Calty Design Center, in California, and was inspired — apparently — by the growing DIY and craft movement in the US, as well as by consumers’ desire for smaller but more useful SUVs.

Inside Toyota U2 concept

Inside the Inside Toyota U2 concept car

 

As a result, the U2 is the size of a compact car, but has the functionality of a traditional pick-up and the spaciousness of a cargo van.

It needed to be easily adaptable for individual on-the-go needs, witnessed in details such as a retractable utility bar that can do anything from hold a desk to provide hooks for shopping bags. The side windows flip up, so it’s easy to reach in from the roadside.

Other highlights include: –

  • Folding, removable front passenger seat
  • Fold-up rear seats
  • New shift design with an intuitive switch for park, drive and reverse
  • New colour and trim material choices

It also answers other urban driver priorities in delivering good fuel economy and being easy to manoeuvre, load and unload, according to Toyota.

Toyota Calty U2 Concept

I can certainly see the market for something like this, although less so in the UK, where it would be likely to be a niche vehicle — more expensive and less practical than a small van like the Citroen Berlingo, albeit with more status.

Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label limited edition launched

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Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label

The Amarok Dark Label special edition goes on sale 22 September 2014. Only 300 will be available in the UK.

Volkswagen has unveiled details of a new special edition Amarok pick-up model, the Amarok Dark Label.

Just 300 of the new model will be available to UK customers when the Amarok Dark Label goes on sale on 22 September 2014, with a price tag of £26,125 OTR +VAT.

The new model is clearly aimed at the prestige small business owner/driver market — perhaps the key market for pick-ups in the UK — and is fully specced-out, both under the bonnet and elsewhere.

Powered by Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, the Amarok Dark Label offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a no-nonsense maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg.

Customers can choose between the six-speed manual selectable 4MOTION® (50 vehicles available) or the eight-speed auto-permanent 4MOTION® (250 vehicles available). The automatic version boasts BlueMotion Technology, which includes low rolling-resistance tyres, Start/stop and regenerative braking to provide greater economy and lower emissions.

Both models come with a host of unique styling features, including 18-inch Durban alloy wheels finished in black, extended wheel arches, and a distinctive underride guard below the front bumper. The exterior design package also includes dark tinted rear/side windows, darkened tail lights, matt black side bars and footstep, along with a black rear bumper, black grained door handles and black foil on the B-pillars.

VW Amarok Dark Label interior

Inside the Amarok Dark Label

Inside, the Amarok Dark Label is equally dramatic with premium anthracite Alcantara upholstery and velour floor mats featuring exclusive Dark Label branding.

Equipment highlights include a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter,satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen,Bluetooth, a multi-function display and heated seats.

Customers also benefit from heated wing mirrors, electric windows and additional door dust seals as standard.

A special anthracite-coloured UV-resistant special coating applied to load area completes the striking look. Customers can choose from three colours: Deep Black, Reflex Silver and Natural Grey.

Customers wanting an even more individual appearance can take advantage of a range of specially selected Amarok Dark Label accessories. These include practical items such as a hard tonneau cover, Dark Label branded seat covers and bonnet protection, and styling items including chrome door handles and roof-mounted styling bar lights.