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.

Used van prices hit new record with 3.5% rise in May

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BCA LCV auction saleDespite my predictions, average values for commercial vehicles reached record levels in May, the fifth time in the last six months a new record has been set according to the latest figures from remarketing specialist BCA.

The vehicle auctioneer said that demand for LCVs remained strong throughout the month, and that top quality stock remained in short supply, contributing to a rise in average sales prices, which rose by 3.5% in May, to £5,587.

Year-on-year values remain well ahead, up by £717 (14.7%) over the twelve month period.  Compared to a year ago, age is static at 58 months, while mileage has decreased marginally over the same period.  Average CAP performance is down slightly compared to May 2013, and May’s sales came in slightly below book, with sale prices averaging 99.79% of the equivalent CAP book prices.

After April’s surprise drop in values, May’s strong performance was a return to normal, according to Duncan Ward, BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles:

“The market returned strongly in May, with conversion rates improving over April and values rising yet again, despite volumes remaining relatively high.  Competition is typically intense for retail quality used stock, with values rising as a result and BCA Live Online buyers continue to play a significant role, accounting for around 30% of volume sold.”

“There can be little doubt that the improving economic background is giving a boost to the used LCV market, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain positive about future prospects.  As this group are the biggest buyers of used LCVs we should expect demand to remain relatively strong in the months ahead.”

Prices have risen relentless since 2012, as this graph shows — the average LCV sale price at BCA auctions has risen by 31% since April 2012:

BCA Used LCV prices April 2012 - May 2014

BCA Used LCV prices April 2012 – May 2014 (graph courtesy of BCA)

Manheim says shortage of large vans is driving up sales of smaller vans

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Manheim logoCommercial vehicle buyers are purchasing more car-derived vans (CDVs) and small panel vans, due to a chronic lack of larger panel vans (over 3.5t) in the market, according to the latest market analysis from vehicle remarketing firm Manheim.

According to Manheim’s sales figures, the volume of smaller vans entering the used market has risen by around 8% over the last year, while the number of larger panel vans (>3.0t) reaching Manheim’s salerooms has fallen by 14%.

Manheim’s figures show that the that price of a larger panel van (>3.0t) — a traditional fleet workhorse — peaked at £5,297 in May, prompted by continued high demand and a modest fall in average age and mileage, which fell from 62 months to 61 months and 86,062 to 84,510 miles respectively.

Manheim van selling prices May 2013-2014

Average LCV selling prices at Manheim, May 2013-14 (courtesy of Manheim – click to enlarge)

Across the market as a whole, the average value of a used van has risen by 9.2% to £4,741 over the last year, despite an increase in the total volumes of vans hitting the used market, as Matthew Davock, head of LCV at Manheim, explains:

“2014 has seen a continuation of the record levels of demand in the used van market. We have seen two months of significant year on year increases in van de-fleets; these vans have been snapped up by eager buyers looking to secure price range quality stock.

“Interestingly, the mix of vans has changed over the past twelve months, with many more car-derived and small panels vans coming up for sale. Conversely, the lower volumes of larger panel vans we’re seeing is, we believe, driving a shift in buyer behaviour toward smaller vehicles.”

Iveco unveils brand-new Daily van

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Iveco has released details of its all-new Daily van, which will join the all-new two-tonne Ford Transit and updated Renault Master in bringing a fresh look to the large van sector this year.

In keeping with its truck-based heritage, the new Daily retains its traditional ladder frame chassis structure, and will be available in gross weights ranging from 3.3 tonnes to a sector-best 7 tonnes. However, Iveco says that 80% of the van’s components have been redesigned, and claims an average 5% improvement in fuel consumption across the range.

New Iveco Daily panel van

The new Iveco Daily in panel van guise

Iveco says that the new Daily will be offer the most extensive range of configuration options in its category, with more than 8,000 different combinations of chassis, engine and specification available, based on:

  • 6 gross vehicle weight variants, starting from 3.3 and reaching up to 7 tonnes;
  • Models including semi-window vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs, chassis cowls and minibus versions;
  • useful payload (including the driver) of up to 4,700 kg and up to 3,500 kg towing capacity;
  • 3 wheelbases, 5 lengths and 3 internal heights for the van range;
  • 6 wheelbases and body length options from 3 to6.2 m for the basic range (chassis cab, chassis crew cab..);
  • 9 loadspace volumes from 7.3 to19.6 m3;
  • 9 engines from 106 to 205 hp, with record torque levels up to 470 Nm;
  • turning circle of 11.9 m;
  • overall length of load compartment exceeding 5.1 metres;
  • 15 storage compartments in the cab, 5 of which are closed;
  • more than 40 different factory-fit options available.

New Iveco Daily tipper

Engines & fuel consumption

Under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose between 2.3l and 3.0l diesel engines and a 2.3l compressed natural gas model. Power outputs will range from 106 hp to 205 hp, and all models will have a six-speed transmission, including those specified with the firm’s Agile automated gearbox.

Both Euro 5b+ and Euro VI versions will be available, using EGR and EGR+SCR solutions respectively.

Measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption include a set of modifications aimed at reducing friction, such as reduced tangential load piston ring seals, low viscosity engine oil and low rolling resistance tyres.

Iveco has also tried to reduce fuel wastage through what might be termed ‘overpowering’ — drivers will be able to optimise fuel consumption using the EcoSwitch function, which is operated by a dashboard switch and adjusts engine mapping to cut torque when the van is empty, and restrict the van’s maximum speed.

Similarly, there’s also a Smart Alternator option that recovers kinetic energy lost during breaking and optimises battery charging, as well as a the EcoMac option which modulates the load on the air-conditioning compressor to optimise cooling (normally air-con compressors simply run flat out all the time).

Load compartment

Iveco has focused on improving the single-wheel models, and says that the load deck is now 55mm lower than previously and offers a choice of capacities that range from 7.3 to 19.6 cubic metres. The 7 tonne Daily van will have a payload of up to 4,000kg, which Iveco says is unique in its class.

Driving and interior

The cab has been heavily updated and now appears to offer car-like levels of comfort and sophistication. The driving experience has also been improved and Iveco claims that lateral acceleration — or cornering — is now comparable with a car, with loads of up to 0.74g, thanks to a new suspension design.

There are also a raft of new safety systems: in addition to the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the New Daily introduces high-technological content, such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), that emits an acoustic signal when the vehicle departs from the marker lines of a lane without activating the signal indicators. The system is extremely effective in preventing accidents caused by distractions or drowsiness.

New Iveco Daily cab interior

Inside the cab of the new Iveco Daily

Overall, the new Daily looks good and should be help drive continued strong activity in the UK van market this year, following its June launch.

Van Registrations Up 18.4% In May

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There’s no arguing with a set of figures like this: new van registrations rose by 18.4% in May compared to the same period last year, giving the market a welcome boost after April’s pause.

There were substantial gains in every category except the sub-2.0t sector — and as I’ve discussed before, very few new van models actually fit into this category anymore.

Here’s a summary of last month’s new registrations, compared to the same period last year:

Month May-14 May-13 % change
Pickups 2,483 2,260 9.9%
4x4s 623 500 24.6%
Vans <= 2.0t 2,768 2,887 -4.1%
Vans > 2.0 – 2.5t 4,607 3,298 39.7%
Vans > 2.5 – 3.5t 13,802 11,558 19.4%
All Vans to 3.5t 24,283 20,503 18.4%

Source: SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes was bullish on the prospects for van registrations through the rest of the year, saying:

“The van sector rose 18.4% in May, a solid performance that was pleasing to see after a -0.6% blip in registration levels last month. Vans continue to perform in-line with SMMT’s expectations for the year, [ … ] new van introductions should sustain this part of the market.”

As the graph below shows, the van sector (blue line) has staged a strong recovery in demand since the start of 2013, with the rolling year total now up to around 290,000 new vans registered:

Rolling year total van registrations Jan 11 - Apr 14

Rolling year total van registrations Jan 11 – Apr 14 (courtesy of SMMT)

New models this year

As Mike Hawes commented above, new van model introductions this year could help sustain strong sales. Amongst the new models due to hit showrooms in 2014 are the all-new two-tonne Ford Transit, the new Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic, new Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato and the latest version of the Renault Master.

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van is also due to be launched in June (and should soon be seen in British Gas colours).

Citroën announces pricing from £19,405 +VAT for new Relay van

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Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 (l) and L1H1 (r)

Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 (l) and L1H1 (r)

The pricing for Citroën’s New Relay range has just been released, allowing orders to be placed prior to its 1 July, ‘on sale’ date.

New Citroën Relay panel vans will be priced from just £19,405 + VAT for the  base model Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual — £545 + VAT more than its predecessor, but with additional features that would have cost more than £600 +VAT on the outgoing model, according to the firm.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, comments:

“New Relay is a compelling choice for businesses. This competitively priced and exceptionally well-equipped range delivers the highest payloads in its sector, along with class-leading load carrying practicality and low cost of operation.

With its wide choice of factory-built variants and Citroën’s unique range of Ready to Run specialist bodied models, there is a New Relay to economically and efficiently suit virtually any business transport requirement.”

The new Relay panel vans offer a choice of payloads from 1140 – 1995kg. The two versions forecast to be the best-sellers are the New Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual and the New Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual.

The durability of the Relay should be improved, thanks to a series of updates to the van’s body. High use, high stress items such as the rear doors have been reinforced, and higher strength door hinges are now used. Similarly, the sliding side load doors have benefited from reinforced rails, re-designed runners and improved door locks, in order to raise durability and security standards.

Underneath the body, the Relay’s shock absorber mountings have been re-designed, and braking performance has been improved, while the new HDi diesel engines all have significantly improved efficiency, with up to 15% better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions figures. According to Citroën, the new Relay panel vans in the 3.0 – 3.5 tonne GVW sector have combined cycle fuel economy of up to 42.8mpg, and sub-200g/km CO2 emission figures.

Four fuel-efficient, low CO2 emissions HDi 110, HDi 130, e-HDi 130 Airdream and HDi 150 engines can be specified in the New Relay – all with six-speed, all-synchromesh manual gearboxes. These 2.2 litre turbocharged Euro 5 engines offer exceptional performance, alongside impressive fuel economy figures and low CO2 emissions:

  HDi 110 HDi 130 e-HDi130 Airdream HDi 150
Max power Kw(hp) @ rpm 81(110)@ 3500 96(130)@3500 96(130) @ 3500 110(150)@ 3500
Max torque Nm(lb.ft) @ rpm 250(184) @1750 320(236)@2000 320(236) @2000 350(258)@ 2000

Service intervals for the new vans have been extended to two years/30,000 miles, and in a decisive move, Citroën has decided to fit its Teletrac telematics system, which includes satellite navigation, as standard to all new Relay panel vans.

Will rising European sales rescue UK commercial vehicle manufacturing?

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CV output 2008-2014 (April 2014)

Rolling year total CV output from 2008 – 2014 (courtesy of SMMT)

As I’ve documented many times over the last year, UK commercial vehicle manufacturing has experiencing a relentless decline over the last few years, not least because of the closure of the Ford Transit plant at Southampton.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), commercial vehicle manufacturing fell by 27.3% in April, as restructuring changes — code for closures and downsizing — continue to ripple through the comparative figures.

In other words, last year’s changes are making this year’s figures look low.

European hopes?

However, commercial vehicle registrations across Europe have turned a corner this year, and started to rise.

EU-wide registrations of trucks, vans, buses and coaches rose by 5.1% in April and are up by 8.7% so far this year, providing a glimmer of that this rise in demand might help absorb some of the lost capacity and weak orders seen in the UK manufacturing sector.

Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT, believes there is some hope:

“Production of commercial vehicles continues to suffer the effects of restructuring and, for the truck sector, the impact of last year’s spike in demand around new Euro-6 legislation. However, with some investments yet to be realised and eight consecutive months of growth in the European market, the outlook is more encouraging.”

I hope Mr Hawes’ faith will be realised, but I wouldn’t suggest holding your breath; the numbers are still pretty dire:

CV manufacturing Apr-13 Apr-14 % Change YTD-13 YTD-14 % Change
Total 8,623 6,270 -27.3% 32,477 25,790 -20.6%
Home 3,899 2,895 -25.8% 16,565 12,412 -25.1%
Export 4,724 3,375 -28.6% 15,912 13,378 -15.9%
% export 54.8% 53.8% 49.0% 51.9%

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

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.

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.