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.

Used van sales strengthen in May – Manheim

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Average used van prices rose by 7.3% in May compared to the same period last year, according to auction group Manheim.

The company said that the average used van price achieved in its sales during May was £5,040. That’s 7.3% higher than May 2016 and 10.4% higher than in April, which was disrupted by a number of Bank Holidays.

As usual, average age and mileage both fell last month. The average age of vans sold at Manheim was 63 months, down by four months from May 2016. Average mileage was 77,431, 3.6% lower than in May last year.

According to Matthew Davock, Manheim’s head of LCV, damaged vans remain a challenge. Davock says that the average value of damage recorded in May was £834, 17% higher than in May last year. The variable condition of vans offered for sale means that appropriate pricing is essential, he says:

“Vendors whose reserve pricing reflects these crucial factors are rewarded with buyer loyalty and market leading performances. ”

The group has seen good customer demand at its newly-extended Gloucester auction facility, but Davock sounded a cautious note about demand, noting that Manheim’s buyers had described April and early May as “the toughest months of the years”.

Lower levels of de-fleeted vans may help to support demand in June and there are no Bank Holidays. It will be interesting to see what next month’s figures show.

Used van prices rise as ex-rental stock drives down average age

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I read somewhere the other day that 50% of used cars resold at 6-18 months old are ex-rental models. I’m not sure if the same statistics apply to the used van market, but what is clear is that the van rental sector has a big influence on the average age, mileage — and price — of used vans going through auction.

Auction group BCA released its used van sales report last week. BCA says that the average used van price in May was £6,452, up marginally from £6,431 in April. The average price was 9.5% higher than in May 2016, but as this table shows, both average and and mileage have fallen significantly over the last year:

All vans	Avg Age (mnths)	Avg Mileage	Avg Value
May 2016	54.42	71,121	£5,892
May 2017	50.28	66,291	£6,452

Source: BCA

The firm says that the decline in average age and mileage is “largely as a result of the influx of younger rental stock over recent months”.

However, Duncan Ward, BCA’s LCV Operations Director, says that rental volumes are easing and described May as a “fragmented” and “patchy” month:

“Buyer demand was patchy during May as professional buyers had a choice from a wide selection of stock and inevitably cherry-picked the best presented and most desirable vehicles. The Bank Holidays and half-term were additional distractions that fragmented demand during the month.”

This doesn’t sound especially positive to me. It will be interesting to see whether a more settled June follows. If buyer demand remains patchy, average prices could soon start to weaken if volumes remain high.

Volkswagen sets safety standard with AEB on all new vans

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The new Volkswagen Crafter will be fitted with AEB as standard from 1 June 2017, as will VW’s other van models.

Volkswagen has announced that it will become the first manufacturer to fit all of its new vans sold in the UK with an autonomous emergency braking system. The decision applies to the firm’s Caddy, Transporter and Crafter vans from 1 June 2017.

Autonomous Emergency Braking, or AEB, is fast becoming one of the most important safety systems on modern vehicles. It uses front-facing radar to apply the brakes automatically and stop or slow the vehicle if a collision seems likely.

AEB is already fitted as standard to many cars, but fitment to vans has lagged behind. Where AEB is available, it’s often an option.

According to Thatcham Research, who conduct Euro NCAP safety testing in the UK, AEB has the potential save more than 100 lives and avoid 120,000 casualties over the next ten years. It can reduce the number and severity of collisions and has also been proven to cut third party injury insurance claims by 45 per cent.

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, said:

“Volkswagen is a trailblazer and should be applauded for being the first manufacturer to fit AEB as standard on all its vans in the UK. The truth is that we are seeing a year on year rise in deaths and serious injuries involving vans which this technology can help to avoid.”

Volkswagen says that vehicles fitted with AEB benefit from an average insurance premium reduction of 10%.

The firm’s AEB system has two elements, The first is Front Assist — which alerts the driver and applies the brakes if necessary if an obstacle is approaching too quickly. The second element is City Emergency Braking, which will automatically brake the vehicle at speeds of under 18mph if the driver fails to see or react to an obstacle.

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing volumes fall 28.3% in April

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Commercial vehicle manufacturing output from UK factories fell by 28.3% to 6,132 units in April, down from 8,548 during the same month last year.

The latest figures from the SMMT show a sharp decline in output for April. One argument put forward by the motor industry trade body is that the timing of Easter (late April) reduced the number of working days in April, depressing output.

Easter fell in March last year, so there’s obviously some truth in this argument. However, I don’t see how an extra two days off can account for a fall in production of nearly one third. Strangely enough, manufacturing output also fell in March 2017, even though the same period last year contained two bank holidays that moved into April this year.

It seems clear to me that underlying demand is also falling. That’s not necessarily a problem after a long period of strong demand, as Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, explains:

“With fewer working days in April and following two years of exceptionally strong demand, it’s not surprising to see a decline in CV output, especially when you consider the effect of fleet buying cycles on manufacturing timing. However, as the proportion built for export reaches levels not seen since the start of this decade, it highlights the importance of maintaining good links with our biggest trading partner, Europe. Securing a strong trading relationship will be vital to the continued success of UK CV manufacturing.”

Looking at the figures in more detail, it’s clear that it’s weak demand in the UK which is really eating into the output of our factories:

Source: SMMT

UK demand almost halved in April and has fallen by nearly a third so far this year. That’s a hefty decline. Although some of this may be due to shifting fleet replacement cycles (some of which can account for hundreds of vans in a single order), I suspect underlying demand may have weakened somewhat.

It will be interesting to see which way orders go for the remainder of the year. If bank holidays and fleet purchasing cycles are to blame for the slump in demand, I’d expect some normalisation during the remaining seven months of the year.

After all, it’s worth putting these figures in perspective. Export demand is up by 12.6% so far this year and overall production has only fallen by 8%. Looked at on a bigger scale — from April 2009 up to April 2017 — the picture still looks fairly benign:

Source: SMMT

Falling age and mileage drive used van prices higher – Manheim

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The Spy Van is a former HMRC undercover vehicle. Fitted with a range of high-tech kit (see below) it’s been restored by Manheim LCV expert James Davis and went under the hammer to raise funds for Alzheimers Society on 22 May 2017.

Used vans sold by Manheim auctions in April fetched an average of £5,154 — a whopping 13.8% more than during the same month last year, according to the latest figures from the auction group.

Fortunately for buyers, the increase was largely due to a significant fall in age and mileage, rather than a boom in demand. The average age among vans sold in April was 63 months, versus 70 in April 2016. Similarly, average mileage fell by more than 10,000 miles to 74,731.

The company says that among the most popular models were Ford Transt 280 SWB models and high spec Ford Transit Custom vans. Long and extra-long wheelbase Sprinters were in demand, as were top spec VW Transporter models.

Less popular were base spec Transporters, older Transits, big Citroen and Peugeot vans and — perhaps unsurprisingly as we head into summer — several of the leading pickup models.

The company says it remains confident about buyer demand heading into the summer, despite April bringing “a slightly tougher atmosphere in the commercial vehicle market than we have seen so far this year”.

Finally, if you’re wondering what the picture at the top is all about, I’d like to offer congratulations on behalf of vanrental.co.uk to Manheim’s James Davis. James’ painstakingly restored ex-HMRC Spy Van Ford Transit fetched a record £10,300 auction earlier this week. All proceeds are going to The Alzheimer’s Society.

You can see photos of the Spy Van in my CV Show 2017 write up, or check out James’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Therestorationvanman/

Renault targets VIP market with new Trafic SpaceClass

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The new Renault Trafic SpaceClass executive minibus goes on sale in September 2017.

Renault’s new Trafic SpaceClass minibus was launched at Cannes Films Festival, where it served as a shuttle to deliver VIP guests to the red carpet.

It was a fittingly upmarket and French introduction for a model that’s clearly aimed at the VIP airport and taxi market, a model currently dominated by Volkswagen Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz Viano.

The Trafic SpaceClass is designed to seat up to nine people in comfort, but I suspect it will more commonly be used for a maximum of six passengers — the number of people who can fit on the modular seas in the rear compartment of the van. These can be configured in forward-facing rows, or so that the two rows face each other, providing a lounge-type setting.

As you’d expect, the Trafic SpaceClass has been loaded up with creature comforts. Depending on the version chosen, these include dark-tinted rear windows, individual LED reading lamps, leather seats and regulated air conditioning. A mobile office setup is also available, including a pivoting seats and a removable central table. All versions include 220V and USB sockets for charging devices in the front and rear of the vehicle.

Improved driver

Upfront, the driver isn’t neglected, either. He or she will enjoy the tactile pleasure of a leather-covered steering wheel, plus a dash design that’s been enhanced with chrome and gloss-black inserts. A 7-inch central touchscreen provides access to the MediaNav navigation system, reversing camera or R-Link with Android Auto, depending on the version.

On the outside, the Trafic’s already stylish looks have been upgraded with extras such as 17-inch diamond-effect alloys, Comet Grey launch paint, body-coloured bumpers and a chrome grille — all of which may vary slightly depending on what version is chosen.

The Trafic SpaceClass will go on sale in September 2017 in most European markets.

Used van prices fall as fewer ex-hire vans reach market

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Vans being auctioned at BCA Blackbushe

The average price of a used van fell by 1.4% to £6,431 in April, according to the latest figures from auction group BCA.

It’s the second consecutive month of declines, a trend BCA says is caused by a reduction in the number of late-plate ex-hire vans reaching the market. Despite this, prices are still ahead by £465, or 7.9%, on a year-on-year basis.

One factor supporting prices is probably the continuing reduction in average age and mileage — used vans are getting newer as fleet replacement cycles contract and return to normal:

All vans	Avg Age (mnths)	Avg Mileage	Avg Value
Apr 2016	54.05	73,758	£5,966
Apr 2017	50.89	67,196	£6,431

Source: BCA

According to BCA, ex-fleet and lease prices remained flat in April, while dealer part-exchange prices (older vans) fell.

Duncan Ward, BCA’s LCV Operations Director, says that overall demand remains healthy:

“The market dipped slightly in the post-Easter period but overall demand has held up well, particularly when considering external factors such as the snap election, which might have introduced some uncertainty.

“The model mix is starting to change as we are seeing rental volumes easing for the first time this year, while 4×4 double cab volumes continue to rise. The latter sector has seen some price pressure in recent weeks as a result of these increased volumes and the price guides have not always reflected this.”

My view is that the used van market has largely been flat-lining this year. That’s not surprising, given the keen financing offers available on new vans, and the beginnings of a slowdown in new van registration rates.

UK van registrations fall 18.8% in April as market cools

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New van registrations fell by 18.8% during April, as buyers backed away from new vans after a record period of registrations in 2016.

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 22,625 new vans were registered in April 2017, 18.8% fewer than in April 2016. In reality, it always seemed likely to me that the registrations levels would cool this year after record levels of buying in 2016, and that’s what we’re now seeing:

New van registrations April 2017 (souce: SMMT)

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, seems to agree with this view, emphasising that new registrations are still at historically high levels:

“April is traditionally a small month for new LCV registrations following the plate-change in March and, coming on the back of double-digit growth that resulted in a record April in 2016, this month’s decline comes as no surprise. Overall, the market remains robust, however, and so long as business confidence among operators can be maintained, we expect to see the market remain at what is a historically high level over the course of the year.”

Falls in April were concentrated in the sub-2.0t van segment (-37.5%) and the high-volume large van segment (-23.1%). There was little change at the top of the best seller lists, however, with Ford continuing to reign supreme in the UK van market:

LCV top sellers April 2017 (source: SMMT)

As we head into summer, Brexit and the general election have the potential to disrupt markets. But in reality I think the picture is still fairly healthy.

New registrations have risen massively over the last three years, but trees don’t grow to the sky. A period of consolidation and a return to historic average levels seems likely to me. I’d expect a further decline as the year continues, but I don’t think there’s any reason to panic.

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing drops 4.3% in March

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Weak domestic demand pushed commercial vehicle manufacturing output down by 4.3% in March, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The trade body said that despite a 7.8% increase in export demand for UK-built vans and trucks, an 18.4% drop in domestic demand led to an overall decline in output. This pattern is a continuation of the trend seen so far this year — home demand has fallen by 25%, offsetting a 21.2% rise in export demand:

Source: SMMT

The message from SMMT chief Mike Hawes was that exports to the EU remain of vital importance to UK automotive firms:

“Despite the expected fall in domestic demand following extremely high levels of growth in the previous two years, UK CV production remains positive and continuing growth in overseas demand highlights the quality and competitiveness of our products. With some 90% of CV exports destined for the EU, we urge government to strive to deliver a free trade deal that will maintain that competitiveness and secure this industry’s future success.”

This graph shows how exports have been offsetting falling domestic demand over the last year:

CV output rolling year March 2009- March 2017 (source: SMMT)

According to the SMMT figures, exports now account for 64.3% of all UK CV production, the highest level for seven years. Expect more on this topic as Brexit negotiations get underway.

New vans and photo highlights from the CV Show 2017

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The Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC is one of the biggest events of the year for UK van operators. I went along last week on behalf of vanrental.co.uk to find out what was new in the van world in 2017.

Here’s my roundup of new and unusual van models — plus a few others — from this year’s CV Show.

Peugeot had a sizeable stall at the NEC and was showing a number of vans in well-known liveries. This Royal Mail Partner Trek model has raised ground clearance and is available with an electronic limited slip differential to provide additional traction on muddy tracks and the like:

Peugeot Partner Trek in Royal Mail livery at CV Show 2017

Over on the LDV stand, the vans on display bore clear traces of the DNA of the little-lamented LDV Maxus.

However, LDV is now owned by Chinese firm SAIC and is targeting the value end of the market. A basic V80 SWB model starts from about £13,200 according or £168 per month, according to the My LDV website. By way of contrast, the current Ford Transit starts at £23,120 +VAT… Could be worth a look if you’re on a budget:

The LDV V80 at the CV Show. An all-electric model will also be available shortly. At £10k less than a Ford Transit, these could gain traction in the UK market.

Most tipper vans sold in the UK are full-size 3.5t models. But companies such as converter Ingimex believe there is a market for smaller models, such as this Volkswagen Transport tipper conversion:

Volkswagen Transport Ingimex tipper at CV Show 2017

Renault didn’t bring along any of its trucks, but the French firm did have a big display of LCVs at the CV Show, including a the UK debut of the Master Z.E. electric van and a rare chance to see the forthcoming Alaska pickup.

Renault Alaska pickup at the CV Show 2017

This F1 car provided an impressive centrepiece for Renault’s CV Show stand.

The F1 theme continued with the launch of the new Renault Formula Edition trim level for its Kangoo, Trafic and Master vans. Like the Ford Transit Sport models, with which they will compete, the differences lie in aesthetic details and upgraded kit levels. The engines will be the same as those found in the standard vans:

The new Renault Trafic Formula Edition model was launched at the CV Show.

The new 100% electric Renault Master ZE was unveiled at the CV Show. It promises a range of up to 124 miles and should be on sale by the end of this year.

Over on the Vauxhall stand, the firm’s concept race van Vivaro was on display, fitted out with a tasty selection of conversion kit:

This Vauxhall Vivaro race van concept is designed to carry a single motorcycle plus provide workshop facilities and some creature comforts for the rider/mechanic. Some nice kit is evident — a Waeco fridge, Sortimo racking plus what looks like an expensive Victron inverter.

A steady stream of visitors were keen to scale the heights to the cab of MAN’s new TGX XXL long-haul tractor unit. But for most of us, the closest we’ll come to driving a MAN is getting behind the wheel of the firm’s first can, the MAN TGE.

Along with its stablemate the new Volkswagen Crafter, the TGE was one of the top launches at the show:

The new MAN TGE van was on display at the CV Show 2017

The MAN TGE was also on display in crew cab dropside format.

Moving on to the Volkswagen stand, the TGE’s sibling, the new Crafter, was on display. It’s an important model for VW, as this new model is an in-house design, rather than a re-engined version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Mercedes, by the way, was conspicuously absent from the CV Show).

The new Volkswagen Crafter at the CV Show 2017

Inside the cab of the new Crafter: it’s unmistakeably a Volkswagen

Over at Toyota, a range of new factory-approved conversions were on display, including this Hilux Tipper:

Toyota was showcasing its new range of Trade Plus and Authorised Converter models. Seen here is the Hilux Tipper in Europcar colours. Will any of these feature on Europcar’s UK van rental fleet?

And now for something completely different. Auction and remarketing group Manheim was at the CV Show and had something very special on their stand. The high-tech Spy Van was owned by HMRC and used — presumably — to spy on potential tax dodgers until 2014.

In 2015, Manheim’s LCV specialist James Davis took possession of the van and decided to restore it to its former glory before auctioning the Spy Van for charity to raise funds for the Alzheimers Society.

Here are some photos of the finished result — on Monday 22nd May, the Spy Van will be sold at Manheim Auctions Shepshed without reserve. So if you’re interested in making a bid, there’s still time.

The Spy Van is a former HMRC undercover vehicle. Fitted with a range of high-tech kit (see below) it’s been restored by Manheim LCV expert James Davis and will go under the hammer to raise funds for Alzheimers Society on 22 May 2017.

Inside The Spy Van. Tech specs included three charging circuits and front windscreen wipers that could be controlled from the rear in order to keep the view clear for the van’s spy cameras!

Last but not least, no CV Show visit would be complete without a few tasty classics, so here are some of the highlights from 2017.

Citroen’s immaculately-restored Type H van drew a lot of admiring glances. This classic was made from 1947 until 1981, so the model celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. This le coq sportif model has been fitted out as a bicycle workshop and will be used as a promotional vehicle for cycling events in France.

Back in the day (c.1986), this DAF 2800 Turbo would have been a top-of-the-range long haul truck. The TIR plate suggests this model saw plenty of European work in the days before open borders…. (post Brexit, will hauliers be dusting off their TIR plates once more?)

This E.M. Rogers Volvo F12 is of a similar vintage, but the high roof and Scandinavian quality would have made it an even more desirable steed:

E.M. Rogers Volvo F12 at CV Show 2017

Finally, it’s not a van but it would probably have outdriven anything else at the show. A 1980s Palletforce Ford Escort rally car in all its glory:

This 1980s Palletforce Ford Escort rally car was on display at the CV Show 2017.

That’s about it for this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed my photo highlights from this busy show. Roll on 2018…

vanrental.co.uk blog

UK van news and van hire tips

Category Archives: Van News

Used van sales strengthen in May – Manheim

Used van prices rise as ex-rental stock drives down average age

Volkswagen sets safety standard with AEB on all new vans

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing volumes fall 28.3% in April

Falling age and mileage drive used van prices higher – Manheim

Renault targets VIP market with new Trafic SpaceClass

Improved driver

Used van prices fall as fewer ex-hire vans reach market

UK van registrations fall 18.8% in April as market cools

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing drops 4.3% in March

New vans and photo highlights from the CV Show 2017