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.

MINI Announces Clubvan Van Concept

4 Replies
MINI Clubvan concept van

The MINI Clubvan concept van

MINI is to reveal a new van concept – the Clubvan – at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012.

Update: The MINI Clubvan will go into production, according to Autocar. Production should start later this year.

—

More than fifty years ago, the first Morris Mini Van rolled off BMC’s Birmingham and Oxford production lines. Today, MINIs are still being made at Cowley and BMW is set to add a new variant to the mix – the MINI Clubvan.

Currently only a concept, the MINI Clubvan is based on the MINI Clubman, the current estate car version of the MINI.

Although I am not too keen on the standard MINI, I am a big fan of the Clubman shape, which lends itself superbly to becoming a small van and to other customisation options, as BMW points out in its press release…

Premium Van Would Be Promotional Gem

BMW says that the MINI Clubvan would be “a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small car-based van segment.” That’s certainly true – although it says something about my powers of foresight when less a month after I questioned the future of car-derived small vans, the sexiest car-derived van of all time arrives on the scene.

There is no doubt that a van like this would create an excellent promotional effect for certain types of business – whether used as a delivery or work vehicle or simply as a promotional tool.

MINI Clubvan rear view

The Clubvan might also be the ultimate company car for a van hire company owner.

Practical Too

To criticise the Clubvan for not being as practical as a Citroen Berlingo would be to miss the point. Despite that, the Clubvan is more practical than you might think, offering a flat load area from behind the front seats to the rear doors, with an integral bulkhead and attachment loops for strapping loads down.

MINI Clubvan load area

The Clubvan also retains the Clubman’s rear-opening rear side doors and van-style rear doors, providing good rear and side access to the load compartment.

The sides of the van provide a surprisingly large expanse of flat space for signwriting and graphics and the rear windows are dark-tinted for security and style.

Will The Clubvan Go Into Production?

At this stage the Clubvan is just a concept, but I have a strong feeling that it will go into production: it is just too practical and desirable not too.

Besides, can you imagine jut how much fun a Cooper model would be?

Scroll down for more pictures, or visit www.mini.co.uk for more information.

MINI Clubvan passenger compartmentMINI Clubvan with side doors openMINI Clubvan front viewMINI Clubvan loaded with boxes

Citroën Confirms Relay Chassis Cab and Luton Models for 2012

Leave a reply
Citroen Relay 35 Euro 5 model

2012 Euro 5 Citroen Relay

All three of the new models use Citroën’s new Euro 5 HDi 150 diesel engine, supplementing the existing choice of HDi 110 and HDi 130 engines:

  • Relay 35 Heavy L3 HDi 150 6-speed manual Chassis Cab
  • Relay 35 Heavy L4 HDi 150 6-speed manual Chassis Cab
  • Relay 35 Heavy L4 HDi 150 6-speed manual Luton van

These latest additions mean that the Citroën Relay range now includes the following models, which are available with a choice of up to four Euro 5 engines: HDi 110, HDi 130, HDi 150 and the HDi 180:

  • Panel vans (8.0 – 17.0cu.m load volume & 3.0 – 4.05 tonne gvw)
  • 3.5 tonne gvw chassis cabs, with a choice of  in three wheelbase lengths
  • 3.5 tonne gvw chassis crew cabs
  • 3.5 tonne gvw back to back cabs
  • 3.5 tonne gvw Relay Specialist Luton vans
  • 3.5 tonne gvw Relay Specialist dropsides
  • 3.5 tonne gvw Relay Specialist tippers
  • Ready to Run minibuses, glass carriers, temperature controlled vans, tippers, dropsides and lutons

Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager comments:

“The recently introduced Euro 5 150 engine provides a useful power and torque boost over the already impressive HDi 130 engine for those operators requiring additional performance. By now having Relay chassis cabs powered by the HDi 150 engine, we can offer an optimum combination of performance and economy for those customers wanting vehicles fitted with special bodywork.”

The Relay model range certainly seems to cover all the bases and should provide a suitable option for most operators’ requirements.

You will be able to see all of Citroën’s updated van models at the Birmingham NEC CV Show 2012

Do you operate Citroën vans? If so, leave us a comment below with your thoughts on them.

Nissan Launches NV400 Lorry Ad Campaign

1 Reply

Nissan NV400 lorry wrap advertising campaignNissan had a very successful 2011, which included the launch of a replacement model for Interstar, the NV400. It has now launched a new advertising campaign to promote the NV400 by vinyl-wrapping fifteen HGV trailers with promotional images of the NV400.

The trailers collectively cover 150,000 miles a month, which Nissan reckons will expose them to around 18 million pairs of eyeballs.

Big Ad, Big Van

Like the Interstar, the NV400 is based on the Renault Master – in this case, the latest Renault Master, which was launched in 2010.

The NV400 is a genuinely big van and comes in a choice of four load lengths and three load heights, with load volumes of between eight and 17 cubic metres and a choice of four gross vehicle weights ranging from 2.8 tonnes to  4.5 tonnes.

It is available in both front and rear wheel drive and can be specified with 100PS, 125PS or 150PS diesel engines driving through a six speed manual or automatic transmission.

To find out more, visit www.nissan.co.uk.

Automatic Van Hire: New Fiat Ducato Offers More Auto Models

Leave a reply
Fiat Ducato Comfort-Matic automatic gear shift

Gear stick in a Fiat Ducato with Comfort-Matic automatic transmission

Fiat has confirmed that buyers of its Ducato panel van will now be able to specify Fiat’s Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox with the van’s standard 2.3l diesel engine.

Until now, the Comfort-Matic gearbox has only been available with the 3l engine – an engine chosen by a small minority of buyers only and mostly used in the high-end motorhome market.

In keeping with the current trend, Fiat’s Comfort-Matic Manual Automated Transmission system is a traditional manual transmission except there is no clutch pedal.

Instead, the clutch is operated automatically by a computer, which decides when to change gear and operates the clutch automatically. The shift is either performed automatically or the driver can use the gear lever to prompt changes by pulling backwards or pushing forwards. The Comfort-Matic system also offers all of the other features commonly associated with automatic transmissions:

  • Uphill-Downhill Mode: gearshift logic managed by software to ensure the best ratio depending on road gradient;
  • Warm Up Mode: emission reduction strategy during cold starts;
  • Brake Assistance Mode: ratio reduction to support vehicle deceleration;
  • Kick Down Mode: reduction in the ratio following abrupt action on the accelerator pedal (for example, during overtaking);
  • Fast Off Detection: gearshift inhibition if the accelerator is released quickly.

The gearbox also has an additional feature aimed at heavily laden motorhomes and vans – the UP button. This “automatically optimises the gear shift points to ensure the most appropriate engine rpm in any condition and improve performance in particularly harsh conditions or on steep slopes.”

Fiat seems to expect that many (most?) sales of the Comfort-Matic will be to the motorhome market. It says that motorhome prototypes were used for tuning and testing stage, with faithful reproduction of the configurations of front surfaces, gross vehicle weight and the typical motorhome usage conditions.

Strong Demand For Automatic Van Hire

Judging from the enquiries we receive here at vanrental.co.uk, demand for automatic van hire is much greater than supply.

The problem is that although automatic gearboxes are good technology and offer a number of advantages, they cost more and in most cases are not available on all models – as with Fiat, until now.

Fiat’s decision to offer the Comfort-Matic with all engine options may have been prompted by its dominance of the motorhome market, where automatics are very popular, but hopefully it also signifies a gradual move into the mainstream for automatic vans.

In turn, this should lead to automatic transmission being offered at a lower cost and taken up more widely by hire fleets.

Nissan LCV Sales Up 174% In 2011

1 Reply
Nissan NV200

Nissan NV200

Nissan’s vans were flying off the shelves in 2011…

As I wrote recently, 2011 was a strong year for van sales – but for Nissan more than most.

The Japanese manufacturer recorded an impressive 174% rise in LCV sales in the UK in 2011, selling 10,854 commercial vehicles and increasing its market share from 2.8% to 4.2%.

If you are thinking that these figures might be skewed by the inclusion of the Navara 4×4 pickup – they aren’t. Although the Navara recorded a 187% increase in sales, the thoroughly van-like Primastar recorded a 201% increase and Nissan’s new smaller van, the NV200, saw sales rise by 191%.

Nissan’s performance was strongest in the retail section, which includes small businesses. The Primarstar, which is a rebadged, Luton-built Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic guise – is a firm favourite with tradesmen and other small businesses and remains a class act despite its increasing age.

Commenting on Nissan’s prospects for 2012, Francis Bleasdale, Nissan Motor GB’s LCV sales and marketing director said:

“There are signs that fleets in particular are starting to replace their LCVs after extending replacement cycles during 2009 and 2010 which should help fuel sales. And our dealer network is also reporting a strong demand for used Nissan LCVs.”

Bleasdale also commented that Nissan’s new Renault Master-based NV400 was only launched at the end of 2011, saying that he expected “the full impact of this exciting addition to the range will be more evident during 2012.”

None of Nissan’s commercial vehicle range is built at its Sunderland plant, but several models are built in Europe and four out of five of Nissan’s commercial vehicle models are new or have been updated for 2012 – only the Primastar remains largely unchanged from previous years.

Nissan has started 2012 extremely well with 722 sales in January, equivalent to a 5.0 per cent market share, up from its 697 sales and 4.1 per cent market share in January 2011 – a contrast to the general downward trend seen this January.

Citroën Updates Trafficmaster Navigation & Telematics For All LCVs

Leave a reply

Citroën has updated the navigation and telematics system which is fitted as standard to all new Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay vans.

Citroen Relay 35 Euro 5 model

Citroën Relay van

Following news of Citroën’s updated 2012 van range, the company has announced improvements to the Trafficmaster Smartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking package which is now fitted as standard to all Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay vans.

Enhanced Navigation

The navigation system has been improved with a new, larger 5-inch colour screen and the choice of 2D or 3D mapping throughout the UK and Europe (although European routing costs extra).

Other features include:

– A choice of mapping colours.
– Visuals of the route overlaid on the map, as well as next direction and distance displays.
– Auto-zoom function, plus additional pan and zoom facility.

The service also comes with three years’ worth of subscriptions to the data services necessary to use the Trafficmaster system:

– 3 years of dynamic navigation.
– 3 years of stolen vehicle tracking.
– 3 years of automatically downloaded traffic information for congestion avoidance.
– 3 months of ‘Safe Speed’ safety camera alerts.
– 10 free calls to Trafficmaster’s Personal Assistance service.

Messaging Service

When used in conjunction with Trafficmaster’s optional fleet management tool, Fleet Director, the colour screen allows two-way messaging, providing the fleet operator with clear and safe communication to all vehicles on the fleet.

This subscription service is unlikely to be of interest to van hire companies but will certainly become more widespread amongst van operators – as it already is in large corporate fleets.

Emergency Assistance – SOS

Citroën has also taken this opportunity to introduce an integrated Emergency Assistance service. By pressing the SOS icon on the screen, driver’s can summon either breakdown or emergency assistance, depending on whether they choose the B-Call or E-call option.

All B-Calls go directly to The AA to ensure the fastest possible response. Other emergencies, such as accidents or driver medical problems, are handed directly by Trafficmaster via the E-Call facility. Trafficmaster then liaise with the emergency services. When the driver uses the E-Call function, the driver’s details and GPS location are transmitted simultaneously to Trafficmaster. This feature is soon to be replicated for the B-Call function to The AA.

What I didn’t realise is that European legislation will require all new vehicles to have this kind of functionality by 2015 – perhaps marking the beginning of the end of emergency telephone boxes on motorways.

Our children are going to grow up wondering how anyone ever used to survive before mobile phones…

Citroën Launches New Dispatch Crew Van

Leave a reply
Citroen Dispatch Crew Van 2012MY

The new Euro 5 2012 Citroen Dispatch Crew Van

Citroën has launched a new crew cab version of its Dispatch van to add to its refreshed 2012 van range. The new model boasts six crash-tested seats, a 125bhp Euro 5 engine with a 6-speed gearbox and – importantly – a 1,067kg payload.

This last point is important as Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager explains:

“Duty of care considerations and rising fuel prices are among the key reasons why businesses are increasingly specifying crew vans. With its combination of 1,067kg payload, 6 seats and a large load compartment, the Dispatch Crew Van meets most operator needs in this growing LCV market sector.  Most importantly, as the Dispatch Crew Van has a payload of over 1,000kg, it is possible for VAT-registered business customers to reclaim the VAT paid on the vehicle.”

The new model is officially designated as the Euro 5 Dispatch HDi 125 6-speed manual L2H1 1200 Crew Van and costs £21,120. The newly launched Euro 5 HDi 125 engine provides the Dispatch Crew Van with a combined fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg (6.8l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 179g/km.

Seating arrangements in Citroen Dispatch Crew VanThe Dispatch Crew Van’s seating is configured in two rows of three, with the second row of seats incorporating an integral bulkhead which has been tested to ISO 27956 for load shifting protection.

The 3 person second row bench is designed and tested to comply with EU Whole Vehicle Approval safety standards also includes adjustable headrests and three-point inertia reel seat belts.

The load area has a length of 1.7m, although a recess under the second row of seats allows objects up to 2.11m long to be carried. Payload is 1,067kg and the van’s GVW is 2,880kg. The Dispatch Crew Van is well specified and includes Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation, Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking, electric front windows, remote central locking, trip computer, RDS radio and CD player.

It’s a pity that Citroën has not seen fit to specify either air-conditioning or opening rear windows are standard; both are extra options that would be very handy when transporting six sweaty blokes on a hot summer’s day…

Van Sales Down 16.4% in January 2012

3 Replies

Van sales in January 2012 were 16.4% lower than in January 2011.

The year has got off to a fairly limp start for van manufacturers, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with new van registrations in January totalling just 14,338 – down 16.5% on January 2011 and substantially below the SMMT forecast of 17,000.

SMMT Jan 2012 Van new registration figures (courtesy of SMMT)

New van registration figures Jan 2012 (courtesy of SMMT)

Despite this poor start, Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, expects things to improve, saying today:

“Over the course of 2012 SMMT expects the CV market to be steady, ending the year marginally up on 2011.”

Van sales are still up by 12.6% on a rolling year basis, with last year’s strong sales more than compensating for January’s disappointing results.

The graph to the right illustrates the changing levels of new van registrations since the late 1990s. Last year’s levels were a substantial improvement on 2010 but were still much lower than the levels seen in 2008, before the recession bit.

Although this might seem obvious, it is a marked contrast to levels of new truck registrations, which have recovered much more strongly.

Truckin’ Demand Is High

January’s fall in new van registrations was not reflected in new registrations for goods vehicles over 3.5t. In this sector, sales continued the trend seen in the final quarter of 2011 and rose strongly, rising 45.4% on January 2011.

While 3-axle artic registrations were up by 15.2%, the biggest gains were in the 6t+ rigid sector. Registrations of 6t-16t rigids were up 110% on January 2011 and 16t+ rigids were up 108%.

Rigids in the 3.5t-6t category only showed an increase of 19% – unsurprising, as operators of this class of vehicle are increasingly moving to larger trucks or large vans instead, depending on their requirements.

These trends are reflected in the rolling year registration figures, too. New registrations of <6t rigids have fallen by 18.3% over the last year, while registrations of larger rigids (>6t) and large vans (<3.5t) have risen by between 12% and 32%.

Jan 2012 truck registration figures (courtesy of SMMT)

Jan 2012 truck registration figures (courtesy of SMMT)

This problem is that small rigids (<6t) are no longer as attractive as they used to be. The combination of speed limiters, tachograph restrictions, higher purchase and running costs and relatively low payload means that a modern 3.5t box van can often be a more suitable alternative for light work, while a >6t rigid with a substantial payload makes more sense for heavier work.

However, to my mind, the most interesting thing about the truck sector is that registration levels have recovered much more strongly than van registrations (see graph).

The only conclusion I can draw from this is that the UK’s haulage requirements are fundamentally linked to the basic needs of businesses and individuals – and that these recover quickly after a recession.

Conversely, van demand is linked much more closely to discretionary expenditure; an area that is still suffering badly as unemployment rises and average incomes fall in real terms. Even the new London LEZ rules have not caused the expected surge in new registrations.

What do you think? Does your business operate vans? Is it extending replacement intervals or even choosing to rent vans instead in order to meet unstable demand?

Mercedes To Enter Small Van Market With Citan

1 Reply

Mercedes Citan small van - artist's impression

Update 08/02/2012: A teaser video of the Citan has been published by VansA2Z – scroll to the bottom to see this. It seems that the Citan will be a rebadged Fiat Doblo/Vauxhall Combo, but with extensive modifications and Merc quality control.

—

The small van market is an important and lucrative one for van manufacturers – Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall all fight hard for their share.

They will have to fight a bit harder from this autumn, as Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will be joining the fray with its first ever small van, the Citan – a slightly odd combination of the words ‘city’ and ‘titan’.

Still, if the Vito and Sprinter are anything to go by, the Citan will be very good and very desirable, from a driver’s point of view. Firmly aimed at the urban delivery market, it will offer a range of petrol and diesel engines, including the option of Mercedes’ Blue Efficiency low emission package. An all-electric version is also in the pipeline.

Mercedes’ larger commercial vehicles have enviable safety credentials and the Citan should be no different, with ESP standard on all models. The Citan will be available in multiple lengths and weights, and panel van, crewbus and Mixto (crew cab?) variants will be on offer. It should be an interesting addition to a competitive sector.

The Citan will first be shown to the general public in September 2012, at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover and will be launched sometime in the autumn of 2012. 

Here are some pictures of what the van will look like:

Mercedes Citan small van - artist's impressionMercedes Citan - rearMercedes Citan - Interior

Peugeot & Citroen Update Van Ranges for 2012

4 Replies

Peugeot and Citroëns’ core van ranges are the same, with each model rebadged and sometimes given a different engine. This is perfectly logical – both Peugeot and Citroën are part of PSA, Europe’s second-largest vehicle maker (after VAG – Volkswagen Audi Group). Peugeot also offers the car-derived 207 van, but this is being discontinued shortly.

Given this closeness, it is no surprise that both manufacturers have announced 2012 updates to some of their van models on the same day.

Peugeot: Updates Partner and Expert Vans for 2012

Peugeot Partner van 2012 model update

The Partner is also available in a crew cab model, with a second row of seats

The Peugeot Partner and Expert are both popular models with small businesses and tradesmen, offering useful capacity combined with compact dimensions and car-like driveability.

Both models are being updated for 2012 with a subtle front-end facelift, but the most significant changes are under the bonnet. The Partner now gets Euro 5 engines and e-HDi, Peugeot’s Stop & Start system.

The lowest emission Partner model now has CO2 emissions of just 123g/km, which Peugeot claims is the best in its class.

The larger Peugeot Expert is also getting an updated Euro 5 engine range with CO2 emissions for van models now starting at 168g/km and the range-topping 165bhp 2.0HDi engine now offering buyers the chance to specify Peugeot’s six speed automatic gearbox.

Citroën: 2012 Updates to Berlingo and Dispatch Models

Citroen Dispatch 2012 model update

Citroen Dispatch

Citroën has confirmed that its venerable but much-loved Berlingo First van (based on the first generation Berlingo) has now been withdrawn from the UK market.

The original Berlingo went on sale in 1996 and has sold 140,000 units in the UK alone. Its combination of compact practicality and reliability has won it a lot of fans over the years, but I suspect it diverts sales from Citroën’s current Nemo and Berlingo models – and its Euro 4 engines have had their day.

The current Berlingo launched in 2008 and has received a package of updates for 2012. Like its sibling the Peugeot Partner, it has an updated front end with lights, grill and bumper all getting freshened up.

Inside, the upholstery has been replaced with Citroën’s new ‘Gazyban’ (grey) trim. The Extenso, folding 2-person passenger seat remains standard fitment on LX and Enterprise models – this does give the vehicle useful flexibility, even if you would not want to travel too far with two passengers.

Under the bonnet, the changes are as you would expect. Euro 5 engines with reduced CO2 emissions and the option of Citroën’s Airdream regenerative stop-start system, which I mentioned recently. CO2 emissions now start from 123g/km for the range-topping HDi 90 Airdream model with optional automated six-speed gearbox. Operators choosing the basic HDi 75 model will have to be content with a manual gearbox and slightly higher CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

A petrol model continues to be available; in this case the VTi 95, which comes with a manual gearbox and 164g/km of CO2 emissions. I am a big fan of maintaining the option of petrol engines in small vans, but it does seem to be a dying trend.

The larger Citroën Dispatch is the sibling to the Peugeot Expert and offers a driving position and level of comfort that is not far off that of a large people carrier, combined with a choice of two load lengths and two roof heights, that provide up to 7m³ of loadspace.

For 2012, the Dispatch gets updated front lights, bumper and grill and additional aerodynamic panels under the body, which are aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. These are down from 182g/km  to 177g/km for the HDi 90 and from 179g/km to 168g/km for the HDi 125 with six-speed manual gearbox. Citroën’s Grip Control traction control system is available for the first time on a van, as well as the option of hill-start assist and a speed limiter.

When Are They All On Sale?

All of the models mentioned in this article are due to go on sale from the beginning of April 2012 – further specification details and pricing will be confirmed by Peugeot and Citroën nearer the time.