Nissan NV300 van and minibus

Nissan NV300 now on sale in UK showrooms

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The new Nissan NV300 is now on sale in UK dealers, with prices starting from £21,300 +VAT.

Nissan NV300 van and minibus

The new Nissan NV300 van and minibus

Like its predecesoor, the Nissan Primastar, the NV300 is of course based on the Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro. But as I’ve mentioned before, it enjoys one very special advantage over these two European models: a five-year/100,000 mile warranty.

Renaut and Vauxhall only offer a four-year warranty, so all else being equal (and it pretty much is) you might as well plump for the NV300, in my opinion. Certainly, if I was equally close to a Nissan and (say) a Renault dealer, I’d probably opt for the Nissan.

The new NV300 fills the gap between Nissan’s in-house small van, the NV200, and the Renault Master-based NV400. Available from all 220 of Nissan’s UK dealers, the NV300 is available in three trim levels and as a panel van, crew van, minibus or chassic cab version.

Panel van customers can choose between short and long wheelbase and two roof heights, while a choice of tailgate or barn doors is also available to suit different usage scenarios. All the panel van models are able to carry at least three Europallets.

The NV300 is powered by Nissan’s popular 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine, available in a choice of 95hp, 120hp, 125hp and 145hp power outputs. All models have a six-speed manual gearbox and fuel consumption can be as high as 50.4mpg.

Service intervals have been extended to two years/25,000 miles, in order to minimise the total cost of ownership. That may be good news for the van’s first owner. But as I’ve said before, my personal opinion is that two years and 25,000 miles is too long for any vehicle to go without a mechanical inspection or a change of oil.

That’s just my opinion. Just don’t expect me to rush to buy a four-year old van, that’s only ever had one oil change, and has spent most of its life doing short urban journeys with lots of cold starts.

Lyreco Renault Master

Office supplies firm gives new Master stamp of approval

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Office supply firm Lyreco has updated its UK fleet with 172 new Renault Master vans. The marque replaces another brand in the fleet, and will be used to deliver items from Lyreco’s 10,000+ catalogue of office and workplace supplies.

Lyreco Renault Master

One of Lyreco’s new Renault Master vans

Lyreco is a long-standing partner of Renault. These new vans were chosen after Lyreco engaged ERA Fleet Cost Management to conduct a tender including other manufacturers and suppliers. The Renault Masters replace vehicles from another brand and won the tender based on their whole life costs, impressive payload and the reliability of the other Renault vehicles that Lyreco operates.

Nick Dacey, Logistics Director, Lyreco, emphasised that the Masters were chosen under competitive circumstances:

“Although we have a long relationship with Renault, we still like to re-evaluate our fleet on a regular basis and, once again, the Renault Master has proved to be ahead of its rivals and the ideal fit for our requirements.”

With a maximum payload of 1,530kg from the factory, Lyreco’s Renault Masters have been supplied in (LM35) Long wheelbase, medium roof specification. All feature the French firm’s 135hp 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine and are specified with front-wheel drive, maximising load space and payload and providing a driver-friendly low floor for easy loading and unloading.

All of Lyreco’s new Masters have been specified in Business trim, which includes standard features as a DAB radio with Bluetooth, electric front windows, remote central locking, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend; an advanced electronic traction control system which acts on the vehicle’s driven wheels to optimise traction on loose surfaces.

BCA van auction October 2016

Used van prices hit new record in October as age and mileage fall further

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Used van prices hit high of £6,368 in October, according to BCA. The auctioneer said that the figure was the highest since its began reporting monthly sales in 2005.

BCA van auction October 2016

BCA said that sales around its UK-wide network of sites were “exceptionally strong”, with average values rising 3.8% (£238) over the month. The average LCV value in October was 12.8% higher than at the same point last year.

As I always point out in these articles, it’s important to look at rising prices in the context of falling average age and mileage, as well as varying model mix. Here’s how age and mileage have changed over the last year:

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value
Oct 2015 56.18 77,059 £5,654
Oct 2016 53.83 70,966 £6,378

Source: BCA

The average LCV sold by BCA in October was three months newer and had 6,000 fewer miles than one year ago.  So you’d expect buyers to be paying more. These figures tend to confirm what we’ve been seeing for a while, which is that fleet refresh cycles are continuing to trend lower — or perhaps normalising — as the financial crisis becomes more of a distant memory.

Figures for the fleet and lease sector show that average age has fallen by nearly three months over the last year, while average mileage has fallen by 9,000 miles. This big drop in mileage may be why these desirable vans are fetching a higher proportion of their original book price:

Fleet/Lease Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs MRP
Oct 2015 42.78 71,629 £6,427 33.43%
Oct 2016 40.47 62,657 £7,190 36.63%

Source: BCA

BCA’s Head of Commercial Vehicles, Duncan Ward, commented:

“With recent surveys suggesting improved confidence in small business sectors, an expanding economy according to the ONS and a relative shortage of good quality stock, there is plenty of demand in the used van market.  Both professional buyers and end users are bidding confidently across a range of makes, models and configurations with lots of competition for LCVs that are in ready-to-retail condition.  Values for the best examples will outstrip price guide expectations by a considerable margin.”

“As the Christmas season approaches, online retailers will place increasing demands on the parcel delivery and courier sector, and we expect to see continued interest for larger panel vans over the next few weeks.  The budget van sector is also buoyant, with average values for part-exchange stock rising to the second highest point on record in October.”

Mr Ward’s point about part-exchange stock rising in value suggests small couriers may be buying cheap vans to provide extra capacity for the festive delivery season. One imagines the vans will then be sold off again in the New Year.

One-way van hire to Spain: Vans Europe One Way

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Vans Europe One Way logoOne of the most popular specialist services on vanrental.co.uk is One Way Van Hire to Spain.

So I’m very pleased to introduce our newest advertiser, Vans Europe One Way (VEO).

VEO has depots in Sawston, Cambridgeshire and in Barcelona. It’s the sister company of well-established Cambridgeshire van hire operator, Cambridge Van Rentals.

Vans Europe One Way offers a choice of short wheelbase vans, long wheelbase vans, and luton vans for one-way hire to Europe. Pick-up and drop-off services are available by arrangement, and the company can also provide professional drivers.

Pets are welcome to travel with customers and VEO offers a full European removal service for customers who don’t want to take on the whole job themselves.

For more information, contact Vans Europe One Way directly:

  • Web: www.vans-europe-oneway.com
  • Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 83 99 24 (UK) or +34 622 092 310 (Spain)
  • Email: info@vans-europe-oneway.com

 

If you’d like to see your van rental business listed on vanrental.co.uk, check out our range of advertising options here, or contact us directly.

McQueens Dairies VW Transporter LWB dropside

McQueens milkmen shop in Germany for perfect VW conversion

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Milk delivery firm McQueens Dairies has decided to go direct to source for its latest 80-van order. The company has orders 80 Volkswagen Transporter dropside vans for its UK delivery drivers to use.

McQueens Dairies VW Transporter LWB dropside

Some of McQueens Dairies’ current long wheelbase VW Transporter dropside vans.

It’s a relatively unusual base vehicle for a dropside in the UK — the Transit is the most common choice. McQueens’ vans are even more unusual because the firm has specified the long wheelbase variant. It’s for this reason that the vans will be converted to McQueens’ specification in Germany before being delivered to the UK.

Discussing the order, Calum McQueen, Commercial Director at McQueens Dairies, said:

“We couldn’t be happier about bringing in 80 Volkswagen Transporter dropside vans. They have proved time and time again to be the best commercial vehicle for our business.

“Having them specifically converted for us in Germany demonstrates how committed we are in our long-term partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. We know we will always get the best vehicle possible for the job.”

McQueens Dairies previously had a mixed fleet of 100 vehicles before replacing the majority with the 80 Volkswagen LWB dropside vans, and plans to expand its fleet before the end of the year.

 

LCV best sellers - October 2016

UK van registrations dip in October, but Ford maintains market stranglehold

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Demand for new vans fell by 4.5% to 26,950 units in October, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). But total registrations for the year-to-date remain up by 2.0%, according to the trade organisation.

October’s figures suggest that total registrations were dragged down by a significant fall in sub-2.0t and 2.5-3.5t models:

New van registrations October 2016

New van registrations October 2016 (source: SMMT)

The SMMT figures for 2016 so far show that both sub-2.0t and 2.0-2.5t vans have seen a fall in registrations this year. Only 2.5-3.5t models have seen overall gains:

New van registrations YTD Oct 2016

New van registrations year-to-date Oct 2016 (source: SMMT)

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

“Following the sector’s very strong performance in 2015, a levelling off in demand was expected, so this month’s decline comes as no surprise. Overall, the market remains robust, with the number of van registrations in the first 10 months of 2016 outperforming any other year on record. Maintaining business confidence for LCV operators will be critical to this sector’s future performance.”

I agree that some flattening off of the market was likely after last year’s bumper performance. It will be interesting to see how much further sales trends have to fall before reaching stable levels.

October’s best sellers

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Ford retained its position as the UK’s best-selling LCV brand in October. Running a distant second was Volkswagen. Here’s a rundown of the full top ten for October and for 2016 to date:

LCV best sellers - October 2016

LCV best sellers – October 2016 (source: SMMT)

Van sales may be falling, but with more than 30% of the market, Ford’s position appears unassailable.

Vauxhall Movano police van

Vauxhall locks up police market with new cop car factory

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Vauxhall apparently has a 70% share of the UK police fleet market. The Luton-based firm used to prepare the police-spec vehicles at a facility in Millbrook, Bedfordshire but has now opened a purpose-built cop car conversion factory in Luton.

Vauxhall Movano police van

All Vauxhall police vehicles are converted at the firm’s dedicated new factory in Luton.

Vauxhall’s Combo, Vivaro (which is built just round the corner) and Movano vans are a popular choice with UK police fleets, as are its cars. The new factory will convert 2,500 vehicles per year for police, fire and ambulance services around the UK.

The good news is that the new factory has created 50 new jobs in the Luton area and will source 90% of the materials used in the conversions from local UK firms. Vauxhall is the only manufacturer to offer a one-stop shop for blue-light vehicles. Testing, converting and even decommissioning and remarketing are all done in house.

Vauxhall police Vivaros

Vauxhall Vivaro vans converted for UK police forces

Police vehicle specifications have changed rapidly in recent years, mainly in terms of the data and connectivity police expect to have available at their fingertips wherever they are. New police vehicles are fitted with technology such as 4G Wi-Fi and rugged Toughbook tablets. All of the preparation needed for this is taken care of by Vauxhall.

“Through our flexible production facility, Vauxhall is able to offer a one-stop shop purchasing experience to UK emergency services,” said Dick Ellam, Vauxhall’s Manager, Special Vehicles.

“We can deliver a wide choice of car and van models, specifically designed and rigorously-tested to meet the stringent demands of our emergency services. We can also supply turn-key vehicle solutions that enable rapid turnaround of replacement vehicles, plus we can now offer a unique in-house de-commissioning and re-marketing service.”

That’s what I call an insider job.

Vauxhall Made in Britain badge

EU demand boosts UK commercial vehicle output in September

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Vauxhall Made in Britain badge

The Vauxhall Vivaro is one of the main volume-produced commercial vehicles builtin in the UK.

UK commercial vehicle manufacturers received a boost in September after export orders rose by 16.5% compared September 2015.

However, today’s figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also show that the rise in export demand was offset by an 18% drop in demand from UK buyers.

The end result was that UK CV production fell by 0.7% to 9,742 units in September.

SMMT CV production figures Sept 2016

Source: SMMT

Why did demand change last month? The weak pound is probably making UK vehicles priced in euros slightly cheaper to buy, hence rising export demand. The switch to Euro 6 emissions may have dampened demand in the UK, as some buyers will have aimed to buy cheaper Euro 5 models while they were still available.

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

“The drop in production last month comes as no surprise following the regulatory changes last year which significantly altered fleet renewal patterns. Despite the decline, the sector is broadly stable, with output remaining at a high level. Maintaining the competitive trading conditions currently delivered through membership of the single market and which underpin the strength of the sector will be critical to future performance.”

News today that Nissan will produce the next version of its popular Qashqai car at its Sunderland plant suggests that at least one manufacturer is confident about the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK.

Today’s news about the Qashqai comes just a week after Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn met with Prime Minister Theresa May. I suspect the close timing of these two events isn’t a coincidence… I wonder what was said — and if other manufacturers will follow suit/receive the same assurances?

Volkswagen Transporter T6

New Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion now available to order

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The sixth-generation Volkswagen Transporter has been on sale for a while now, but the new range has been missing a BlueMotion variant. That omission has now been addressed. Van buyers can now order a Transporter BlueMotion at VW Van Centres.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

A standard Volkswagen Transporter T6. Not the BlueMotion version.

BlueMotion badging signifies the most efficient version of a Volkswagen car or van. VW says that the T6 Transporter BlueMotion offers combined cycle fuel consumption of 51.4mpg versus 47.9mpg for the equivalent standard model. CO2 emissions fall from 153g/km to 145g/km.

They’re not huge savings, but are potentially worthwhile. However, buyers wanting a Transporter BlueMotion have a very limited choice in terms of specification. The BlueMotion model is available in just one variant, with the following core specification:

  • Short wheelbase panel van
  • 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine
  • 2.7 tonne gross vehicle weight

The van’s efficiency gains over the base Startline model are the result of a number of changes, including:

  • Aerodynamically improved wheel spoilers (not sure what these are — plastic wheel trims?)
  • Lowered suspension
  • Modified gear ratios
  • Low friction tyres
  • Cruise control
  • Speed limiter @ 62mph

Confusingly, these changes are added to what VW describes as “the standard BlueMotion Technology modifications which come as standard on all T6 models”. These include Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

Tantalisingly, Volkswage says that the Transporter BlueMotion has a payload of 839kg, which is “up to 121kg more” than the short wheelbase T26 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS five-speed manual. Reading the list of changes above, it’s hard to see where a 121kg saving might have come from.

If I had to guess, I’d say that the majority of this weight saving might come from the removal of a spare wheel and related tyre change kit. I’ve not confirmed this with VW. But I would if I was buying. I’d imagine it could be a make-or-break factor for some buyers.