Despite the deepening recessions affecting many European economies, commercial vehicle manufacturers are pushing ahead with new models for the next couple of years.

In this article I’ll take a look at some of the new van models that have received their first public airing at October’s IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle show. Popular trends seemed to be electric and hybrid versions of existing models but there were a smattering of all-new designs.

New Fiesta Van

Ford is pressing ahead with revamping each of its primary car model ranges and the Fiesta is next on the list. As in the past, there will be a dedicated van model of the Fiesta with a panelled out/windowless rear section.

Available in the UK from spring 2009, the new Fiesta Van will have a load length of around 1300mm with a loadspace of at least 1 cubic metre. Engines will be similar to the car variant – 1.25l petrol along with 1.4TDCi and 1.6TDCi diesels.

Nissan Determined To Increase CV Market Share

Nissan have announced it plans to dramatically increase its share of the LCV (light commercial vehicle) market from 2009 onwards.

The first part’s of this offensive are a new small van, to be introduced worldwide next year. It’s based on the NV220 concept vehicle that received widespread publicity when it was first shown thanks to its custom configuration for a marine biologist – including mobile office and dive gear storage.

The real version is likely to be toned down a bit but should still be a modern, high-quality vehicle, if Nissan’s other offerings are anything to go by. (Although I must admit that all the pictures I’ve seen remind me somewhat of the current Nissan Primastar, better known as the Renault Trafic.)

On the hybrid front, the Cabstar Hybrid is also due to be introduced in 2009. Nissan estimate that in a typical urban environment, its hybrid, stop-start technology will reduce CO2 emissions by around 30%.

Mercedes & VW Go Green with Blue

Both Mercedes and VW are now producing models with badges including the word ‘Blue’. This is a reference to the exhaust additive AdBlue, one of two methods available to help diesel engines meet Euro 5 emissions criteria through a process called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

Although lorries using AdBlue have to fill up regularly, car (and I believe van) AdBlue tanks are designed to be large enough to last from one service to the next, sparing the vehicle’s owner from having to fill up with AdBlue.

Mercedes’ has chosen the BlueEfficiency moniker for their SCR vehicles and its latest offering, debuted at Hannover, is the Vito BlueEfficiency. In addition to its SCR system, it also features aerodynamic improvements and Merc’s latest Stop-Start system, which together are claimed to reduce carbon emissions by 40g/km and fuel consumption by a typical 1.5l/100km.

VW’s latest SCR offering is the Crafter BlueMotion. Featuring VW’s latest Euro 5 SCR engines, the Crafter BlueMotion promises to deliver 3.5 tonne van functionality with combined fuel consumption of 31mpg – not bad going.

LDV Going Maxus

LDV’s Maxus van model has been a steady success across a variety of markets. It offers good value, short lead times and a choice of factory conversion options.

The success of the Maxus brand has led LDV owner’s GAZ to state that they will shortly be re-branding the whole company as Maxus, losing the LDV branding (derived from Leyland Daf Vehicles) altogether.

The IAA Show also saw the debut of the Maxus Electric – a factory-built all-electric version of the Maxus. It is currently undergoing trials and promises not to compromise on payload or loadspace thanks to its batteries being installed between the chassis rails, under the floor.

LDV are also planning the introduction of a smaller van to replace the not-much-lamented LDV Cub of a few years ago. It seems likely that the new van will either be built in partnership with another manufacturer or will be purchased from another company.