Category Archives: Vans In Business

News and information relating to the use and function of vans by UK businesses.

Jarvie Plant Renault Master Wellbuss

New type-approved Renault welfare bus is hit with Scottish van rental customers

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Renault’s increasingly wide range of off-the-shelf van conversions appears to be helping the firm gain a wider footprint in the fleet market.

Scottish plant and van hire firm Jarvie Plant Group has recently acquired 30 Renault Master Wellbus welfare van conversions, which it rents out to customers with crews working in locations where there are no facilities.

Jarvie Plant Renault Master Wellbuss

One of Jarvie Plant’s new Renault Master Wellbus conversions. The Wellbus is the latest addition to Renault’s type-approved range of conversions, which can be ordered directly from Renault dealers.

Modern health and safety legislation mean that the days of Thermos flasks and taking a wee behind the nearest tree are fast disappearing… Jarvie says that the new Wellbus conversions are proving very popular with its customers. If demand stays firm, the company expects to order more.

Welfare conversion in Renault Master Wellbus

Each van is equipped with five crash-tested passenger seats in the rear compartment, along with full mess facilities. That means microwave, water heater, tea boiler and a sink with washing facilities.

In a seperate compartment at the rear of the van, there’s also a toilet with additional washing and drying facilities. The rear compartment is fully heated and finished with a waterproof spray-on coating, which means it can be hosed down for cleaning when needed.

Rear compartment of Renault Master Wellbus

The rear compartment of the Wellbus contains a toilet plus washing and drying facilities.

The Master Wellbuss conversion was launched at this year’s CV Show and is based on the long wheelbase, front-wheel drive Master.

Jarvie’s Wellbuss conversions are powered by a 2.3-litre dCi 125 diesel and specified with Renault’s Business trim level. This includes DAB radio, Bluetooth, ESC with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, electric front windows and electric door mirrors. Like all Renault commercial vehicles, the Master Wellbus also includes a 4-year/100,000 mile warranty.

Like all such factory-backed off-the-shelf conversions, the Master Wellbus has full European type approval.

Busy motorway at twilight

Will FTA Van Excellence van driver competence course help stave off new regulation?

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Busy motorway at twilightWill van drivers be subject to additional regulation and training requirements in the future, as lorry and bus drivers already are?

With overloading and poor maintenance common in vans under 3.5t, it’s definitely a possibility. However, one way of stemming the tide of red tape might be greater self-regulation by van operators themselves.

One initiative that’s gained momentum since its launch in 2010 is the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence initiative, among whose members are van hire firm Hertz Van Rental.

Until recently, the Van Excellence initiative has been targeted at fleet operators and transport managers, who attend a half-day training session and are then expected to implement the code across their fleet.

The Van Excellence Code is very much a cut-down version of the areas of competence an HGV certificate of professional competence (CPC) holder must demonstrate in order to run a lorry fleet. The focus on areas of responsibility such as van maintenance, load safety and driver compliance.

Van Excellence has now taken another step forward towards mirroring the regulation regime for HGVs by introducing a Certificate of Driver Competence. This appears to be similar in intent to the mandatory HGV drive Certificate of Professional Competence. The Van Excellence CDC focuses on a broad range of areas, including pre-use vehicle checkes, rules of the road, load safety and green and safe driving.

Like the HGV driver CPC, the FTA certificate has a three-year validity. Feedback from the inaugural course, which was attended by fleet management representatives rather than drivers, was positive.

Attendee Simon Pill, Iceland Foods Ltd Delivered Sales Project Manager said:

“The Van Excellence course was a really good day of learning, well facilitated and extremely useful.”

Another delegate, Andy Blythe, who is National Logistics Manager at Alliance Healthcare, commented:

“This is a terrific step forward for the van driver population and industry sector.”

I imagine that as with the HGV Driver CPC, many van drivers will think that the Van Excellence CDC certificate as being akin to teaching their grandmothers to suck eggs. Yet it might be preferable to a legally-required alternative.

I can see major fleets continuing to sign up to Van Excellence and to this new certification scheme for drivers, in order to improve the questionable reputation of ‘white van man’ and stave off the risk of further regulation. I’d imagine that it’s also a cost-effective way to help minimise liability under corporate manslaughter rules.

ISS Renault Master Tipper

Off-the-shelf conversion option helps Renault win 123-unit tipper order

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ISS Renault Master TipperOver the last few years, all the main van manufacturers have been rolling out ranges of off-the-shelf conversions.

These are converted chassis cab models with EU type approval which are available to order directly from main dealers.

Buying — say — a tipper in this way has obvious attractions for a fleet operator when compared to organising your own conversion and ensuring that the converter you are using is able to fit a type approved conversion to the base vehicle of your choice.

Given all of this, it’s no surprise that facility services provider ISS recently opted to buy 123 Renault Master Tippers for a new contract through the French firm’s off-the-shelf conversion programme.

ISS Renault Master Tipper

ISS has opted for the twin-wheel RWD Master in both medium-wheelbase single cab and long-wheelbase crew cab versions. The firm also bought a number of beavertail vehicles, such as the one pictured above.

The vehicles feature 45-degree rear-tipping ‘Scattolini’ bodies, fitted by accredited Renault supplier VFS, and each tipper has been specified with an optional heavy duty towing upgrade, allowing them to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, along with an electronic steering lock for added security.

Nigel Rowden ISS UK Group Fleet Manager said:

“ISS has been working with Renault for many years and as a strategic partner, they were able to deliver a seamless service, from order to delivery, at the best TCO, after stiff competition from our other suppliers, for the 123 tippers required to deliver this service to our new customer, around the UK.”

The Renault Master is available as a chassis cab or platform cab and with a variety of manufacturer approved conversions that give operators the unbeatable convenience of a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach to specifying their vehicle and choosing between different weights, lengths and engines.

In addition to the Tipper, ‘ready-made’ Master conversions include a Dropside, Box Van and Luton Loloader.

Caledonian Group Mercedes-Benz vans

Citan Sport scores company car role for Caledonian director

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I’ve written before about the success the Mercedes-Benz Citan is having in the small van market, especially with SMEs who value the combination of style, quality and status it offers.

The director of a Scottish civil engineering company has now taken things one step further and opted for a Citan Sport as his company car.

Caledonian Group Mercedes-Benz vans

Drew Matthews, who is director of Livingston-based civil engineering firm Caledonian Group, recently chose a long-bodied Citan Sport 11 CDI as his personal vehicle.

The new van was ordered alongside 2 new 5.0t Sprinter CDI vans and nine long and extra-long Citan 109 CDI vans for his crews to use.

Commenting on his choice, Mr Matthews said:

“It’s the ideal vehicle for me – practical, with a good load space, but also very comfortable, and a joy to drive. The air-conditioned cab is really well appointed and the Bluetooth system means I can communicate with staff and customers while I’m on the move.”

The Citan Sport is a specced-up model with considerable kerb and driver appeal. It includes a host of extras such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille, sidebar and tailgate trims, daytime running lights and colour-coded bumpers and door mirrors. Among the interior enhancements, meanwhile, are a leather steering wheel, special ‘Sport’ mats, air-conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity.

All of the new vans were fitted with safety systems including rear-view cameras, audible reversing warnings, beacon bars and Class 1 reflective markings by the supplying dealer.

New Thames Water Ford vans

Thames Water taps into new Ford CV range

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Ford has won a tender to supply Thames Water with around 900 new vans over the next three years.

New Thames Water Ford vans

The single-badge deal with Ford will see the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider taking vehicles from across the Ford commercial vehicle range – Fiesta Van, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger.

The first batch of 223 vans has been delivered to the company’s bases in London and south-east England, and will play a vital role in Thames Water’s provision of water services to its nine million customers.

The van fleet – consisting of Transit Custom, Transit Connect, Transit, Fiesta Van and Ford Ranger – is equipped and liveried at the Southall workshops of Bri-Stor Systems.

New Thames Water vans with Bri-Stor racking

Michelle Nasr, Thames Water’s fleet and transportation manager, said:

“Our fleet of 1,300 commercial vehicles is absolutely vital to the smooth running of our operations, and in maintaining the flow of 2,600 million litres of drinking water every day to our customers.”

The tender process was measured by whole-life costs, with Ford meeting all Thames Water’s vehicle requirements. Stephen Gafson, Ford direct sales manager, said:

“We are delighted to have won this new contract with Thames Water, and to have come out on top in the company’s very thorough review and tender process.”

British Gas Caddy 4 van

New Volkswagen Caddy wins 8,000-van British Gas deal

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British Gas has become one of the first big fleet customers for the new fourth generation Caddy van.

The firm, which is the UK’s largest domestic energy supplier, will take delivery of 8,000 new Caddy vans over the next three years, as part of a fleet replacement programme. The first 1,000 vans will be supplied this year.

British Gas Caddy 4 van

The new three year deal was awarded to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles thanks to the quality of vehicles and aftersales support already received by British Gas, which currently runs 8,500 Caddy models. With a sizeable, well-used fleet, whole life costs were essential to securing the new contract.

Converted to British Gas specification by Bri-stor, the fleet will be supported in the long term by Volkswagen’s extensive aftersales program. Engineers will be able to access any of the 71 Volkswagen Van Centres across the country for regular servicing to help reduce vehicle downtime, and ensure the business continues to run smoothly.

Colin Marriott, Fleet Manager at British Gas, commented:

“In order to provide a fantastic service to our customers, we depend on our fleet to travel the length and breadth of the country. It was the reliability of Volkswagen’s engineering and aftercare support that was once again a key factor when it came to renewing the fleet, and we look forward to taking delivery of the vehicles.”

 

Fire chiefs opt for Citans for fire prevention work

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Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

Two of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

The Mercedes-Benz Citan has chalked up another win in the competitive small van sector.

Fire chiefs in Scotland have drafted in a new fleet of 17 fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Citan small vans to help spread key safety messages.

The new vans replace previous models from another manufacturer and were supplied to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen.

Maintenance is being handled by the Dealer’s Service team, as well as in other workshops run by its parent company T.O.M.. This approach provides good geographic coverage across Scotland.

The new vans are all 90 hp Citan 109 CDI models with Long bodies, and assigned to fire prevention duties. They are used by officers who carry out risk assessments of commercial and public buildings, deliver safety demonstrations, and undertake door-to-door smoke alarm inspections in residential areas.

They may also be called into action to support front-line fire appliances at major incidents.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was formed in 2013, to replace the eight regional fire brigades which previously served the country.

Fleet Manager Scott Roberts, who was formerly responsible for those vehicles operated by the Tayside brigade, said:

“These are our first Citans but I know from experience that Mercedes-Benz vans are extremely reliable.

“We trialled vehicles in the same class from all of the main manufacturers and the quality and specification of the Citans was in a different league to their competitors. We were equally impressed with the attentive service we received from MBCV Aberdeen, and the extensive back-up network offered by T.O.M.”

About the Citan: The smallest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Vans range, the Citan is also available as a 75 hp 108 CDI, a 110 hp 111 CDI or a petrol-powered 114 hp Citan 112, and in Compact and Extra-long as well as Long body versions.

New Crafter vans deliver creature comforts for RSPCA

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RSPCA VW Crafter vanThe RSPCA has taken delivery of six new Volkswagen Crafter vans, customised to carry up to nine animals in individual cages.

Each van has also been vinyl wrapped in colourful designs chosen from amongst the winners in a national school competition.

The vans themselves are short wheelbase Crafter CR30 2.0-litre TDI 136 PS BlueMotion models. They’re expected to transports 20,000 animals in need of care each year, saving the charity a staggering £800,000 per year.

Inside, the new vans have been carefully-modified to meet the needs of the RSPCA.

Adjustments include the load-space being fully sealed with a spray-on waterproof liner in order to enable the charity’s workers to easily wash out the vans after use, as well as the roofs of the vans being fitted with a ‘Flettner Ventilator’, in order to provide the animals in the back with a constant stream of fresh air.

RSPCA VW Crafter van interior with cages

The Crafters have also each been fitted with a total of nine bespoke cages, which vary in size to suit all animals, from a small cat to a large dog. All cages also have removable partitions between them to allow the RSPCA to pick up and transport more ‘unusual’ passengers.

Operational benefits for the RSPCA include low whole-life and running costs, and a fuel efficient engine that returns 39.8 mpg (combined) and emits only 187g/km of CO2, helping to cut the charity’s fuel costs and reduce emissions.

RAC goes automatic with first UK spec new Vito

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RAC Mercedes VitoThe RAC has just taken delivery of the first right-hand drive Mercedes-Benz New Vito to roll off the German marque’s production line.

The van, which bears the private registration plate P1 RAC, will be used by RAC Patrol Ben Wilson, who has just been crowned as the RAC’s Patrol Ambassador of the Year.

Vitos have been a fixture in the RAC fleet since 2005, and the organisation remains a fan of the model. One reason for this is that it is available with rear-wheel drive, which is unusual in this size of van.

The RAC prefers rear-wheel drive as it provides superior traction for towing, using the fold-down towing trailer fitted as standard to RAC patrol vans. The Vito’s compact size makes it well suited to urban use, where the van can safely access multi-storey car parks when the light bar is folded down.

Interestingly, although AA vans use a similar fold-down towing frame, the AA doesn’t seem to have the same preference for rear-wheel drive: it has just taken delivery of 500 new front-wheel drive VW Transporter vans for its fleet.

RAC Vito towing car

Rear-wheel drive provides superior traction when towing, especially in the wet or when going uphill

Getting back to the RAC’s new Vito, a fairly high level of specification has been chosen.  The van is a 116 CDi long wheelbase, 3.2t model, powered by a 163 hp Euro 6 BlueTEC engine. Power is transmitted to the wheels via Mercedes’ optional 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox. This is unique in the van sector for being a (traditional) torque converter automatic with seven gears and is an interesting choice, for the RAC.

The vehicle carries the RAC’s distinctive orange livery, and has been racked out by Bri-Stor systems to carry a full inventory of 500 tools and parts that each RAC patrol carries, as well as fuel and a special folding trailer for cars that require towing.

The RAC is currently in talks to acquire a further 42 New Vitos, all of which will be equipped with automatic transmissions.

Michelin CrossClimate all-season tyre wins landmark 13,000 van fleet deal

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British Gas van with Michelin CrossClimate all-season tyreI’m a huge fan of all-season tyres. For the majority of UK motorists, switching between summer and winter tyres twice a year just isn’t worthwhile.

Despite this, the traffic chaos that results from even the tiniest amount of snow proves that as a nation, we do have a traction problem when frozen water is involved.

I have all-season tyres fitted to both the vehicles in my household (one van and one car) and they’ve proved their worth more than once in winter conditions, providing grip while cars with summer tyres were visibly sliding around.

I’m certain they prevented at least one crash last winter. At the same time, they perform well in summer.

However, for reasons I cannot understand, all-season tyres are not widely available in the UK. Mainstream tyre retailers like Kwik-Fit only seem to offer summer and winter tyres. I think it’s a marketing thing — I was once told by a Goodyear PR person that they were not interested in selling their all-season tyres in the UK. (I buy mine through mytyres.co.uk, which is a German company shipping to fitting centres in the UK. All-season tyres are widely sold in Europe.)

Luckily, this short-sighted approach is starting to change. Earlier this year, Michelin launched the CrossClimate, a new type of all-season tyre that has received rave reviews and proved to be the equal of both winter and summer tyres in the highly-regarded German TUV and DEKRA tests.

The main difference between the CrossClimate and other all-season tyres is said to be that the CrossClimate is a summer tyre adapated to work in winter, whereas most all-season tyres are winter tyres adapted to work in summer. This means they often work less well in summer than in winter. My experience chimes with this, although the difference is slight, in my view.

However, perhaps the biggest difference is that Michelin has got its act together and is actively marketing the CrossClimate in the UK, to both fleet and retailer buyers.

Michelin’s latest big win is a deal to fit the CrossClimate to 13,000 British Gas vans. The tyres will be fitted as original equipment where possible and aftermarket needs will be taken care of by ATS Euromaster, which has previously described the CrossClimate as a “true game-changer” for the UK fleet sector.

The CrossClimate tyre is currently available in 23 dimensions, covering 76% of all car and car-derived van tyres in sizes from 15 to 17 inches, with Michelin to launch additional sizes next year.

I assume this means that the CrossClimate will be fitted to British Gas’s VW Caddy and similar vans, but not to larger models like the Transit and VW Transporter, as these would require larger, commercial-rated tyres.

Like all good all-season tyres and winter tyres, the CrossClimate carries the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) approval symbol, which means it is approved for use in countries where winter tyre use is a legal requirement at certain times of year.

Michelin appears to have raised the bar in the all-season tyre market and almost single-handedly introduced this type of tyre to the UK market. This is good news for motorists, and it will be interesting now to see how other manufacturers respond.