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.

LCV registrations July 2011 - July 2017

New van registrations stack up with 1.1% gain in July

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A grand total of 24,766 new vans hit British roads in July 2017, 1.1% more than during the same period last year.

The new figures — from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) — suggest that the van market remains stable and is not yet suffering from the slowdown being seen in the new car market.

So far this year, we’ve seen a 3.1% fall in the total number of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered, compared to last year. Here’s how this looks compared to performance since 2011:

LCV registrations July 2011 - July 2017

Van registrations for rolling years from July 2011 – July 2017 (courtesy of SMMT)

The top-performing sectors have been the 2.0t-2.5t van market (+9.2% YTD) and the pickup market (+14.8% YTD).

The highest-volume sector of the van market is the 2.5-3.5t segment. Sales here have declined in line with the market so far this year, falling 4.3% to 129,871 units.

The weakest sector has been vans with a maximum laden weight of under two tonnes. Registrations have fallen by 19.6% to 17.817 so far this year. In fairness, I suspect that the main reason for this decline is simply that there are now very few new vans which fall into this category.

July’s top sellers

There are few changes from last month in July’s list of top-selling van models. Ford continues to reign supreme. The Transit Connect, Transit Custom and Transit accounted for 27% of all vans sold in July, and occupy the top three slots in the bestseller list.

It’s a similar story for the year as a whole:

SMMT LCV best sellers 07-2017

Best selling vans in July 2017 and for the year-to-date (courtesy of SMMT)

Manheim online van auction

Used van market set for record summer — Manheim

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Manheim online van auction

Buyers attending Manheim van auctions online rose by 16% in June

The number of buyers attending Manheim auctions online rose by 16% in June, compared to May, according to a recent report from the firm.

The company — which is the UK’s largest commercial vehicle auctioneer — said that used van prices rose by 8.5% year-on-year to £5,121.98 in June, as volumes fell. Prices were also 1.5% higher than in May ’17, thanks to a 12% reduction in volumes.

The company expects a strong July and believes that summer 2017 could end up being the strongest on record. However, that company cautioned that “month on month volume levels are proving very difficult to predict”. The volume of vans sold during the second quarter of 2017 was 27% lower than during the first quarter — a big shift.

Early signs are promising for Q3, but I think it’s still too soon to say.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

When it rains, it pours: VW launches petrol Transporter

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Volkswagen Transporter T6

The Volkswagen Transporter is now available with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine with 150 PS or 204 PS power ratings.

The Volkswagen Transporter is now available to order with a petrol engine. The move follows the recent price cut for petrol-engined Caddy vans.

Buyers can choose between two 2.0-litre TSI units developing 150 PS and 204 PS. The latter is equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard and available for front- or four-wheel drive, while the former comes with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive only.

Maximum torque or pulling power, is 280 Nm from 1,500 to 3,750 rpm for the 150 PS version, and 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm for the 204 PS. The new units are available for order now, and can be specified across the Transporter range, including in the California campervan, Caravelle Executive, Shuttle, kombi and panel van variants.

These petrol engines naturally have less torque than their diesel equivalents, but for many light and medium-duty applications they’ll be fine. Operators doing low mileage or lots of short journeys should also benefit from fewer DPF problems as their vans age.

Petrol vans are cheaper

One other advantage is that the petrol models are cheaper than their diesel equivalents. VW says that the Transporter Highline T28 panel van with a 2.0TSI 150 PS engine is £1,000 cheaper to buy outright than the equivalent diesel model.

Volkswagen says that this upfront cost saving means that it would take just over 18,000 miles before the diesel’s lower fuel consumption delivered any cost savings. Food for thought for low mileage drivers, such as tradesmen and campervan owners.

Transporter’s with petrol power are available to order now, with prices starting from £22,625 +VAT.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup

Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup unveiled (pics)

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup

The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup

Until now, pickup buyers wanting a premium brand have had to ‘make do’ with a Volkswagen Amarok. But no more. Mercedes-Benz has launched its new X-Class pickup in Germany, with a full European launch (including the UK) scheduled for later this year.

The company is billing the X-Class as “the first pickup from a premium manufacturer”. It will initially be available with a four-cylinder diesel, giving a choice of 163 hp or 190 hp, plus a petrol engine “in some markets”. A top-of-the-range V6 diesel will be released in mid-2018, adding to the X-Class’s premium appeal.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup dashboard

This classic Mercedes dashboard is streets ahead of most competitors in the style stakes

Buyers will be able to choose from three core trim levels:

  • PURE – the entry-level model for “classic robust use”. I assume that means as a work vehicle which may actually venture off road.
  • PROGRESSIVE – a higher quality feel and improved comfort – i.e. what the boss will drive
  • POWER – high-end variant for urban lifestyles. i.e. for posing and trips to Waitrose.

All models will initially be fitted with Merc’s engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, with low-range gearing and optional differential lock on the rear axle. But from the middle of next year, serious off-road drivers will be able to specify a permanent all-wheel drive system instead.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class rear view

A clean and simple rear end.

As you’d expect, safety standards will be high. Features such as Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist will all be on the spec list. Styling options will a styling bar, side bar, canopy, various covers as well as numerous cargo and off-road solutions developed and designed by Mercedes.

Finally, if you think the X-Class looks vaguely familiar, that’s probably because it is. It’s the result of a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Daimler, who in turn have a partnership with the Nissan-Renault alliance. Essentially, the X-Class is a reengineered Nissan NP300 Navara.

2018 Ford Transit Custom

Top-selling Ford Transit Custom will be updated for 2018

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2018 Ford Transit Custom

The 2018 Ford Transit Custom will have an updated front end and new interior.

The Ford Transit Custom is Britain’s best-selling van by a country mile. The one-tonne panel van sold 26,813 units during the first half of 2016, double that of the second-placed model, the full-sized Ford Transit.

The top-selling non-Ford van was the Volkswagen Transporter, which managed just 10,921 sales — less than half that of the Transit Custom.

It’s clear that the UK’s love affair with the Transit van is as passionate as ever. But Ford isn’t resting on its laurels. The Blue Oval is planning to unleash an updated version of the Transit Custom for 2018. Highlights will include “sharper styling“ an updated cabin and a fuel-saving ECOnetic model.

A plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom is also on the cards and is currently on trial in London. However, the production model isn’t expected to be ready until 2019.

What’s new?

Here’s a round-up of the changes you can expect when the new Transit Custom models reach dealers early in 2018.

Fuel-saving: The Transit Custom will continue to be offered with Ford’s Dagenham-built EcoBlue diesel engine. This will be available with a choice of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power outputs.

However, a full ECOnetic version will also be available for the first time. This will be offered as a 105 PS 300 Series short wheelbase model. Changes from the standard model include modified engine tuning, Auto-Stop-Start, low rolling resistance tyres, Ford’s Acceleration Control feature (which limits acceleration when the van is empty) and a fixed 62mph speed limiter.

Ford claims the ECOnetic will deliver 148g/km of CO2 and combined cycle fuel consumption of 49.6mpg, a 6% improvement over the most efficient current model.

Style & storage: The styling of the van will be updated with a new three-bar grille and what’s described as “a completely new cabin” with best-in-class storage and improved comfort and ergonomics. Connectivity will be provided by Ford’s SYNC3 or MyFord Dock options.

The 2018 Transit Custom will include a new dashboard design

The new-for-2018 Transit Custom will have an all-new dashboard.

New door storage in 2018 Transit Custom

Door storage will be improved in the updated van.

Safety: New features will include Ford’s Intelligent Speed Limiter, which will be available on a van for the first time. Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert will also be offered.

Sport: The popular Transit Custom Sport will also get an update. The signature twin bonnet stripes and body kit have been redesigned for the new model. Changes include “distinctive new two-tone stripes in black with orange or silver accents”. Not one for shrinking violets, then.

We say: This mid-life update promises to make an already-great van even better.

Volkswagen Transport Ingimex tipper

Volkswagen Transporter now available with tipper body

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Volkswagen Transport Ingimex tipper

Volkswagen Transport Ingimex tipper at CV Show 2017

The Volkswagen Transporter can now be ordered from VW dealers with a tipper body, thanks to a partnership with converter Ingimex.

I actually flagged this up in my report from the CV Show 2017, where the new model was on display on the Ingimex stand (picture above). But I didn’t have all the details then — so here they are now.

The Ingimex body is available in two formats, a dropside and a tipper. The tipper body will be branded as the Tip-Up, while the dropside is called Pick-Up. Both bodies are available T30 and T32 (3,000kg and 3,200kg GVW) Transporter models.

If you’re not familiar with the range, the main difference between these two is their payloads — the T30 has an 800kg payload, while the T32 has a 1,000kg payload.

According to Nick Axtell, who is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Specialist Sales Manager, the market for small tippers is “progressive and growing”. Although most building and construction types are still likely to opt for a tipper or dropside based on the larger VW Crafter van, the Transporter Tip-Up and Pick-Up models could have great niche appeal.

The Tip-Up’s more compact dimensions could make it ideal for use on large estates or in urban environments. Another potential attraction is that the Tip-Up is available with the Transporter 4MOTION all-wheel drive drivetrain, providing a go-anywhere ability to rival a pickup truck but with lower running costs and a larger, more functional load area.

BCA used van auction June 2017

Used van prices under pressure but ex-rental volumes ease

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BCA used van auction June 2017

BCA van auction in June 2017 (source: BCA)

The average price of a used van at auction rose by £7 in June from the level seen in May, according to auction group BCA.

However, this headline figure masked falls in the average sale value of fleet/lease vans and those from dealer part-exchange deals. These are the two high-volume segments of the market — the price rise was largely the result of the low-volume but typically expensive nearly-new sector.

To put these changes in context, it’s probably worth noting that average used prices have now been pretty flat since October 2016:

BCA used LCV prices June 2016/17

BCA used LCV prices June 2016/17 (source: BCA)

However, the average age and mileage of vans sold have been falling steadily over the last year. In June 2016 — one year ago — BCA sold vans with an average age of 53.2 months and an average mileage of 69,618 miles.

Today, those figures have fallen to 50.3 months and 65,693 miles. Although prices have risen by 9.3% since last June, I’d argue that this is largely a reflection of the van’s younger age and lower mileage. In essence, I think the used van market has been largely flat over the last year.

Comments from Duncan Ward, BCA’s LCV Operations Director, suggest to me that the auction group shares this view:

“While average selling price appears resilient, this is largely due to the influence of a younger, lower mileage profile of vehicles currently reaching the market and the growing volume of corporate stock handled by BCA.”

“The model mix continues to change as rental volumes ease, and 4×4 double cab volumes continue to rise.  The latter sector continues to experience price pressure and this can make guide values look overly optimistic. Condition and specification remain as important as ever and sellers should be aware that it is vital to appraise and value vehicles accurately to reflect current market sentiment.”

Sales of pickups have skyrocketed over the last year, so it’s interesting to see that this is now being reflected in auction volumes. These models are fairly pricey, so it could be that this too is helping to support average prices.

It’s also interesting to see that rental volumes are easing after having a big influence on the market earlier this year.

Rolling year UK van registrations June 2011 - June 2017

New van registrations climb 1.8% in June but fall in H1

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New van registrations rose by 1.8% to 37,349 units in June, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

However, the first half of the year saw overall demand fall, with a 3.7% drop in the total number of light commercial vehicles registered during the period.

In reality, this isn’t a bad performance given the previous two years of record-breaking growth:

Rolling year UK van registrations June 2011 - June 2017

Source: SMMT

As Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive explains, some cooling of the market was always likely:

“After two years of record growth in the new van market, it’s natural to see demand ease as the sector reaches a sustainable running rate. However, as these figures show, the market remains at a high level and we expect similar patterns of demand to continue throughout the year.”

The figures for June show a continuation of three main trends from the first half of the year — growth in demand for pickups and small vans, offset by falling demand for big vans (2.5-3.5t):

LCV registrations June 2017 YTD

Source: SMMT

Growth in demand for pickups has been remarkable. So far this year, new pickup registrations have outnumbered registrations of small vans (2.0-2.5t), such as the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect. In my view, the pickup boom is largely down to fashion and favourable tax treatment for company buyers, but it will be interesting to see where this ends up.

What is certain is that Ford appears to remain top dog in the high volume medium and large van markets. Once again, the Ford Transit Custom topped the best-seller list in June:

Best-selling vans June 2017

The success of the Transit Custom model seems to have validated Ford’s move to split the old Transit into two — the larger 2-tonne Transit and the smaller Transit Custom.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Pothole repairs top van drivers’ manifesto for change

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

In the wake of the recent general election, van drivers have put together a manifesto of their top 10 priorities for change for the new government.

The research was carried out by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK and involved questioning 2,000 van drivers and operators. Unsurprisingly, potholes were at the top of the list. A staggering two-thirds of van operators say they’ve had to pay for repairs resulting from pothole damage over the last 12 months. That’s just not good enough.

Second on the list is better town parking. Again, that’s unlikely to surprise any hard-pressed delivery driver whose been forced to endure the wrath of other drivers and traffic wardens by stopping illegally to make a delivery.

Here’s the top 10 list of van drivers’ priorities for the new government. There are a few surprises — check out numbers 6 & 7!

  1. Pothole repair: 60%
  2. Better parking provision in town: 43%
  3. Investment in bypasses to ease bottlenecks: 34%
  4. Widening motorways: 24%
  5. Increased traffic police presence: 19%
  6. Fewer speed cameras: 17%
  7. More speed cameras: 16%
  8. Better training for professional drivers: 14%
  9. Abandoning Smart Motorway schemes: 6%
  10. More toll roads: 4%

Congestion is one of the big themes running through the list. And it’s clear why. According to Mercedes-Benz, fleet managers estimate that 14% of their drivers’ time is lost as a result of congestion. That’s equivalent to about 1 hour 10 minutes out of every eight hours.

Surprisingly — given that congestion affects everyone — 61% of those questioned said that they or their employer had lost business as a direct result of congestion. This figure peaks at 82% in Greater London and 66% in the West Midlands, while 75% of delivery divers say they have lost business as a result of congestion.

Experiments with smart motorways don’t seem to have convinced van drivers, although this may be due to lack of understanding — only 28% of those questioned said they definitely understood how a smart motorway works.

It’s clear the government still has a lot to do to meet the needs of commercial road users.

Volkswagen Caddy van

Caddy range gets spec boost as prices of petrol models cut

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Volkswagen Caddy van

Prices of petrol-engined VW Caddys have been cut and equipment levels have been lifted across the range.

Drivers considering buying a petrol-engined Volkswagen Caddy now have an extra reason to make the shift away from diesel.

Prices of petrol Caddy vans for the 2018 model year have been cut by as much as £1,000 from last year’s list prices. For example, the Startline 1.2 TSI 84 PS model now costs £17,527 (RRP inc OTR and VAT) – some £1,017 less than the previous price.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that small vans don’t need diesels and that for low mileages, petrol engines are actually more suitable. In recent times, Volkswagen taken steps to increase the range of petrol engines available in its vans. Other manufacturers are making similar changes.

The Caddy is offered with three TSI turbocharged petrol units, a 1.2-litre 84 PS four-cylinder unit, a 1.0-litre 102 PS three-cylinder unit and a range-topping 1.4-litre 125 PS four-cylinder engine offered with the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission.

Safety boost

However, it’s not just petrol buyers who standard to benefit. Volkswagen has given the entire Caddy range a specification boost. As we reported in May, all new Caddy, Transporter and Crafter vans ordered from 1 June 2017 will be fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard. The Caddy range will also get a specification boost from this month.

This should be a big plus for drivers and fleet operators. Safety experts at Thatcham Research — who carry out Euro NCAP tests in the UK — believe that AEB is “probably the most significant development in vehicle safety since the seat belt”. Reports suggest that the average insurance premium for vans with AEB is 10% lower than for those without, due to the system’s ability to prevent or reduce damage from rear-end shunts.

Drivers should also be more comfortable in the 2018 Caddy. All models, including Startline, gain a leather multifunction steering wheel and multifunction display (in addition to AEB and Driver Alert), while 2018 Trendline models now feature climatic air conditioning as standard. Finally, range-topping Highline models gain Volkswagen’s sophisticated Discover Media satellite navigation system as standard.