Fiat Professional Fields Large Display At CV Show

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Fiat Scudo Crew Van

The new Fiat Professional Scudo Crew Van, which will be on display at the Birmingham CV Show from 9-11 April 2013

Fiat Professional will be fielding an impressive seven-vehicle display on its stand at the Birmingham CV Show, with further vehicles displayed outside.

The display is intended to demonstrate the breadth of Fiat’s range, especially its range of conversions. The display on Fiat’s indoor stand at Birmingham will include the following vans:

  • Scudo Crew Van (NEW)
  • Ducato  Van  Tecnico
  • Ducato Tipper (NEW)
  • Doblò Work Up
  • Doblò XL Cargo
  • Fiorino Cargo
  • Fiorino Crew Van  (NEW)

Outdoors, one of the vehicles on display will be Ducato Luton, showcasing another conversion on this popular base vehicle.

New Scudo Crew Van

Fiat Professional’s new Scudo Crew Van is powered by Fiat’s 2.0 MultiJet 130hp engine and is available on both short and long wheelbase bodies. The Scudo Crew Van has been developed with Snoeks Automotive, a leading European specialist in this sector that produces a range of double cab conversions for popular vans. The Scudo conversion will offer six seats and a semi-glazed configuration with the specific components being supplied by Snoeks and assembled directly on the assembly line.

The rear cabin features a comfortable three seat bench which has individual head rests and each seat has a three-point seatbelt. The rear seats feature the same upholstery as that of the front seats. A bulkhead with window is positioned behind the rear seats providing protection against load intrusion into the cabin.

Ducato Conversions

Fiat Professional will be exhibiting two Ducato conversions at the show, the new Ducato Tipper, and a Ducato Luton conversion by Trucksmith Vehicle Body Builders on display outside.

The new Ducato Tipper is based on a MWB chassis and has been developed with VFS (Southampton) Ltd, a leading commercial vehicle converter specialising in high quality Tipper and Dropside conversions. Further details will be available at the show.

The popular and Ducato Tecnico panel van model will also be on display — I’ve written about this edition before and it does seem good value and attractively specified.

The Birmingham CV Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 9-11 April 2013. Visit www.cvshow.com for more details.

APC Overnight Takes Delivery of 200th Citroën Relay

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Citroën Relay in APC Overnight livery

One of Delivered’s Citroën Relays in APC Overnight livery.

APC Overnight, the UK’s largest next-day parcel delivery network, now has 200 Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual panel vans in service. The landmark 200th Relay is one of five purchased by Delivered, one of APC Overnight’s largest members, with depots at High Wycombe, Slough and Reading.

Martin Cavendish, Delivered’s Group Operations Manager, explains:

“These latest Citroëns are the first we have bought through the special APC Overnight members’ arrangement with Citroën Coventry. This allows us to buy our new Relays and operate them for four years, which is financially advantageous, saving a considerable amount of money compared with leasing or contract hiring other makes of vehicle. We have a lot of operating experience with Citroën vans and know they can cover very high mileages economically and reliably.”

During their four years’ service with Delivered, the new vans will cover some 120,000 miles. They will form part of the company’s fleet, which delivers around 3,000 parcels per day. This intensive stop/start operation can see the Relays carry out up to 100 deliveries and collections per day. Delivered is responsible for APC Overnight consignments within an area that includes West London and parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Delivered’s five new Relays are to APC Overnight’s specification, with a full steel bulkhead, Bluetooth® and rear parking sensors added to the vans’ comprehensive standard specification, which includes Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. Supplying dealer, Citroën Coventry, has also liveried all the Delivered Relays in APC Overnight’s striking colours.

APC Overnight members are independent locally-owned businesses and operate some 115 depots throughout the UK. Collectively they handle more than 1,000,000 parcels per month.

Fife Council Buys 30 Volkswagen Crafter Vans for Grounds Fleet

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Volkswagen Crafter panel vanFife Council has purchased a further 30 Volkswagen Crafter large vans, as part of its vehicle replacement programme.

Andrew Salmond, Fife Council’s Fleet Officer, cited the Crafter’s quality, towing ability and size as key factors in the decision to buy the vans, which will be used by the Council’s Parks and Countryside department as part of its ground maintenance fleet:

“The capacity and reliability of the vehicles was instrumental in the procurement process.  We have a number of vehicles in use across the region and have always been pleased with the performance of the Crafter.”

The Crafter is the largest model in the Volkswagen van range, offering load volumes from 7.5 m3 to 17 m3, payloads from 1,544 kg to 2,693 kg, and efficient BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology engines delivering combined fuel consumption of up to 39.8 mpg and a potential range of over 650 miles.

One of Kirkcaldy-based Fife Council’s requirements is that it is suitable for towing — presumably small plant trailers and the like. As a rear-wheel drive model (it’s based on the Sprinter platform), the Crafter should perform well as a towing vehicle, offering superior traction and stability when compared to front-wheel drive models.

Retail prices for the Crafter range start from £21,050 (plus VAT), or from £309 a month (plus VAT and initial rental) with the current contract hire and finance lease offer, including a £1,000 initial rental contribution from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Finance.  The Crafter range includes panel and window vans, single or double chassis cabs, and tipper or dropside bodies.

Used Van Values Hit Record Levels In February

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BCA auction used van saleUsed van values reached a new record in February, according to the latest data from auction specialists BCA, with big increases in the sale values of ex-fleet and lease vans overriding a small drop in the value of dealer part-exchange vans.

The average February figure of £4,789 for LCVs was the highest on record for any month since Pulse began reporting in 2005. Average age rose by two months to 58.5 months, while average mileage declined by 2,000 miles to 78,700 miles.

Duncan Ward BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles commented commented:

“Despite values being at record levels, prices are high largely as a result of the constricted supply, and – seasonal variations aside – we should expect a similar picture across much of 2013.”

“While stock remains in short supply, corporate vendors are enjoying some exceptional values. We know from experience that values cannot keep rising and there will inevitably be an adjustment at some stage.  However, we are still in uncharted waters four years on from the registration crash of 2008 and 2009 and how this will manifest itself is impossible to judge at this stage.  With the Easter break often representing a watershed in demand, we might see some pressure on values in April.”

BCA LCV used values Feb 2013

Used van values reached their highest level since BCA Pulse records began in 2005.

Year-on-year, February 2013 was ahead by £517 or 12.1%, with age and mileage rising over the period:

All vans Avg Age Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Feb 2012 56.46 76,768 £4,272 98.23%
Feb 2013 58.55 78,770 £4,789 103.05%

Fleet & lease vans

Following a 1% rise in January and a 5.2% rise in December, values in the fleet & lease LCV sector improved again in February, rising by £386 (7.1%) to £5,823 – the third consecutive month where a record average value has been achieved for corporate CV stock.  Performance against CAP improved by a point to 103.3%, while retained value against Manufacturer Recommended Price improved by over two points to 34.9% from 32.7% in January.

Year-on-year, the value evolution for corporate stock is even more pronounced – February 2013 was £875 (17.6%) ahead of the same month in 2012 – with average age and mileage reasonably stable.

Fleet/Lease Avg Age Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Feb 2012 44.51 70,666 £4,948 98.06%
Feb 2013 44.22 69,093 £5,823 102.30%

BCA Pulse data for fleet and lease van sales Feb 2013

Part-exchange vans

February part-exchange values were the third highest since Pulse began reporting in 2005, despite falling back by £101 (3.1%) to £3,095 compared to January.   CAP comparisons improved by half a point to 105.3% and continue to outperform the fleet & lease sector by around three points.  Year-on-year values remain well ahead by £325 or 11.7%, with average age and mileage rising in 2013.

Part-Ex Avg Age Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Feb 2012 78.35 89,587 £2,770 98.56%
Feb 2013 81.30 96,089 £3,095 105.34%

BCA Pulse data for part-ex van sales Feb 2013

Nearly-new vans

Nearly-new values fell back in February for the third consecutive month, averaging £9,431.  CAP performance improved by three points to 101.6%.  As always, this has to be taken in the context of the very low volumes reaching the market and the model mix factor.

SNAFU?

Overall, these statistics paint a picture of a market that’s ever so slightly messed up. New van registrations remain subdued and nearly-new vans are in desperately short supply, meaning that buyers will pay over the odds for good ex-fleet and lease stock. Meanwhile, dealer part-ex stock that may be pretty tatty is continuing to fetch well over CAP.

The biggest problem, as Duncan Ward commented, is that there is no quick way of resolving this situation. Even in the unlikely event that new van registrations continue to rise, it will take three or four years for this improved supply to filter through to the used market — during which period used van buyers will continue to have to pay more and get less for their money.

I guess perhaps the secret is to buy well and extend replacement cycles — but that isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Van Registrations Up 11.8% in February as Buyers Choose Small Vans

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Van registrations rose by 11.8% to 9,149 in February compared to February 2012, lifting overall commercial vehicle registrations (vans and trucks) by 5.4%, despite a 16.3% fall in new truck registrations.

UK van and truck registrations: 2013 and % change on 2012

February % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 9,149 11.8% 25,198 11.9% 242,318 -4.8%
Trucks 2,187 -16.3% 5,069 -18.2% 44,572 -0.1%
Total 11,336 5.0% 30,267 5.4% 286,890 -4.1%

(Data courtesy of SMMT)

Nigel Base, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager said that it was “a complex picture”:

“The commercial vehicle industry’s good start to 2013 continued into February, rising 5% as the van market grew 11.8% on last year, but it’s a complex picture. The truck market declined 16%, perhaps as owners and operators adjust buying decisions ahead of key landmarks in the year –  this month’s Budget, the CV Show in April and introduction of Euro 6 legislation at the end of the year.”

Van registrations in more detail

A closer look at the van registration figures show some interesting trends.

Pickup sales continued their strong start to the year, rising by 72.2% in February to give a 44.8% rise for the year to date, during which time 4×4 sales have fallen by 4.2%.

In terms of ‘proper’ vans, the biggest increase this year has been in the 2.0t – 2.5t category, where registrations have risen by 21.8% so far. Vans in this weight range include the Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect.

In contrast, registrations of vans with a GVW of 2.5t – 3.5t have only risen by 4.4% so far this year, highlighting the growing popularity of smaller models over larger alternatives like the Peugeot Expert and Ford Transit.

Network Rail’s New Iveco Daily 4x4s Corner Like They’re on Rails…

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Iveco Daily 4x4 Road Rail Vehicle

One of Network Rail’s new Iveco Daily 4×4 Road Rail Vehicles.

Network Rail is adding 29 Iveco Daily 4×4 Road Rail Vehicles (RRV) to its support fleet. Each vehicle has been specially adapted by Burton on Trent-based LH Access Technology to operate not only on-road and off-road, but also on the railways.

Network Rail’s responsibility for maintaining the majority of the UK’s rail network — which is used by 800 million passengers every year — means that these vehicles, which can drive on both roads and railway lines, will save time by enabling teams to drive straight onto the track, speeding up the time taken to get from an access point to the actual worksite.

In turn, this helps to reduce the time crews are on-site and means essential repairs cause less disruption to rail passengers.

The 5.5 tonne Daily 55S17DW chassis crew cabs will be used for carrying crew and materials directly to site for general maintenance activities. A flexible bodywork structure allows each vehicle to be adapted for a series of possible applications, with options including a crane and a cable drum dispenser.

Prior to entering service, the first Daily 4×4 was put through a rigorous 100 hours of testing to ensure its complete reliability on a section of test track in Nottinghamshire. This saw the Daily operated backwards and forwards, up and down the track continually, checking every component was functioning as expected.  The customer then carried out detailed compliance testing to ensure the vehicle could safely navigate over switches and crosses, over high check rails, down gradients, as well as being able to easily get on and off the track. The testing phase also included braking trials on the rails in both dry and wet conditions, to ensure the vehicle is fully fit for purpose.

Equipped with a factory-built crew cab, the Daily 4×4 can accommodate a driver and two crew in the front, and a further four crew in the rear section of the cabin, with each seat featuring a full headrest.  The cab roof is also fitted with a series of floodlights to meet the requirements for conducting track inspections.

The Daily 4x4s have been supplied through Sheffield-based Iveco dealer Sherwood Truck & Van and are powered by a 3.0 litre FPT Industrial engine, capable of producing up to 170 hp between 2,990 and 3,500 rev/min, and up to 400 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,990 rev/min, driven through a six speed synchromesh gearbox.

Great Wall Launches Two New Steed Pick-Up Models

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Great Wall Steed Chrome edition

The Great Wall Steed Chrome edition, on sale now priced £14,998 +VAT

Great Wall has just launched two new versions of its top value pick-up, the Steed. The two special edition models – the ‘Steed Chrome’ and ‘Steed Tracker’ both go on sale in March.

Building on the impressive array of standard equipment found on the entry-level Steed S, both models represent outstanding value for money, offering savings of at least £800 over the accessories purchased individually.

The Steed’s recently uprated towing capacity of 2,500kg (braked) and a 1,050kg maximum payload make it the ideal load-lugger both off-road and on it. This is one of the highest towing capacities available for this class of vehicle in the UK.

Featuring a host of interior and exterior styling upgrades, the Steed Chrome is aimed at tradesmen and private users wanting to stand out from the crowd, but not needing to do any serious off-road driving.

In addition to the standard Steed S equipment list, it adds chrome side bars and sports bars, chrome fog-lamp surrounds, chrome rear-lamp finishers, stainless-steel door entry guards, an over-rail bedliner, tinted windows, metallic paint and carpet floor mats.

The Steed Tracker is aimed at drivers planning to use the vehicle off-road, for towing and for dirty work, and includes special fit General Grabber All-Terrain Tyres, an over-rail bedliner, a towbar with audible monitor, front and rear mud flaps, rubber mats and metallic paint.

Both special editions also come with the wealth of standard features that are fitted to the Steed S, including 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a full leather interior.

“Since it was launched last year, the Steed has always represented outstanding value for money both to buy and own, and the introduction of these two special editions underlines the vehicle’s status as Britain’s best-value double-cab pick-up,” comments Hadyn Davies of Great Wall Motor UK. 

“The Chrome and Tracker have been created to suit a variety of Great Wall customers.  The Chrome will appeal to the individual or small business looking for a pick-up with real visual impact, while the Tracker is a dedicated workhorse with a host of rugged and robust additional features,” he concludes.

All Steeds are powered by Great Wall’s 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel powerplant that delivers combined cycle fuel economy of 34.0 mpg, as well as a low-range gearbox and a ‘shift on the fly’ four-wheel-drive system that can be selected by the driver when the terrain becomes challenging.

For further details on the full Great Wall range, including the Steed Chrome and Steed Tracker, please visit www.greatwallmotor.co.uk.

VW to Show Concept Electric Van at Geneva Motor Show

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Volkswagen e-Co-Motion concept electric van

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion concept electric van

Volkswagen is to show an electric concept van, named the e-Co-Motion, at next week’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Yesterday, I took a look at Nissan’s electric van ambitions — the company reckons that nearly half of UK van drivers might be able to use an electric van to do their job, based on a daily mileage of less than 100 miles.

However, Nissan isn’t the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to have spotted this opportunity, and Volkswagen has been working hard on an electric van design too — although this one is only in concept stage, whereas Nissan’s eNV200 is almost ready for production.

Here’s how Volkswagen’s Brand Board spokesman, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, sees the future:

“Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world’s megacities. Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits.  Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.  Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance.”

Volkswagen’s e-Co-Motion will be on show at the Geneva International Motor Show next week and is likely to draw some attention. It looks similar to the current model Transporter and is similar in size, too, at 4.55m long, 2m high and with a payload of 800kg, or 4.6 cubic metres.

The e-Co-Motion is designed to be flexible and allow a range of body types, built on top of a core drivetrain and battery system that is built below the cargo floor.

There’s no word yet on whether the e-Co-Motion will make it into production, but I suspect that Volkswagen may allow other companies to warm up the electric van market in advance of its  arrival — as yet, demand is pretty weak for electric vans, due to high costs, charging restrictions and range anxiety.

48% of Van Drivers Could Use an Electric Van

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Nissan e-NV200 electric van

Nissan eNV200 electric van

According to a new survey, 48% of van drivers do less than 100 miles per day, suggesting that they could use an electric van without compromising practicality or scheduling.

Nissan is making a big push into the UK van market, and one of its main differentiators is a market-ready production electric van, the eNV200, which has been extensively trialled, received great feedback, and is due to go on sale in the not-too-distant future.

To help promote the case for electric vans, which I think has already been well proven, Nissan performed this survey* to gather information about van drivers’ habits, quirks and working practices.

One key finding was that 48% of those questioned drive less than 100 miles a day, which according to Nissan means that they could switch their van to an eNV200 electric van without encountering risking flat batteries mid-delivery or having to change their delivery routes.

Just 26% drive more than 200 miles a day, highlighting the fact that the majority of vans are used for local work, where electric vehicles could be very successful — assuming you have somewhere to plug them in and charge them at the end of the day. Many small businesses don’t.

Clean-living music

Not surprisingly, 63% of drivers said they couldn’t live without their radio in their vehicle and when they tune in, 23% choose Radio 2. Surprisingly more van drivers listen to Classic FM than Radio 5 Live and 7% list Talk Sport as their favourite station.

Commenting on the survey results, Jon Pollock, Nissan’s corporate sales director said:

“Van drivers have been given some unfair press in the past which is why we wanted to build up a real picture of what they do, how they think and the features they value on their van. Our research says they are health conscious, hardworking and loyal individuals.”

 

Nissan’s research also found that cleanliness is next to godliness, in driving terms at least — 92% of drivers said they feel better when driving a clean vehicle, and three out of four (72%) believe it actually makes them a better driver.

Ageing healthy eaters!

Finally no mention of white van man would be complete without a visit to the burger van — or should that be the kitchen? Nissan found that just 15% of van drivers claim to prefer a burger or take away when on the road, while a whopping 32% take a packed lunch, and 8% like a bit of fruit whilst on the road.

However, the survey found that 39% of those questioned were over 45, suggesting that companies aren’t recruiting many young drivers — something which could cause a driver shortage further down the line.

*250 van drivers were questioned.

Renault Masters Amber Windows Fleet in Solus Deal

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Renault Master in Amber Windows livery

One of Amber Windows’ new Renault Master vans, which are replacing Peugeot and Ford vans on the company’s fleet.

Leading Midlands double glazing and home improvement company, Amber Windows, is to replace its entire fleet with new Renault Masters.

The company has taken delivery of its first phase of Renault Master 125 hp long wheel base vans, through Renault Trucks Midlands, replacing the Peugeot vans on its fleet.

Amber Windows intends to replace its remaining fleet, a mix of Peugeot and Ford, with more Renault Masters later in the year.

The new Renault Masters, a mix of medium and high roof vehicles, will deliver the company’s own glass products, including windows, doors, conservatories, guttering & roofline and solar panels, from its manufacturing plant in Birmingham to customers across the Midlands and into Sheffield, Stockport and Milton Keynes.

Eddie Taylor, Director, Amber Windows, says:

“We wanted to update our fleet with a larger, stronger vehicle and the Renault Master ticks all the boxes. It is a sturdy but lightweight van which, combined with the longer wheelbase, gives us much better payload.”

“We are extremely pleased with how the Renaults are performing so far and are looking forward to completing the all Renault line-up in the near future.”