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.

BCA van auction March 2017

Record used van prices mask changing market conditions

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BCA van auction March 2017

BCA Blackbushe van auction March 2017

Used van prices fell slightly in Marcn but remain at near-record levels, according to the latest auction sales figures from BCA.

The average priced achieved for a light commercial vehicle at auction was £6,526 in March, down by just £23 from £6,549 in February.

March’s average sales price is the second highest on record and means that used van values are 11% (£647) higher than they were one year ago. Of course, part of this is due to falling average age and mileage. Buyers today are getting a new van than they were one year ago.

On a year-on-year basis, average age was down by five months in March, while average mioleage was down by about 7,800 miles:

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value
Mar 2016 55.50 73,838 £5,879
Mar 2017 50.95 66,037 £6,526

Source: BCA

“Weakened” market

Duncan Ward is BCA’s LCV Operations Director. He struck a surprisingly downbeat note when discussing the figures for March:

“Average selling price data might suggest a buoyant market, but the reality is the market has weakened and conversion rates have been under pressure. BCA’s profile of stock is becoming younger and lower mileage and this is a significant driver of the increasing values we report.”

Ward emphasised that variations in quality and specification are leading to a two-tier market:

“Well specified commercials in retail-ready condition are making exceptional values, while vehicles with an unusual configuration or special equipment will always attract attention from buyers.  In contrast, any LCV available in high volumes, perhaps with damage and a basic specification will have an uphill battle to attract interest.”

It sounds to me as though the market is starting to be more favourable for buyers than sellers. Competitive deals and cheap finance on new models mean that some buyers will be tempted to trade up to new rather than paying over the odds for used.

In the meantime, sellers hoping to dump sub-standard stock in to the market will have to accept lower prices, giving buyers who need a cheap workhorse another option to consider.

Fiat Doblò Euro NCAP crash test 2017

Fiat Doblò scores just three stars in latest Euro NCAP tests

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Fiat Doblò Euro NCAP crash test 2017

Fiat Doblò Euro NCAP crash test 2017 (image: Thatcham Research)

Panel vans don’t get Euro NCAP safety ratings, but their people carrier equivalents do. So it was disappointing to see the Fiat Doblò score just three stars out of a possible five in the latest round of Euro NCAP tests.

The version tested was the 2015 facelift version, but this generation of the Doblò van was first introduced in 2010, and it shows. The 2015 update only included minimal safety upgrades and these are not enough to compete with newer models.

Commenting on the results, Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, said:

This is another FIAT doing the absolute minimum from a safety perspective, with no AEB fitted. There are family vehicles out there which offer far greater levels of protection.

It’s worth noting that while the Fiat Doblò is outdated, the Vauxhall Combo is even more so. Although the Combo is based on the Doblò, Thatcham Research says that Opel/Vauxhall has not applied the 2015 Doblò updates to the Combo. Thatcham believes the Combo “would be expected to end up with even fewer stars” if tested.

I should stress that these comments and test results apply to the MPV version of the Doblò, not to the panel van model. But I think it’s probably fair to assume that the same test results apply to the van model, as far as pedestrian safety and front passenger safety are concerned.

You can see the full Euro NCAP test results for the Fiat Doblò here: http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/fiat/doblo/26657

Van registrations 03/2011 - 03/2017 (SMMT)

March van registrations edge lower but auction sales climb

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Registrations of new light commercial vehicles fell by 0.9% in March, despite the third month being the longest of the year so far in terms of trading days.

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new van and pickup registrations fell by 0.9% to 63,316 units in March, compared with the same period last year.

Van registrations 03/2011 - 03/2017 (SMMT)

Van registrations rolling year totals Mar 2011 to-date 2017 (source: SMMT)

Big slides were seen in vans under 2.0t (-31.6%) and 4x4s (-91%). Sales of LCV-type 4x4s have largely been replaced by the pickup category, where registrations rose by 23% to 9,660 in March.

Looking at the other categories, heavy vans (2.5-3.5t) remained strong. This is always the largest segment in the LCV class and remained so in March, with new registrations up by 3.6% to 40,237 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, remains bullish about market conditions:

“The new van market has experienced strong levels of demand in recent years and this dip in registrations represents a natural rebalancing of the market. Despite the decline, demand remains at an historically high level with year-to-date registrations matching 2015’s performance, which was only exceeded by demand in 2016.

We expect demand to remain stable at this high level throughout the year.”

As head of the automotive industry trade body, Mr Hawes would be positive. But I think it’s fair to say that the figures for new van sales still look good. New data from auction group Manheim suggests that this strength extends into the used market, too, despite concerns last month that ex-rental vans were flooding the market.

Manheim logoManheim says that the group offered 20% more vans for sale during March 2017 than in March 2016, and 6% more than in February 2017.

Despite this increase in volume, conversion rates rose by 3% compared to February. This indicates that a greater proportion of vans offered for sale were sold.

And while selling prices dropped by 3% to £5,298, average age and mileage also increased, by 3 months and 2,000 miles respectively. So average pricing looks pretty firm, if not positive, to me.

Manheim expects buyer demand to remain strong in April, but says that lower de-fleet volumes may reduce the number of vans for sale, providing further support for prices.

Our view

The overall picture presented by the SMMT figures and the sales data from Manheim suggests to me that the UK van market remains healthy and stable.

History suggests that this is a reasonable barometer for the state of the economy, so let’s hope for more such ‘boring’ updates over the coming months.

Vauxhall Race Van concepts at 2017 BSB

Vauxhall rolls out wheelie good concept vans

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Vauxhall has unveiled two new concept vans targeting motorcycle racers. The two new vans made their debut at Donington Park race track last weekend, to mark Vauxhall’s sponsorship of the 2017 MCE British Superbike Championship.

Vauxhall Race Van concepts at 2017 BSB

Vauxhall Race Van concepts at Donington Park, at the opening round of the 2017 British Superbike Championship.

Both vans include workshop space suitable for a range of trade users. But the vans’ specialist appeal is that they can also be easily equipped for use as race vans — with space to transport one bike securely within the load bay.

The Vivaro Race Van Concept and the Movano Race Van Concept will be on display at all UK BSB race meetings this year.

Vivaro Race Van concept

The Vivaro Race van is based on the range-topping Vivaro Limited Edition NAV L2H1 F2900 145PS BiTurbo Start/Stop model.

Vauxhall Vivaro Race Van concept

Features include:

  • Dual passenger bench with fold-flat centre section
  • Air conditioning
  • Cruise control and rear parking sensors
  • NAVI50 Intellilink
  • Auto-lights
  • Auto-wipers
  • Black alloy wheels

Inside the van is racked and panelled with quality equipment, based around racking that’s provided and installed by Sortimo UK. Features include:

  • Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
  • Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
  • Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
  • Drivers Side racking features:
    • Pro-Safe lashing rail on wall
    • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including – fuel can shelf to end of rack; component S-Boxes; Integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with two drawers; First-Aid kit and document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe Lashing System with Pro-Safe Straps.
    • WorkMo mobile workstations include drawers; L-Boxes; PPE cupboard; tool holder trays on top
  • Passenger Side racking features:
    • Two-tier Flex Rack unit with full integrated Pro-Safe lashing system

All of this kit adds 220kg to the weight of the van, eating into its payload. But it’s probably worthwhile for the safety and utility it provides. In addition to this, the Vivaro Race Van concept is also fitted out with a number of creature comforts that are likely to be popular with anyone camped up by a race track for the weekend:

  • 32-inch flat screen TV with wall bracket
  • BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
  • Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
  • LED lighting
  • Small Breville 800W Microwave
  • Shore Power electrical system Including 2000 Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
  • TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp

Movano Race Van Concept

The Movano is kitted out in a similar way to the Vivaro and is based on the Movano F3300 L2H2 model, powered by a 2.3-litre CDTi 130PS BlueInjection engine. Specified with the Premium Pack, it includes NAVI50 Intellilink, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, trip computer and a perimeter alarm.

Vauxhall Movano Race Van conceptHere are the details of the racking an interior kit, which is again provided and installed by Sortimo UK:

  • Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
  • Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
  • Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
  • Driver side racking features:
    • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including – drop front shelf; fuel can shelf; tyre space with Pro-Safe Strap; open top shelf with matt & dividers; component S-Boxes; small open shelf; drawer with integrated wash basin and cupboard with waste/clean water containers; integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with 4 drawers; 2x LT Tool Boxes & lift-up base cover; First Aid kit & document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe lashing system with Pro-Safe straps.
  • Passenger side racking features:
    • Two-Tier Flex Rack Unit with fully-integrated Pro-Safe Lashing System

Weight of Sortimo equipment (including fridge) = 240kg

Awning

  • Provided by Camperlands UK
  • Fiamma F65 320 awning with single end panel (Side W Pro). This gives a shaded area 3.1m in length along van, and extends 2.5m in depth

Other Equipment

  • Installed by Sortimo UK
  • 40″ flat screen TV and wall bracket
  • BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
  • Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
  • LED lighting
  • Small Breville 800W Microwave
  • Shore power electrical system Including 2000Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
  • TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp

Both bike sound like cracking conversions, similar to models available from specialist converters. I suspect they’re PR projects only and unlikely to go into production, but weekend racers might hope to prove me wrong.

SsangYong Musso pickup

SsangYong Musso towing capacity increased to 3.5 tonnes

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SsangYong has increased the towing capacity of its one-tonne Musso pickup to 3.5 tonnes. This is comparable with the best in the class and adds to the appeal of the Musso, for which prices start from just £16,395 +VAT.

SsangYong Musso pickup

The updated SsangYong Musso has a one-tonne payload and a 3.5 tonne towing capacity. (Image: SsangYong)

The Musso is powered by a 2.2-litre Euro 6 diesel engine which provides peak power of 178PS. Maximum torque of 400Nm is available from 1,400rpm all the way up to 2,800rpm. A combination of multi-link rear suspension and progressive rear coil springs is said to give a smooth, car-like ride that can still handle the weight placed on the back end by the Musso’s one-tonne payload and — potentially — a 3.5 tonne trailer.

The Musso is the best value pickup in the sector and while it may not compete with the likes of the VW Amarok in the kerb appeal stakes, it’s about 30% cheaper than the premium European and Japanese brands,

For farmers and rural workers who want a load-lugger that will get some hammer, buying a SsangYong potentially makes very good sense. The current Musso was originally launched in Autumn 2016, since when sales have “really taken off” according to Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

There are two models in the range. The SE includes a new-look front grille and dashboard, as well as silver finish 18” alloy wheels and hard wearing ‘leather look’ TPU seat upholstery. It is priced from just £16,395 ex VAT.

EX trim gets you black 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, front LED daytime running lights, leather with heated front seats, power operated driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, 7” touchscreen RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth. The EX with manual transmission is priced at £18,395 ex VAT, and with a six speed Aisin automatic £19,395 ex VAT.

All new SsangYong Musso models come with a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty that covers all major mechanical components.

UK CV manufacturing Feb 2017

UK CV production falls 6.3% in February as domestic demand slows

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UK production of commercial vehicles (CV) fell by 6.3% to 7,940 units in February, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The main reason for the decline was a 30% fall in domestic demand, which fell to 2,793 units, down from 4,019 units during the same period last year. Export demand for UK-built vans remained strong, with manufacturers rolling out 15.6% more CVs than during the same period in 2016.

UK CV manufacturing Feb 2017

UK CV manufacturing Feb 2017 – source: SMMT

According to Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, this domestic slowdown is to be expected after two years of strong growth:

“Following two years of exceptionally strong output, it comes as no surprise to see a slight decline in commercial vehicle manufacturing. Despite this, UK CV production remains broadly stable, with output for export growing for the sixth consecutive month, highlighting the importance of maintaining competitive global trading conditions to this vital sector.”

I can certainly buy into this argument up to a point. As LCV registration figures for the last five years show (scroll down for graph), CV operators have done a lot of catching up over the last two years. Many of these firms’ vehicles had been allowed to age during and after the financial crisis. But this process of renewal and expansion is now largely complete.

Some kind of ‘back to normal’ adjustment will be required. As I’ve discussed before, this could take the form of slowing new sales and/or weaker used prices. To some extent the scale of the adjustment will depend on how well the UK economy performs as we head towards Brexit over the next couple of years.

Time will tell. But for now at least, it’s comforting to see that EU export demand is helping to keep UK CV production lines busy.

Manheim logo

Ex-rental vans create challenging conditions in used market

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If you’re a used van dealer buying vans under two years old at auction, how do you work out how much you should pay?

Manheim logo

In theory, you should be able to use trade guide prices. In reality, you need to pay attention to the generous discounts being offered on new vans by manufacturers.

The problem is that your one or two year old van has got to be cheaper than a new van. So the only way to work out how much to pay at auction is to start with the price of a discounted new van and work backwards.

It may sound surprising that you’re able to buy a new van for a price that’s not much higher than the price of (say) a one-year old ex-rental van. But that’s what happens when manufacturers start trying to prop up falling new van registrations.

Auction update

According to Matthew Davock of Manheim Auctions, de-fleet volumes for vans less than two years old reached record levels in January and February, rising by 14% compared to the same period last year.

Davock says that “the majority is ex daily rental” stock and that “the challenge here is guide values”. He says that anecdotal evidence from buyers suggests that auction guide prices are now close to “or even in excess of the deals available on new vans”. Davock says that “buyers value this stock according to the legitimate retail deals online”. I read this as suggesting that the prices of nearly-new vans could be falling.

For older vans, aged two-six years, the problem isn’t price, it’s condition. Davock says that “demand outstrips supply of clean 40-60,000 mile vans” and that there’s been “a noticeable decline in conditions” over the last year.

What’s next?

Heavily discounted new van prices are putting pressure on the prices of sub two year old vans. At the same time, there’s a shortage of good quality vans in the two-to-six year age bracket.

So assuming supply and demand remain fairly steady, what seems likely to me is that used van prices will fall across the board to create a more consistent relationship between age, condition and price. Will this happen? Who knows. Used van prices have been remarkably resilient over the last few months.

Manheim’s Davock expects March to be quieter in terms of new volumes as the plate change period slows the supply of de-fleeted vans. Watch this space for more news next month.

Volkswagen Bulli 70th anniversary special

VW celebrates 70 years of the Transporter with Bulli special edition

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The VW Bulli was the brainchild of Dutch Volkswagen import Ben Pon after a visit the firm’s Wolfsburg plant. Pon saw an in-house special known as the Plattenwagen which was used to ferry materials around the plant.

Pon’s idea became the Volkswagen Transporter, or Bulli — one of the world’s most successful and long-lived automotive models. Almost seventy years later, the VW Transporter is still going strong. To mark the occasion, Volkswagen will launch a ’70 Years of the Bulli’ special edition at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Volkswagen Bulli 70th anniversary special

Based on a T7 Multivan Comfortline model, this exclusive special will take elements from the Multivan Highline and California models to achieve a timeless, high-class finish that’s reminiscent of the original Bulli.

Inside the VW Bulli 70

Wood-look flooring taken from the VW California helps to create a stylish retro look.

Wood-look flooring, chrome trim and optional two-tone paintwork complete the look of this highly-specified van. Inside, buyers will be cosseted with special lighting, modified seat covers and a premium multifunction display and instrument panel framed in piano gloss black trim from the Highline model.

The special edition model will be available to order in Germany from the beginning of May. UK availability has yet to be confirmed, so if you’re keen, it may be worth contacting your dealer and asking them to put in a request to VW HQ.

Van registrations Feb 2011 - Feb 2017

Van registrations fall 4.3% in February

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Registrations of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) under 3.5t fell by 4.3% in February, compared to the same period a year earlier. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 13,291 LCVs were registered last month.

LCV registrations Feb 2017

LCV registrations Feb 2017 (source: SMMT)

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“February is typically a quiet month as buyers look ahead to the March plate change and, following the rapidly growing levels of demand we’ve seen over the past two years, a decline is not unexpected. The sector remains in good health and, barring any shocks to business confidence, we expect demand to remain strong over the coming months.”

It’s certainly true that the market has made a robust recovery over the last few years:

Van registrations Feb 2011 - Feb 2017

Van registrations Feb 2011 – Feb 2017 (source: SMMT)

Looking at the figures in more detail, last month saw a 9% rise in registrations of 2.0-2.5t vans such as the Vollkswagen Caddy and Ford Transit Connect. Sales of sub-2.0t vans fell sharply.

As always, the biggest volumes were seen in the 2.5-3.5t category, where sales were broadly flat at 8,753, just 1.3% lower than in February 2016.

Best sellers

There were no surprises in the best seller tables. Ford maintained its stranglehold on the top two positions with the Transit and Transit Custom.

The only other mover of note was Mercedes-Benz. The Sprinter climbed into third place with 807 sales last month, up from 10th place in January:

LCV best sellers February 2017

LCV best sellers February 2017 (source: SMMT)

Isuzu D-Max

Specification and pricing confirmed for new Isuzu D-Max

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Reservations are already open for the new Isuzu D-Max pickup. But the Japanese firm has now confirmed full pricing and specification details for the new model, which goes on sale in the UK this spring.

Isuzu D-Max

The new 2017 model year Isuzu D-Max

The trim level line-up from the current D-Max range has been maintained, with Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade models. A mix of single, extended and double cab variants are available.

Here’s a summary of the specifications and pricing for each trim level:

Utility: Comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows and air conditioning. Prices from £15,749 CVOTR.

Eiger: Double cab + adds a reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, audio system with CD player and 6 speakers. Prices from from £20,499 CVOTR.

Yukon: Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side steps, new 7-inch multi-function touchscreen, LED rear lights, Cruise Control, rear load liner and a leather steering wheel. Pricet from £20,499 CVOTR.

Utah: Adds keyless entry with push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning. Prices from £24,149 CVOTR.

Blade: The range-topping model adds tinted windows, 9-inch multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate, Blade puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover. Prices from £26,999 CVOTR.

Whats’ new?

The new D-Max has been comprehensively re-worked. The biggest change is a new 1.9-litre turbodiesel offering 164PS and 360Nm of torque.

The D-Max’s 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity have been maintained, as has the pickup’s on-the-fly 4×4 control. This allows the driver to select both four-wheel drive and low-range gears while moving.

To provide peace of mind and a useful competitive advantage versus European marques, Isuzu provides a five-year 125,000-mile warranty. Five year’s recovery and European breakdown cover is included.

For more details visit www.isuzu.co.uk.