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.

Commercial Vehicle Registrations Down 4.7% In May, But Still Higher Than 2012

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Van registrations fell by 3.8% in May 2013, compared to May 2012, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

However, despite May’s falls, the commercial vehicle market as a whole remains up by 8.3% on the year to date, thanks to a 13% increase in van registrations compared to the first five months of 2012:

UK van and truck registrations: 2013 and % change on 2012

May % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 20,503 -3.8% 110,136 13.0% 252,278 2.0%
Trucks 3,646 -9.4% 17,325 -14.3% 42,808 -9.7%
Total 24,149 -4.7% 127,461 8.3% 295,086 0.1%

Data courtesy of SMMT

Truck registrations continued to trend lower last month, dropping by 9.4%, leaving them down by 14.3% for the year to date, compared to the first five months of 2012. One reason for this could be operators’ hesitation about switching from Euro 5 to Euro 6, as Nigel Base, SMMT’s Commercial Vehicle Manager, explains:

“The overall CV market has performed well so far in 2013, but May saw volumes fall 3.8% as van model cycles combined with Euro 6 uncertainty for trucks.

For trucks, history tells us that purchases of Euro 5 will mix with new Euro 6 trucks as the year progresses, which could boost the market in the second half of 2013. For vans, the picture was positive up to May, so we anticipate this blip to be overcome as the year pans out.”

Despite this year’s modest improvement, new van registrations remain substantially lower than the 2003-2008 average, as the graph below shows:

Van registrations May 2009-13

Van registrations May 2009-13 (courtesy of SMMT)

Pick-ups and sub-2.5t vans gain ground

Last month’s fall wasn’t spread evenly across the sub-3.5t LCV market. Pick-ups continued to make gains, with new registrations rising 22.8% last month compared to May 2012. On a year-to-date basis, pick-up registrations are now 37.4% higher than last year, making them the top-performing vehicle in the sub-3.5t LCV category.

Coming a close second, and with slightly higher volumes, registrations of vans between 2.0t and 2.5t are up by 22% on the year-to-date, and rose by 15% last month compared to May 2012.

However, the biggest volume sector of the van market remains the 2.5t-3.5t segment, which includes large van models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily. Registrations in this category dipped by 6.7% last month but remain 8.9% higher on the year-to-date, with 60,395 registered so far this year, up from 55,460 for the same period last year.

A sign of things to come?

The overall picture is one of cautious optimism for the van market, and it may be that operators are being forced to update their fleets after deferring planned renewals as long as possible.

Newer models offer increasingly powerful incentives in terms of lower emissions and improved fuel consumption, but I don’t expect total registrations in 2013 to run that far ahead of last year’s total.

Iveco Extends Pre-Bodied ‘DriveAway’ Scheme to 7.5t Eurocargo Models

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Iveco Eurocargo DriveAway box lorry

This Eurocargo box lorry is one of three pre-converted DriveAway models that now available from Iveco dealers. The other two choices are a tipper, and a curtainside conversion.

Over the last few years, I’ve reported more than once on the growing popularity of van manufacturers’ in-house conversion schemes, which allow you to buy ready-made lutons, dropsides, tippers and other chassis cab conversions directly from main van dealers.

For younger readers, it never used to be like this! If you wanted to buy a luton for your removals firm, you had to order a chassis cab from a van manufacturer and then arrange for a bodybuilder to fit a luton body to it for you.

The convenience of the manufacturers’ conversion schemes is obvious, but their other big advantage lies in the area of the EU Whole Type Approval rules, which will require modifications made to a vehicle before it is first registered to undergo type approval (for more information on this, click here).

Iveco was one of the first companies to understand the potential of this approach and its ‘DriveAway’ scheme for its 3.5t Daily model has been very successful.

Buoyed by this success, Iveco has now extended the DriveAway scheme to its Eurocargo 7.5 tonne model, which will now be available with box, curtainside and tipper bodies.

Martin Flach, Iveco’s Product Director, says:

“European Whole Vehicle Type Approval applies to all trucks above 3.5 tonnes from October 2014 and these Eurocargo DriveAway bodies will be certified during 2013, well in advance of the deadline.

“Critically for customers, it means the complete Eurocargo DriveAway vehicle can be purchased on one invoice with a comprehensive two year unlimited mileage warranty covering the body and chassis. It also gives customers the assurance of quality engineering from an Iveco accredited bodybuilder – with solutions to suit the three most popular body types specified on Ivecos in this weight category.”

A key benefit to customers will be that they will only have to deal with one point of sale (the Iveco dealer), rather than co-ordinating between two or more suppliers.  As a result, there will be significantly shorter delivery times, coupled with lower costs and higher residual values. Many vehicles will be available to purchase directly from dealer forecourts.

I can see this could a particular attraction to van and truck hire firms offering 7.5 tonne lorries for hire, as they will be able to benefit from shorter lead times, a high quality, standardised solution, and solid resale values.

DriveAway 7.5t Launch Models

Iveco Eurocargo DriveAway Tipper model

A 7.5t Eurocargo tipper model will also be available as part of the DriveAway launch range.

From launch the range will include the Eurocargo DriveAway tipper (ML75E16K), built on a 3,105 mm wheelbase. The Brit-Tipp body features a steel front end double dropside tipping body complete with heavy duty ladder gantry and top and bottom hinged rear tailgate, with the body weighing just 1,110 kg for an ultra-competitive payload.

The tipper model can be optionally specified with a 50mm tow ball and pin with seven pin trailer connection for the tipper body.

The Eurocargo DriveAway box (ML75E16S) features a 4,455 mm wheelbase, with internal load space dimensions of 6,100 mm (l) x 2,400 mm (w) x 2,375 mm (h) and offers a cubic capacity of 34.77m³. This JC Payne body weighs approximately 1,370 kg, and customers can add a 1,000 kg-plated column tail-lift as an optional extra.

Completing the range is a Eurocargo DriveAway curtainsider (ML75E16), also built on a 4,455mm wheelbase and with internal load space dimensions of 6,100 mm (l) x 2,400 mm (w) x 2,384 mm (h). This JC Payne body offers a cubic capacity of 35.95m³, with a body weight of approximately 1,375 kg.  Customers can add a 1,000 kg-plated tuck-away tail-lift as an option.

Iveco dealers nationwide will be taking delivery of stock vehicles during June and July 2013. If a vehicle is not available from a customer’s local forecourt, dealers will have the ability to quickly source available vehicles from other Iveco dealers within the network. Alternatively, any available chassis can be delivered to the respective manufacturer’s production facility and a DriveAway options body fast-tracked into production to ensure short lead times.

Isuzu D-Max Now Offers Best-In-Class 3.5 Tonne Towing Capacity

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Isuzu D-Max towing a trailer

The Isuzu D-Max now has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, the highest in the UK pick-up segment.

Isuzu UK has announced that the towing capacity of the new D-Max has been increased by 500 kg – adding to its already impressive list of credentials. The increase has come as a response to customer feedback and to satisfy those who were demanding extra capacity.

All 4×4 models of the D-Max will be able to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes, with the new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max pick-ups registered in the UK from July 1 2013, excluding any unregistered vehicles that remain in the UK dealer network.

With confirmation of the new certification to tow 3.5 tonnes, the Isuzu D-Max becomes the most capable pick-up in the segment.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK comments:

“The Isuzu D-Max already boasts class-leading fuel efficiency, residual values and our pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, however the addition of segment-best 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity demonstrates that the Isuzu D-Max is the pick-up of choice for business and recreational users alike.

“The Isuzu D-Max was already a compelling proposition, winning awards and breaking sales records, so it’s fantastic that we can now also offer the highest towing capacity in this highly competitive segment.”

The Isuzu D-Max is proving to be hugely popular with UK buyers, after the Japanese-marque announced record sales of 824 vehicles during the month of March.

Volkswagen Crafter Gets £700 Kit Boost

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Volkswagen Crafter panel vanVolkswagen aims to boost sales of its Crafter van, which shares its platform with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, by adding more than £700 of extras to the large van’s standard specification.

In the cab, the added specification includes Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel (also adjustable for reach and rake), armrests for the driver’s seat, electrically operated and heated door mirrors and cruise control.  The load area now has a wooden floor as standard, plus an entry handle and 270 degree-opening rear doors.

Prices for the Crafter range start from £21,050, but Volkswagen is currently offering a range of finance deals for new buyers:

  • Contract hire and finance lease rates from £299 a month (plus VAT and initial rental), including a £1,000 initial rental contribution and four free services.
  • Alternatively, if financed with lease purchase or hire purchase, a £2,000 deposit contribution is available.

Commenting on the upgraded Crafter, Mark Hopkins, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said:

“With its higher specification, economical BlueMotion engines, affordable finance and impressive residual values, the Crafter is an extremely competitive proposition in the large van market. We have already seen a significant increase in Crafter sales this year, and as the new models offer even better value, we expect to see it become even more popular now.”

The Crafter range includes panel vans with load volumes of up to 17m3, window vans with up to eight passenger seats, single- and double-chassis cabs, plus tipper and dropside ‘Engineered to go’ conversions. The Crafter vans are popular with certain large van rental companies, and do seem to be gaining ground in the competitive large van market, where the Sprinter and Ford Transit have traditionally dominated in the UK.

Full details are available at www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

Birmingham CV Show 2014 Is Not Merging With Multimodal 2014!

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The organisers of the Commercial Vehicle Show have put out a slightly odd announcement, confirming that the CV Show is not merging with Multimodal 2014, despite both events being held at the same time at the Birmingham NEC next year.

Here’s what the CV Show organisers had to say:

From 29 April-1 May 2014, Birmingham’s NEC will be the venue for the 2014 Commercial Vehicle Show and also Multimodal 2014.

This is essentially a ‘one off’. Despite both shows being held at the NEC, each will continue to have its own identity and ticket registration. The CV Show will occupy Halls 3a, 4 and 5 while Multimodal will be in Halls 6-8, a 10-15 minute walk away across the Skywalk.

There will be no combined events, no joint marketing programmes; even the opening hours will be different. So, for those who have assumed that two shows at the same time in the same place mean a merger of the two events, please be aware this is certainly not the case.

They’re not merging, then?

US Army Humvee Replacement Cuts Fuel Consumption By 72%

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Ricardo FED military troop carrier under testingAs it’s the Friday before a bank holiday weekend, I thought I’d end the week with something a little different.

Its size and weight is similar to that of a large van, but that’s where the similarity ends.

The Ricardo Fuel-Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) is a potential replacement for the US Army’s legendary Humvee troop carrier.

More precisely, British engineering firm Ricardo hopes that the FED will replace the M1151 HMMWV, which is the latest, standardised version of the Humvee.

The FED is still in testing but one of the most remarkable things about it is that it has demonstrated a 72% improvement in fuel economy over the HMMWV.

“We implemented a relatively conservative approach using near or in-market technology to reach our fuel economy objectives, and we have proven they are achievable,” said Wesley Scharmen, Ricardo chief engineer on the project. “This kept costs down and increased the production feasibility of the end product.”

The Ricardo-led team that developed the FED started with a blank sheet of paper and a remit to take a total-vehicle approach to improving fuel economy, without using any exotic — and unproven — technology. The resulting vehicle uses a supercharged Cummins I4 engine, low-rolling resistance Goodyear tyres, an Alcoa Defense developed aluminium structure and other driveline improvements from Ricardo.

The Ricardo Fuel-Efficient Demonstrator

The Ricardo Fuel-Efficient Demonstrator (FED) could be a future replacement for the U.S. Army’s M1151 HMMWV Humvee troop carrier.

Such a massive improvement in fuel economy should give the FED an advantage when it’s deployed in the field, because fuel is the second most delivered commodity to ground troops, after water. The FED has been very successful in testing and has validated all of Ricardo’s simulation models of its expected performance — so you could be looking at the next Hummer. I wonder whether they’ll make a road-going version of this?

Van Manufacturers Score At Fleet World Awards

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New 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be the first van to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

The Fleet World Honours Car Awards took place at the Royal Automobile Club in Central London on the 21st May, bringing together representatives of all of the major UK car and van manufacturers with the luminaries of the fleet world.

Big fleets are key buyers for many van models, and all manufacturers are keen to do well in this key sector, where a few big orders can help baseline production planning for an entire year.

In the van sector, awards went to a wide variety of models from almost all the main manufacturers. Here’s a rundown of the highlights:

Best Light Van

  • Peugeot Bipper / Fiat Fiorino / Citroën Nemo

Peugeot’s pint-sized van (which is also sold as the Fiat Fiorino and Citroën Nemo) bagged one of two awards for makers PSA, thanks to its large, flexible load area and modern, economic diesel engines, which combine to make the Bipper extremely practical and affordable, as well as being easy to drive.

Best Small Van

  • Fiat Doblò Cargo / Vauxhall Combo
Fiat Doblò Work Up - dropside

The Doblo Work-Up is one of the more unusual Doblo Cargo variants.

Fiat’s recently updated Doblò Cargo model is the first LCV to have a bi-link rear suspension, which permits a rear axle load of up to 1,450kg and provides a smooth ride and lower loading height, according to the manufacturer.

The van, which is also sold as the Vauxhall Combo, has already won the International Van of the Year award, and Fleet World’s John Kendall said:

“Low fuel consumption and emissions, the option of automated transmission, and a crew van option … the Work-Up pick-up model and the recently added XL long wheelbase high roof model … gives Fiat Professional one of the broadest model offerings at this weight.”

The Vauxhall Combo isn’t available in Work-Up spec, so if a small pick-up is what you’re after, you’ll have to choose the Italian option.

Best Medium Van

  • Ford Transit Custom

Ford Transit CustomIn what must surely be a record, the Ford Transit Custom took home three awards from the Fleet World Honours — Best Medium Van, Best New Van and the Innovation Award.

The Transit Custom has proved a massive hit with the motoring trade press and has scored an impressive five stars in its first Euro NCAP safety test, so I guess the next test will be how popular it is with actual buyers.

Ford says the new model has already sold 3,100 units, and the Fleet World judges said that the new model won the Best New Van and Best Medium Van categories thanks to its “extended service intervals of two years/30,000 miles, reduced ownership costs, and a significant uplift in residual values – all helping to benefit fleet customers”.

Best Large Van

  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

There’s only one Mercedces Sprinter, and however hard other manufacturers try to emulate the success of the mighty Sprinter, they tend to fail. The Sprinter picked up the Best Large Van award thanks to its comprehensive range of variants, advanced safety systems, robust quality and diverse appeal.

As Fleet World’s John Kendall pointed out: “A new model is due in the autumn and it says a lot for the current design that Mercedes will not be changing the basic structure.”

Best Pick-Up

  • Isuzu D-Max
isuzu-d-max-3-sm

Isuzu D-Max pick-up

The Isuzu D-Max has been well received since its 2012 launch and has cemented the Japanese manufacturer’s reputation for robust off-road vehicles, while allowing it to move into the lucrative leisure and dual-use market, as Fleet World’s John Kendall explains:

“With the introduction of high specification double-cab models, the company now appeals equally to dual-use and leisure users.

Isuzu has also taken an innovative approach to distribution, marketing its utility models through an unusual spread of dealers, including agricultural machinery outlets and competitive 4×4 dealers.  Good to drive, with strong performance and frugal economy, the D-Max range is a big step in the right direction for Isuzu.”

Safety Award

  • Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has an outstanding record of fitting safety systems to its commercial vehicles (and cars) and it remains the class standard in this field, although the new Citan’s three-star Euro NCAP score was a little disappointing.

Commenting on the award, John Kendall said:

Mercedes-Benz was the first van manufacturer to offer Electronic Stability Program on the Sprinter 11 years ago and is the only van manufacturer to fit the safety system as standard to all its vans – Citan, Vito and Sprinter.

Peugeot Partner Electric Van

Peugeot Partner Electric Van

Environment Award

  • Peugeot Partner Electric/Citroën Berlingo Electric

PSA’s second award went to the Berlingo Electric/Partner Electric.

This model has only been on sale a short time, but Fleet World Van Editor John Kendall says that it “demonstrates how EV prices are continuing to fall with a list price starting from £21,300 (ex-VAT), making it an affordable alternative to a conventionally powered van.”

The Partner Electric has a quoted range of up to 105 miles and also offers a rapid charge facility to address range anxiety issues.

Van Manufacturer of the Year

  • Ford

In addition to its three van awards for the Transit Custom, Ford won the Design of the Year Award for the new, pillarless Ford B-Max SUV and it bagged the Van Manufacturer of the Year award for its continued innovation and market-leading new model range.

Commenting on the award, Fleet World Managing Editor Ross Durkin said:

“This was without doubt the hardest year ever for the judges. The industry is seeing the introduction of some really exciting new products and technologies, and Ford is continuing to lead the way.”

The new Ford Transit Custom is the first in a series of Ford commercial vehicle launches, to be followed this year by the new Ford Transit Connect, and next year by the all-new Ford Transit (two-tonne model) and all-new Ford Transit Courier.

Ford Transit Custom Rolls the Reels at Cannes Film Festival

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Movie fans at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival will once again be able to watch the cream of independent film as the Ford-supported “Cannes in a Van” team hits the streets in their Transit Custom movie theatre.

Ford Transit Custom - Cannes In A Van

Cannes In A Van — A Ford Transit Custom with a 55″ plasma screen is showcasing independent film-making at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Powered by Ford for a second year, and featuring the new Transit Custom as their support vehicle, the film enthusiasts behind Cannes in a Van will champion independent film at an expanded range of festivals and events in 2013, including the spectacular annual Van d’Or Film Awards in September.

The Cannes in a Van programme kicks off with its annual visit to the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, where the Ford Transit will enable film fans to view screenings of independent movies.

These include the 2012 Van d’Or Awards winners and nominees while the van is parked on the Boulevard de la Croisette near the festival site in Cannes.

Andy Greenhouse, Cannes in a Van co-founder, said:

“Inspired independent productions like ‘82’ and ‘Taking Life’ made our 2012 Awards a special occasion, and it’s a real privilege to take films like these down to Cannes and give them much-needed exposure within the festival. We’re also really excited to have the new Transit Custom as our home for the sixth year of Cannes in a Van.”

Following its 2013 pilgrimage to Cannes this month, the Ford Transit Custom – complete with its signature yellow and orange design – will support a variety of other film festivals and ‘pop-up’ events in Europe. The year culminates with the international Van d’Or Awards for independent film which will be held in September in London.

The Cannes in a Van team’s long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom has been specially prepared for its role as a four-wheeled film festival, featuring a 55-inch plasma screen in the load area to display the films. To help movie goers locate the vehicle, roof-mounted advertising panels have been created, which are fixed to the Transit Custom’s unique integrated roof rack system.

Mercedes-Benz Citan Scoops HonestJohn.co.uk Award

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Mercedes-Benz Citan

The Mercedes-Benz Citan

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan small van has won its first award, the honestjohn.co.uk Most Popular Van award, at the website’s 2013 awards ceremony, which took place in London recently.

The Citan went on sale in March, and Dan Harrison, who is the editor of honestjohn.co.uk, says that the website’s review of the new Citan has been the most popular van review it has published so far:

“The review which has stood head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to our users is the new Citan.

This is the first ever small van from Mercedes-Benz and it feels a cut above the competition in terms of quality and refinement.”

The Citan is based on the current Renault Kangoo, and is built by Renault in the same factory in France.

Although it is trimmed and specified to Mercedes’ levels, it has disappointed in one area where Mercedes cars and commercial vehicles usually excel — safety. As I reported in April, the Citan only managed a three-star Euro NCAP crash test score when the MPV variant was tested earlier this year.

UK CV Manufacturing Output Falls 3.3% In April (But Home Demand Slows Decline)

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UK commercial vehicle manufacturing output fell by 3.3% in April, the smallest decline so far this year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Home demand for UK-built commercial vehicles rose by 24.5% to 3,897, compared to 3,131 in April 2012 — a remarkable increase — but this was outweighed by the 18.3% slump in export demand, which fell to 4,726 from 5,782 in April 2012.

CV manufacturing Apr-12 Apr-13 %
Change		 YTD-12 YTD-13 %
Change
Total 8,913 8,623 -3.3% 38,284 32,477 -15.2%
Home 3,131 3,897 24.5% 15,177 16,563 9.1%
Export 5,782 4,726 -18.3% 23,107 15,914 -31.1%
% export 64.9% 54.8% 60.4% 49.0%

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

So far this year, home demand has risen by 9.1%, while export demand has fallen by 31.1%, compared to the first four months of last year. Overall, CV output is down by 15.2% so far this year, compared to the same period last year:

UK CV manufacturing output April 2013

UK CV manufacturing output April 2013 (courtesy of SMMT)

The SMMT says that while some CV manufacturers are performing better than others, net volumes are expected to fall over the full year. Weak European export markets are the problem, as Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive, explains:

“Demand for UK-built commercial vehicles continued to fall in April, with output dropping 3.3%. There is growth at some UK plants which helped to ease the rate of decline compared to previous months this year. 2013 is proving to be a difficult year for our CV manufacturers as they experience weak demand from export markets, particularly Europe. Rising output for the home market is encouraging, demonstrating that UK operators are keen to exploit the diverse variety of CVs made in the UK from light vans to double-decker buses and large trucks.”

As I’ve highlighted before, Luton-based Vauxhall is the UK’s biggest CV manufacturers, thanks to the enduring popularity of its medium van, the Vivaro. The Vivaro continues to have a strong following amongst retail van buyers, and may soon be the only volume production van model made in the UK, thanks to Ford’s decision to end Transit production at its Southampton plant.