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It’s worth noting that while the Fiat Doblò is outdated, the Vauxhall Combo is even more so.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

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Questor Insurance logoWith prices from just £6.19 per day, excess insurance from Questor Insurance is already one of the cheapest ways to insure the excess on your car or van hire.

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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.

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Questor Insurance logoWe’ve teamed up with vehicle hire excess insurance specialist Questor Insurance to offer vanrental.co.uk customers a great discount in April.

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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.

Harrods Nissan e-NV200 electric van

Harrods offers electric delivery with Nissan e-NV200 vans

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Harrods has made history by adding an electric van to its fleet — 100 years after the iconic London department store’s first electric vans hit the road.

Harrods Nissan e-NV200 electric van

Harrods’ Nissan e-NV200 electric van alongside its historic American Walker electric van

The new van is — of course — a Nissan e-NV200. But it’s incredible to realise that back in 1919, Harrods delivery drivers were motoring around London in American Walker electric vans. The company then went on to build its own fleet of 60 electric vehicles to deliver to London customers.

It was only when the petrol engine became increasingly popular that Harrods dropped electric power and switched to the internal combustion engine.

Guy Cheston, Media Sales Director at Harrods said:

“It’s wonderful to see an electric Harrods van on the roads of London again. As one of Britain’s largest established department stores, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and mitigating our environmental footprint. As part of our carbon and energy management policy, we have identified transportation as a key area where we can make a real impact.

Harrods Nissan e-NV200 — a single van so far — has been wrapped in the store’s unmistakable green and gold livery and fitted out inside with shelving units and refrigeration to enable it to deliver fresh groceries in perfect condition.

According to Nissan, the e-NV200 can cover up to 106 miles on a single charge, meaning that it may only need to be charged once a week by Harrods.

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.

London Taxi Company opening

London Taxi Company plans range extended electric van

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The London Taxi Company has made headlines recently after opening a £300m new factory in Ansty, near Coventry. The firm’s new range-extended black cab is expected to go on sale later in 2017, but London Taxi and its Chinese parent firm Geely have their eye firmly set on a bigger prize — the van market.

The firm has announced that the second vehicle to roll off its new production line in Ansty will be a range-extended electric van. Aimed at the urban market, this model is expected to help cut running costs and reduce pollution in urban areas.

London Taxi Company opening

A new London Taxi Company range-extended electric tax at the opening of the firm’s new £300m plant at Ansty, Coventry.

Chris Gubbey, CEO of the London Taxi Company said: 

“This is going to be the future proofed ’white van’ that people have been waiting for. Designed solely for the urban commercial sector, dedicated to the people who keep our cities working, it will be clean, competitive and ready for cities of the future.”

There’s certainly an opportunity here for the company, in my opinion. I believe van manufacturers have been slow to take advantage of the potential for petrol and range-extended van models.

The new van will be built on the same range-extended EV platform as the London Taxi. That makes sense — it doesn’t take much imagination to see how a platform built for black cab use could be converted into a van that’s comparable in size to a Ford Transit Custom, for example.

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Blackburn, Preston & Wigan van hire: Easirent

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Easirent.com logoI’m pleased to announce three new additions to our branch database. Easirent operates car and van hire branches in Blackburn, Preston and Wigan.

Easirent has been in business for 25 years and prides itself on providing a high quality branch service supported by expert local staff. The company’s Preston, Wigan and Blackburn branches offer a comprehensive range of vans across the follow classes:

  • Small vans (e.g. Citroen Berlingo)
  • Medium vans (e.g. Ford Transit Custom SWB)
  • Long vans (e.g. Peugeot Boxer)
  • Extra-long wheelbase vans (e.g. Volkswagen Crafter)
  • 3.5t crew cab tippers
  • 3.5t dropside (single cab/crew cab)
  • 3.5t luton box vans with tail lift
  • Double cab pickups

To get a quote or make a booking, contact Easirent directly:

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