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.

Younger vans buoy used van prices in April

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Used van prices at auction orse in April, according to Manheim, whose latest market analysis shows that average LCV values bounced back to near-record levels of £4,735 during last month. This increase of £132 during the month came in the context of a fall in average mileage from 80,302 to 80,191 and a fall in the average age from 65 months to 63 months.

On a sector-specific level, 42% of all vans sold in April coming from car-derived van (CDV) sector. The average CDV in April was four months older (61 months) and mileage had increased from 69,982 to 70,128, which had an impact on the average selling price, which fell from £3,667 to £3,499 during the month.

However, within the small panel van sector, the second highest volume sector during April, average age fell from 74 months to 68 months and average mileage increased from 78,832 to 87,925 over the month. This increase in younger vehicles at auction had a positive impact on values for the segment, as they rose from £4,131 to £4,444.

Manheim’s head of LCV, Matthew Davock, explains:

“Despite the slight decrease in buyers at auction during April, many of the people that I have spoken to are reporting that the first three months of 2014 have been the strongest that they have seen in five years, with many of them keen to stock up and replace sold units. When comparing the year-on-year values, 2014 vehicle prices have remained very strong and we continue to see a great appetite in the market for older age, older mileage stock.”

James Davis, head of commercial vehicles at Manheim, concluded:

“As I predicted last month, it would appear that the watershed moment in the wholesale market has occurred and the number of older used vans entering the market will now begin to decline gradually. Daily rental companies are already predicting an increase in stock levels over the coming months, as lead times on new stock delayed the replacement in quarter two. This increase in good quality, younger vehicles into the market will have a positive impact on the average selling prices as we enter the summer.”

However, the two graphs below, from Manheim, suggest that prices have risen far more than average age, which is actually the same as it was a year ago — i.e. buyers are paying more for less, in terms of £/age. In my view, greater volumes of nearly-new vans, combined with rising new van sales, could still put pressure on this premium, which has built up over several years:

Manheim used van age and price April 2014

Used van ages and prices for the twelve months to April 2014 – courtesy of Manheim

Have I called the top of the used van market too soon? Probably, but I remain cautious and will be interested to see if trends have changed by the autumn.

Milkshake anyone? V8-powered milk float gets sideways

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The traditional electric milk float is a dying breed these days, but this 1961 Morris milk float has survived with a vengeance.

Powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8, Mel Smith’s milk float churns up the tarmac at every opportunity. Rumour has it that the milkfloat was originally converted by a previous London-based owner who used it to tow a speedboat, but the details of ‘Milky’s’ history are a bit hazy.

V8-powered milk float

‘Milky’ is a 1961 Morris milk float powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8!

This fire-breathing one-off was recently fitted with a new set of Falken tyres and put to the test by Team Falken’s drift driver, Matt Carter.

Commenting on his time with Milky, Carter, whose usual ride is a 600hp Nissan Skyline GT-R, said:

“Compared to my 600+bhp Nissan competition car, this was still more of a pig than a cow to drift. With no seat belts or doors, it was a case of hanging on rather than hanging the tail out!”

Funnily enough, a quick Google reveals that V8-powered milk floats are surprisingly popular. Weetabix recently had a go,  while the ‘Rods n Sods’ forum reveals the existence of at least one other example…

Used van prices fall in April as supply improves

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Average used van prices fell by 2.9% in April — the first time prices have fallen since September last year, according to new figures from remarketing specialists BCA.

However, residual values for vans remain strong, and BCA’s April average sale price of £5,395 was the second-highest on record since 2005.

BCA used van prices Mar 2012 Apr 14

BCA used van prices, March 2012 April 2014 (graph courtesy of BCA)

To keep the month-by-month changes in context, it’s worth remembering that April’s average used van price was 7.9% higher than one year ago, while average age was unchanged at 58 months, and average mileage was up by around 3,000 miles:

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Apr 2013 58.78 76,999 £4,998 101.38%
Apr 2014 58.52 80,187 £5,395 100.90%

(Data courtesy of BCA – www.bca-europe.com)

Return of normality?

In my view, this year’s strong growth in new van registrations could finally trigger a return to normality in the used market, albeit over a period of 6-9 months.

As I suggested in April, it’s rarely possible to call the top or the bottom of a market, but a good sign that things might be about to change is when people starting describing an exceptional situation as ‘normal’…

Discussing these results, Duncan Ward, BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles, said:

“The market slowed over the extended Easter and May Bank Holiday period and sale conversion rates have fallen back.  Volumes have risen quite noticeably, meaning there is more choice for buyers and this has impacted on average values.”

“There are signs that sellers are being more pragmatic about values, as performance against CAP declined noticeably compared to March. Dealer part-exchange vehicles saw performance fall around four points down to 102.0%, with corporate vehicles falling by two points to 100.5%.”

It’s too early to say, but with average used prices up by 26% since April 2012, it would be unsurprising if they took a breather in the face of improved new van sales and, perhaps, more confident sentiment and a new willingness to take on financing.

As always, watch this space.

Ambulance team saddle up for 999-mile charity bike ride (plus vans!)

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Pedalling Paramedics

The Pedalling Paramedics, about to set off on a 999-mile charity mission visiting ambulance trusts around the UK.

A team of heroic paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) NHS Trust off today on a fund-raising 999-mile cycle marathon – with a little help from local Mercedes-Benz Dealer Orwell Truck & Van.

The eight, super-fit riders left EEAS headquarters in Cambourne, near Cambridge, bound for their first overnight stop at Sheffield, 130 miles away.

They aim to visit all 10 UK ambulance trusts over the next nine days, during which they will be supported by colleagues driving a pair of specially liveried, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles donated by Orwell – one is a nine-seat Vito Traveliner minibus, the other a Long-bodied Sprinter van.

The self-styled Pedalling Paramedics have being training hard for their latest challenge, during which they will be raising awareness of, and cash for, the Ambulance Services Benevolent Fund. This helps serving and retired NHS ambulance personnel and their dependents, in times of exceptional hardship, poverty or need.

Among those taking part is Matt Broad, General Manager for Norfolk Paramedics, who says:

“We’re hugely grateful for the support of Orwell Truck & Van, without which the ride just wouldn’t be possible.

“These vehicles will be invaluable, not only for carrying spares, tools, medical supplies and other equipment, but also for ferrying us to and from social events at each of our destinations.”

The Pedalling Paramedics have already raised thousands of pounds for the Benevolent Fund, by completing rides from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2012, and from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower last year.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Orwell Truck & Van, the German manufacturer’s official commercial vehicle representative for East Anglia, is a leading supplier to EEAS, and currently processing orders for more than 250 front-line ambulances based on 5.0-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, as I highlighted in a recent article, “What type of van makes the best ambulance?“.

For photos from the ride, more information or to make a donation, visit the Pedalling Paramedics’ website.

Van registrations edge lower in April as demand slips for small vans

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Van registrations fell by 0.6% in April, taking the total rise for the year to date to 12.2%, down from 16% in March, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Truck registrations continued to fall, following the introduction of Euro 6 regulations, and sales were down by almost 25% on April 2013, at just 2,718 units.

As a result, overall CV sales fell by 4.2% in April, compared to the same period last year, although they remain up by 7.3% on the year to date, thanks to the early surge in new van registrations:

UK van and truck registrations: 2014 and % change on 2013

April % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 20,620 -0.6% 100,537 12.2% 281,977 11.4%
Trucks 2,718 -24.9% 10,292 -24.8% 52,831 22.3%
Total 23,338 -4.2% 110,829 7.3% 334,808 13.0%

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

Interestingly, Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, suggested that van demand may have plateaued for this year (at least, that’s my interpretation of his comments, based on this month’s 12.2% YTD growth figure):

“Ongoing robust demand for vans continued the year-to-date trend in line with SMMT’s revised van forecast for 2014, a forecast that should see the market grow more than 11% on 2013.”

Small vans drag on sales

The decline in van registrations was not evenly split across the different weight classes. The big mover was the sub-2.0t van category, where new registrations fell by 13.8% in April, compared to the previous year. A 2.5% decline in sales of 2.0t-2.5t also dragged on the total, and the 0.5% rise in registrations of vans between 2.5t and 3.5t was not enough to offset these losses.

Still, let’s look on the bright side — sales in individual categories can be skewed from month-to-month by big orders, a nd sales of commercial vehicles in all categories — including trucks — are now significantly higher than they were three years ago, as this graph shows:

UK CV registrations Jan 2010 to date

UK CV registrations Jan 2010 to date (courtesy of SMMT)

In pictures: van highlights from the CV Show 2014

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The UK’s biggest annual road freight event, the CV Show, has taken place this week at the Birmingham NEC. If you didn’t make it along, here are a few of the van highlights from the show — including all the major new models due to hit our roads this summer.

Several of the major European van manufacturers chose to unveil new models at the show:

The new Citroen Relay at the CV Show

Citroen Relay inside cab

The new Citroen Relay is a clear evolution of the previous model, and will as before, also be sold as the Peugeot Boxer (with the same 2.3HDi engine as the Relay) and as the Fiat Ducato (with a different range of engines). I have to say the cab of the new Relay looks good, in my view a little better than that of the new Fiat Ducato:

Fiat Ducato Sportivo inside cab

Fiat unveiled the new Ducato in Sportivo specification, which is a new trim level for this year and adds alloy wheels, side stripes on top of the firm’s Tecnico specification, which includes air con, Blue&Me BlueTooth/TomTom sat nav doc, front fog lights and parking sensors, amongst others:

Fiat Ducato Sportivo

Fiat also had several Doblo models on show, including the Doblo Cargo XL, in Royal Mail trim, and a Work Up pick-up model, courtesy of Balfour Beatty. The Work Up seems a useful idea, and has been around for a while now, but doesn’t really seem to be very popular with buyers, judging from how few I’ve seen:

Royal Mail Fiat Doblo XL

Balfour Beatty Fiat Doblo Work Up

Moving on, one of the undisputed highlights of the show was the all-new Ford Transit. This full-size large van will take the fight directly to the sector heavyweights, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily, as well as (I suspect) outclassing the Ducato et al. Can’t wait to see more when they hit UK roads this summer:

New Ford Transit at CV Show

Ford has apparently already received 10,000 orders for the new Transit, which went on sale in December, and the van seems likely to repeat the launch-year success of the Transit Custom, which was displayed in several tempting guises at the show:

Ford Transit Custom at CV Show

In a move that suggests Ford believes the Transit Custom has serious potential in the leisure market, the firm also had a campervan conversion on its official stand. I’m not sure if this is the Wellhouse Leisure Terrier conversion, but I suspect it is:

Ford Transit Custom campervan

Ford Transit Customer campervan interior

If buyers can get over the badge on the bonnet, then this classy and well thought out conversion should certainly give the VW establishment a run for its money. It will take some doing, though, and I’m not sure I would bet on it — the VW badge is almost like a religion in the campervan world — and I speak as the owner of a Transit campervan conversion!

Moving on from the blue oval, there were several other tasty treats on display, too.

Nissan seems to be on the cusp of delivering an electric van that can break into the mainstream market. The firm opened the show by announcing that it had received a 100-van order from British Gas for its e-NV200, and this van’s extensive test program has meant that large fleet operators have been able to prove the operational and economic viability of electric vans, in a way that they perhaps haven’t been able to before.

I predict big things for electric vans, and the e-NV200 in particular:

Nissan e-NV200 electric van at CV Show

Nissan’s European partner, Renault, had a big presence at the show, including an outdoor stand featuring a wide range of automotive exotica.

In the background you can see some kind of open-wheeled contraption with wings (I think some German bloke drives it at weekends) but I was more interested in this beauty — it’s an Espace, Jim, but not as we know it:

Renault Espace CV Show 2014

More seriously, it was an important show for Renault, as it marked the launch of no fewer than two new van models, the all-new Trafic, and the heavily-revised Master:

Renault Trafic at CV Show

The Trafic looks good, an the sophisticated appearance (in my opinion!) continues inside, too:

Renault Trafic cab interior

The new Master was also display. As with the outgoing Master, this van will also be sold by Nissan, badged as the NV400, and for the first time will be available in an extra-long wheelbase, high roof model with single rear wheels that’s aimed squarely at the courier/light haulage market (not the van in this picture, which shows a crew van model):

Renault Master at CV Show

Echoing Renault was Vauxhall, which rolled out the new Vivaro. Naturally it’s very similar to the Trafic, as it’s basically the same van, but in my view Renault’s interior is much more appealing than Vauxhall’s take:

Vauxhall Vivaro at CV Show 2014

Vauxhall Vivaro cab interior

Finally, I’ve included a bit of 4×4 exotica for those of you who like a bit of the muddy stuff. Isuzu was out in force with its D-Max pick-up and range of light trucks, but I thought that these two were a little more interesting.

Isuzu D-Max Fire & Rescue conversion

Isuzu can supply a number of conversions, such as this D-Max in Fire & Rescue guise.

The D-Max also has a head for heights, and makes an admirable off-road capable cherry picker:

Isuzu D-Max cherry picker

On which note, I will wrap this up — have a great bank holiday weekend!

Vauxhall introduces jumbo-sized Combo

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Vauxhall Combo L2H2 - long and high

The Vauxhall Combo L2H2 – it’s long and high and if Fiat hadn’t done so already with the Doblo, it might be called the Combo XL!

Few vehicles define everyday practicality better than the Vauxhall Combo, and the Luton-based firm has now added to the versatility of this popular model by introducing the L2H2 panel van, which provides a maximum load height of over five feet.

The Combo L2H2 (catchy name) made its show debut at the CV Show in Birmingham this week. It’s a high-roof, long-wheelbase version of Vauxhall’s popular Combo van, which Vauxhall says has been designed to meet increasing demand for this type of commercial vehicle (demand that must hitherto have been satisfied by the Fiat Doblo XL, the Combo’s twin sister).

Offering an extra 245mm of additional height over the H1 specification, the L2H2 is available with a choice of two 1.6-litre diesel engines with 90PS or 105PS. Both engines come with Start/Stop technology as standard.

The extra length and height now gives the Combo an impressive cargo capacity of 5.0m3, combining an overall height of 2125mm and an overall length of 4740mm making it even more spacious than before, while the L2H2 still boasts the same one tonne class-leading payload as its shorter H1 siblings.

The L2H2 has been carefully designed with the end user in-mind; with a width of 1230mm between each wheel arch it is capable of carrying a Europallet with ease:

Vauxhall Combo L2H2 loadspace

This is what five cubic metres of loadspace looks like inside a Vauxhall Combo

“The inclusion of this new high roof long wheelbase version to the Combo range demonstrates our commitment to satisfy customer demand,” said Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.

“Today’s market means that customers are increasingly demanding a wide variety of commercial vehicles to choose from and we are confident there is now a Combo for every application.”

New Renault Master unveiled: more power, less fuel

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2014 New Renault Master

The new Renault Master goes on sale in June 2014

As expected, Renault has announced details of its updated Renault Master van today, to coincide with the opening of the CV Show 2014, where the updated Master has been unveiled to the world’s press.

More power please

Perhaps the biggest change is the updated range of engine choices. The 2.3 dCi engine remains, but has been updated to provide more power with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Four power levels will be available, 110hp, 125hp, 135hp and 165hp, replacing the previous range which offered choices from 100hp to 150hp.

According to Renault, the 110hp and 125hp versions are designed to provide an attractive trade-off between price and fuel consumption, while the 135hp and 165hp will use the company’s Twin Turbo technology to provide superior performance and fuel efficiency.

Cutting fuel costs

Naturally, these Twin Turbo models will cost a little more than the basic engines, but for high mileage operators the fuel savings are likely to be worthwhile. Renault says that the 165hp version will provide a fuel-consumption saving of up to 7.3 mpg, despite delivering 15 extra horsepower and 10Nm of additional torque.

This will bring the fuel consumption of the L2H2 165hp version of the new Master up to 40.9 mpg / 180g of CO2/km.

Master for long-distance couriers?

The new Master will continue to be available in front and rear-wheel drive, but two new versions will be available — L4H2 and L4H3 models with single rear wheels.

Translated into English, this means the extra-long models will be available with a long final drive ratio and single rear wheels (rather than the rear-wheel drive model’s standard twin rear wheels). These models are designed to provide good fuel efficiency and to maximise pallet-carrying ability — attributes needed to compete directly with the Transit Jumbo and Sprinter XLWB and compete in the long-distance and courier markets.

Keeping it under control

Elsewhere, Renault has  introduced a new Trailing Swing Assist system, which automatically alternately applies the brakes and limits the delivery of engine torque when it detects excessive trailer swaying, helping to bring the trailer under control and prevent a rollover or jackknife scenario.

Finally, the van’s electronic safety systems have been updated, and all Masters now come with the latest-generation ESC with Load Adapative Control as standard, as well as optional Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, which optimises grip in difficult conditions, such as snow, mud and sand.

Nissan NV400 van gets higher spec, lower emissions

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Nissan NV400 rangeNissan has announced improvements to its NV400 range including a low emission Euro 5 engine and a number of specification upgrades on both panel vans and factory-built conversions.

The four versions of the chassis, tipper and dropside turbo engine have been replaced with a single 2.3 litre turbodiesel engine which boasts an improvement in fuel economy and sees the NV400’s CO2 emissions fall by 8g/km.

The updated variants maintain their nimble performance and generous load space, with the improvements meaning the NV400 becomes an increasingly viable option to businesses looking to reduce the emissions of their fleet.

Additional specification now included on the E grade panel van as standard includes deadlock, power mirrors, front electric windows, FM audio system with MP3 / iPod compatibility, USB / AUX socket input and Bluetooth connectivity, cargo floor load mounting hooks and immobiliser and alarm.

All panel van, crew van, tipper and dropside conversions now have a Thatcham approved Category 1 alarm and SE grade panel van, crew van and Crew Bus SE derivatives now have remote control locking with a three-button key, while the Crew Bus also has a standard immobiliser and pre-wiring for alarm.

All rear wheel drive panel vans, crew vans and chassis now come with twin rear wheels.

Nissan corporate sales director Barry Beeston commented:

“The improvements to the NV400 will further increase its appeal to businesses both large and small. Its comfort and reliability on long journeys is now matched by the efficiency of a high performance engine which will deliver tangible cost savings.

“The extra security features on both the E and the SE models will also provide drivers and fleet operators with extra peace of mind that their vehicles and loads will be safe and secure when left unattended.”

As the Nissan NV400 is a rebadged Renault Master (a van also sold as the Vauxhall Movano), then I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar updates from Renault and Vauxhall in the near future

New Fiat Ducato beats Relay & Boxer with higher GVW and auto gearbox

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Revised 2014 Fiat Ducato

The revised 2014 Fiat Ducato

Fiat has released details of its new Ducato van, one day later than its PSA partners Citroën and Peugeot, who published details of their new Relay and Boxer models yesterday.

As with previous models, all three vans are essentially the same vehicle, but also as with previous models, Fiat has chosen to put its own spin on the Ducato, resulting in some distincitive differences that could make the difference for certain groups of buyers.

The biggest change — which affects all buyers of the Ducato — is that Fiat will continue to offer its own 2.3-litre Multi Jet diesel engines, rather than the Peugeot/Citroën 2.2HDi engine. The 2.3-litre engine will be available in 110hp, 130hp and 150hp versions, and the engine range is topped with a 180hp, 3.0-litre model. (Peugeot also offers a 3.0-litre option, so perhaps it’s using the Fiat 3.0-litre Multi Jet engine too?)

The second thing that makes the Ducato stand out, especially in the European motorhome market, where it dominates all other manufacturers, is that Fiat offers its ComfortMatic automated manual transmission as an option with all engines, except the entry-level 110hp 2.3l unit. As far as I can tell, neither Peugeot nor Citroën offers an auto gearbox option for the Relay/Boxer.

The final difference between the Ducato and the Boxer/Relay is that Fiat has beefed up the suspension a little more and the heaviest Ducato model has a maximum GVW of 4.25 tonnes — 200kg more than the 4.05 tonnes on offer from the Peugeot/Citroën ranges. According to Fiat, the new Ducato will boast the best Gross Vehicle Weight (up to 4.25 tonnes); best weight on the rear axle (up to 2.5 t) and best van payload (up to 2.1 t) of the ‘single wheel’ segment.

In truth, I suspect that both the auto gearbox option and the 4.25 tonne weight option are mostly aimed at specialist conversion markets, such as the motorhome, ambulance and minibus sectors, where the extra weight will be useful and automatic gearboxes are a much more popular choice. Most van operators will be reluctant to operate vans at 4.25 tonnes, unless they really need the extra weight over a 3.5t van, as it will mean that drivers are required to use a tachograph and work to much more stringent and complex working hours regulations.