Whitehead Building Services Mercedes Citan

Citan builds reputation with new 33-van fleet order

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Newport-based building maintenance specialist Whitehead Building Services has taken delivery of 33 new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans to replace a previous mixed fleet of leased vans.

Whitehead Building Services Mercedes Citan

The decision to consolidate its fleet arrangements came as the business continued to expand. Following a tender process and a week-long trial of a Citan, the choice was not difficult, according to Managed Services Manager Gavin Thomas:

“We trialled the Citan for a week, and were able to get a good feel for it. It ticked all the boxes in terms of driver comfort – a vast improvement on our previous vehicles – space, payload and fuel-efficiency.”

The vehicles, all fuel-efficient 109 CDI models, were supplied by South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials and are the subject of contract hire agreements. Most are Long-bodied versions although the line-up also includes seven Compacts and a couple of Extra-longs.

Whitehead Building Services has assigned its Long and Extra-long Citans, some of which are crew vans with second rows of seats, to maintenance staff working nationwide.

“The feedback from those using our new vans has been entirely positive,” confirmed Mr Thomas. “As a business, we also appreciate the fact that the Citan is a good-looking vehicle and Mercedes-Benz a high-end brand whose reputation for quality can only enhance our own image.”

The Citan is still a relatively unusual sight in my neck of the woods, but it does appear to be making good headway in the small van sector. It faces heavy competition from the entrenched might of the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect, both of which are worth competitors with long-established reputations.

Van rental discount codes & special offers 12 Feb 2016

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Here is this week’s roundup of all the discount codes and special offers currently available on the vanrental.co.uk website and elsewhere.

We have a new discount code this week: save up to 25% on Hertz Van Rental in February.

We’ve also got big savings from Questor Insurance, Europcar and Sixt.

—

Hertz logo largeSave up to 25% On Hertz Van Rental

If you need to hire a van or a minibus in February, then you may be able to SAVE up to 25% by choosing Hertz Van Rental.

This great new discount code will only be valid from 8 February 2016 to 29 February 2016.

Here are the details:

*** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED ***

  • Booking period: 8 February 2016 – 29 February 2016
  • Pick-up period: 8 February 2016 – 29 February 2016
  • DISCOUNT CODE: 780855

 

Some terms and conditions do apply to this offer. Minimum hire period 3 days, maximum rental period 14 days. Save 25% off midweek rentals, 20% off weekend rentals and 10% off weekly rentals.

This offer is valid for van groups B4, C4, D4 and G4 and minibus groups X4 and Z4. UK customers only. Subject to availability at participating locations.

For full terms and conditions, please see the Hertz website.

Save 5% on Questor Van Hire Excess insurance

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

Save 5% on Questor Van Hire Excess insurance with this discount code:

Use Discount Code: 
Valid: Until further notice

Click here to visit the Questor Insurance website

(If you need to know more about van hire insurance, check out our guide here)

 

Sixt logoSave 10% on Sixt Van Rental (EXCLUSIVE)

Our exclusive 10% discount for Sixt UK van hire is still available.

All you have to do to benefit from this discount is click through to the Sixt website using the pink button below:

Save 10% on Sixt van rental

 

 

 

 

Remember: You can also see details of all of these offers in the “Our Companies” section on the home page.

CV Show hall

Volkswagen and Toyota make return to CV Show in 2016

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Given that new van registrations hit an all-time high in 2015, it’s not surprising that van manufacturers are queuing up to exhibit at the CV Show 2016.

The UK’s leading commercial vehicle show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from April 26-28. Expected to feature are key van manufacturers, including Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Iveco, LDV, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.

CV Show hall

Among those making a return after a long absence are Volkswagen and Toyota. The Japanese manufactuerer hasn’t attended since 2008 but plans to exhibit the latest variants of its commercial range, including the PSA-based Toyota Proace.

Volkswagen’s appearance is perhaps no surprise — the group is fighting to repair the damage caused by the emissions scandal and will also be keen to promote its key Transporter and Caddy models against strong competition from the Mercedes Citan and new Vito and Ford’s Transit Custom and Transit Connect models.

Other highlights will include Mitsubishi, which will be showcasing the very latest L200 pick-up. The LDV name will also be making a return to the UK, with the new Chinese-built V80 panel van expected to make its UK debut.

The 2016 CV Show will also feature a massive range of racking and storage solutions for LCV’s from the likes of Bott, Bri-Stor, Rhino, Sortimo, System Edstrom, Tevo and many others, along with a range of goods from smaller suppliers designed to make the art of personalising a van or making it fit for a specific job much easier.

More than 19,500 visitors are expected at the three-day show, which is one of the flagship events for the commercial vehicle industry in the UK.

CV Show 2016 takes place in Halls 3a, 4 & 5 at the NEC in Birmingham from 26-28 April. Visitors can register for their free ticket at www.cvshow.com.

Peugeot Traveller

Peugeot enters luxury minibus market with new Traveller

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Peugeot is aiming to replicate the success of Mercedes, Volkswagen and Ford by introducing a VIP shuttle/MPV model on a platform which will also be used for a medium van.

Peugeot Traveller

The Peugeot Traveller will compete head-on with 8/9-seater luxury minibuses such as the Mercedes Vito Tourer and Viano, Ford’s Tourneo Custom and the VW Transporter Shuttle and Caravelle.

The new vehicle will be based on Peugeot’s Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which will also be used by Citroen and Toyota. Power will be provided by Euro 6 BlueHDi diesel engines, fitted with both Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR/Adblue systems) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). Options offering up to 180hp and 400Nm of torque will be available.

Peugeot Traveller

Buyers will be able to choose from internal configurations offering up to 9 seats and 1,500 litres of boot space. The Traveller will be available in three lengths, from 4.6m – 5.3m and with an unusual roof height of 1.9m. This means that the Traveller will be able to enter the vast majority of height-restricted car parks, unlike its peers.

The Traveller range will be built around two main ranges, each of which be available in two trim levels:

  • For private individuals, a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with Active and Allure trim levels available in 5, 7 or 8 seat versions;
  • For professional people carriers, the shuttle with Business trim levels is available (in 5 to 9 seat versions) and the range-topping Business Plus is available in 6 or 7 seat versions.

The range-topping Traveller Business Plus will offer four leather armchairs and, tri-zone climate control and all the luxury extras you would expect in a VIP shuttle.

Peugeot Traveller Business Plus

Inside the Peugeot Traveller Business Plus VIP shuttle

Other features relatively unusual features that will be available on the Traveller include hands-free sliding side doors, head-up display and road sign reading system for the driver, plus an opening tailgate rear window and a glass roof panel.

Castelan Group Renault Trafic

Renault sits comfortably with 80-van order for Furniture Care Network

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Warranty and claims handling specialist Castelan Group has taken delivery of 80 new Renault Traffic vans for use by its furniture care technicians.

Castelan Group Renault Trafic

The group put the fleet replacement deal out to tender and consider vans from five other manufacturers but opted to replace its existing fleet of Renault Trafic vans with the latest version of the French firm’s popular medium van.

Castelan ordered its short wheelbase, low-roof Trafics with the ENERGY dCi 120 1.6-litre Twin Turbo diesel engine. The power unit’s fuel economy of up to 47.9 mpg was a key factor in its purchasing decision.

Another significant influence was the availability of the Business+ trim line, Castelan specifying this equipment level as it incorporates features that it considers essential in its vehicles, such as air conditioning and rear parking sensors, as standard.

Castelan Group Renault Trafic

The Business+ specification builds on the Business specification, which itself includes DAB radio with Bluetooth, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend, electric front windows and remote central locking.

Business+ trim adds a smartphone dock, passenger bench seat with underseat storage, fold down middle passenger seat with detachable A4 clipboard and laptop storage, body-coloured front bumper, door rail and rear tail light column, full steel bulkhead with load-through facility, and wide view mirror.

Castelan’s Trafics have been further enhanced with the R-Link integrated 7″ touchscreen multimedia system, which includes sat nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and reverse parking camera system. Castelan also ordered the additional factory options of a 68mph speed limiter and metallic silver paint.

Martin Napper, CEO, Castelan Group, said:

“We were very happy with our previous Renault Trafics and after looking in detail at alternative replacements, the model yet again proved to be the best for our requirements. Not only was it a new design and competitive on price, but it also offered excellent fuel economy and a level of equipment that provides our technicians with what we consider to be ‘must have’ levels of connectivity, convenience and comfort.

Renault’s UK van sales reached their highest ever level in 2015 to 25,458 vehicles – up 40 per cent compared to 2014 and significantly outpaced the UK van market which grew by 16 per cent.

BCA LCV auction January 2016

Younger used van stock drives prices higher

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The average used price for used vans and other light commercials sold at BCA in January was £5,901. That’s 1.5% more than in December and 8% more than in January 2015, according to the latest figures from the auction specialist.

BCA LCV auction January 2016

These headline prices don’t tell the full story, however. The relentless rise in new van sales over the last few years appears to be feeding through into the used market. Vans sold by BCA during January were on average five months younger than those sold in January 2015:

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Jan 2015 59.55 79,676 £5,460 101.71%
Jan 2016 54.94 73,881 £5,901 101.21%

Data courtesy of BCA

Given the lower average mileage and age, higher prices are not surprising. The fact that the sale vs CAP (book) price has remained almost unchanged suggests to me that used prices are probably fairly flat, in real terms.

Market conditions to appear to be buoyant, however. There doesn’t seem to be any softening in demand for used vans as a result of higher levels of new sales.

Commenting on the figures, BCA’s LCV Operations Director, Duncan Ward said:

“January saw strong levels demand for LCVs at BCA and a buoyant marketplace as average values climbed. The overall sentiment from trade buyers is that retail demand is good and this is keeping the auction halls busy as they compete for stock. Over recent months we have seen a better mix of product available for buyers with a wider choice and less duplication of models. This, combined with a reduction in the overall age and mileage profile, resulted in healthy average selling prices during January.”

“If we see a similar model mix going forwards, we expect February and March to be relatively strong for LCV residual values, based on our experience from previous years. However, there are signs of a two tier market developing as the best presented and specified vans typically outperform the market by some margin, while higher mileage or damaged examples can struggle to attract attention from the buyers. It underlines the importance of appraising and valuing vehicles sensibly and in line with market expectations.”

What’s happening in the fleet sector?

Interestingly, in the largest volume sector of the market, fleet and lease vans, the changes in average age, mileage and sale price were much smaller:

Fleet/Lease Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP Sale vs MRP
Jan 2015 42.47 71,320 £6,478 100.70% 38.38%
Jan 2016 42.60 69,351 £6,620 100.90% 34.56%

Data courtesy of BCA

Here we can see that average age is almost unchanged, at 42.6 months, while average mileage has only fallen by 2,000. Prices are much flatter too, with only a 2.2% year-on-year increase to £6,620. However, this is well below the all-time fleet and lease high of £7,049 seen in March 2014.

The only factor that did change significantly is the Sale vs MRP (manufacturer’s retail price), which fell from 38.4% to 34.6%. This suggests to me that the underlying trend is downwards — used buyers are paying less relative to the cost of a new van. However, this change seems to be happening at a very moderate pace. I don’t think it’s a big concern at the moment.

Hertz van supersite

[EXPIRED] New Discount Code: Save up to 25% on Hertz Van Rental

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Hertz logo largeSAVE up to 25% on Hertz Van Rental  in February!

If you need to hire a van or a minibus in February, then you may be able to SAVE up to 25% by choosing Hertz Van Rental.

This great new discount code will only be valid from 8 February 2016 to 29 February 2016.

*** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED ***

Here are the details:

  • Booking period: 8 February 2016 – 29 February 2016
  • Pick-up period: 8 February 2016 – 29 February 2016
  • DISCOUNT CODE: 780855

 

Some terms and conditions do apply to this offer. Minimum hire period 3 days, maximum rental period 14 days. Save 25% off midweek rentals, 20% off weekend rentals and 10% off weekly rentals.

This offer is valid for van groups B4, C4, D4 and G4 and minibus groups X4 and Z4. UK customers only. Subject to availability at participating locations.

For full terms and conditions, please see the Hertz website.

Van hire discount offers round-up 5 Feb 2016 (Questor Insurance & Sixt)

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Here is this week’s roundup of all the discount codes and special offers currently available on the vanrental.co.uk website and elsewhere.

We’ve got big savings from Questor Insurance and Sixt.

—

Sixt logoSave 10% on Sixt Van Rental (EXCLUSIVE)

Our exclusive 10% discount for Sixt UK van hire is still available.

All you have to do to benefit from this discount is click through to the Sixt website using the pink button below:

Save 10% on Sixt van rental

 

 

 

 

Save 5% on Questor Van Hire Excess insurance

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

Save 5% on Questor Van Hire Excess insurance with this discount code:

Use Discount Code: 
Valid: Until further notice

Click here to visit the Questor Insurance website

(If you need to know more about van hire insurance, check out our guide here)

 

Remember: You can also see details of all of these offers in the “Our Companies” section on the home page.

Dad's Army Ford BB at Dagenham

Dad’s Army Ford BB van is reborn at Dagenham

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The recent launch of the Dad’s Army film has raised the profile of everything to do with the platoon from Walmington-on-Sea, including Corporal Jones’ van. The 1935 Ford BB van made regular appearances in the original Dad’s Army series and also featured in the new film.

Dad's Army Ford BB at Dagenham

The van outside one of the original buildings at Ford’s Dagenham plant.

It was, however, in need of some TLC. Before taking up residence at the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, Norfolk, BUC 852 spent some quality time in Ford’s heritage workshops at Dagenham — where this van would have been built when new.

Dad's Army Ford BB on way to Dagenham

The Dad’s Army Ford BB van leaving Thetford en route to Dagenham for some TLC.

Helped by a platoon of Ford apprentices, the firm’s heritage vehicle technicians completely rebuilt the engine, replaced the clutch and fitted new wiring looms.

Dad's Army Ford van worked on by apprentice

The Dad’s Army van being worked on by a Ford apprentice.

As can be seen from the pictures, the van had already enjoyed a major cosmetic restoration. It’s now in full working order as well, making it a relatively rare item.

Stuart Wright, from the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, said:

“This vehicle has a special place in British entertainment history, and is enjoyed by the many visitors to the Dad’s Army museum. It’s fantastic to see the van operational again and we hope it will capture the imagination of the younger visitors less familiar with Dad’s Army, as well as triggering happy memories for the older generations.”

The original Dad’s Army television series ran from 1968 to 1977, and “BUC 852”, the van’s registration, made its screen debut on 11th September 1969 in the first colour episode. This month it appears in the big-screen version of Dad’s Army with stars including Sir Tom Courtenay, Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sir Michael Gambon.

SMMT - UK Van Registrations Jan 2010 - Jan 2016

Van registrations cool in January with 4.3% fall

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After hitting an all-time high of 371,830 in 2015, new van registrations fell by 4.3% in January, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.

Is this a cause for concern? Not necessarily. A small decline after five consecutive months of gains is hardly unusual. New van registrations have risen dramatically since 2013 and are perhaps due to slow down and return to more normal levels.

After all, I suspect that all the van operators who deferred vehicle replacements during the recession have probably now brought their vans up to date. This is certainly the impression I get from the number of new vans on the road, being run by businesses of all sizes.

Perhaps the best way to explain why a slowdown is quite logical is with this graph:

SMMT - UK Van Registrations Jan 2010 - Jan 2016

Graph courtesy of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

(Data c

Looking at the figures in more detail, 21,102 new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were registered in January – the first month of decline since July 2015.

Demand for vans below 2.0 tonnes and between 2.0-2.5 tonnes fell by 11.8% and 23.3% respectively in the month, but better news came from the 2.5-3.5 tonne market – the sector’s largest – where a 2.1% increase in registrations continued the trend towards heavier vehicles, driven by operators’ desire to maximise fleet efficiency.

In terms of marques, the list of bestsellers contained few surprises, with Ford, VW and Vauxhall taking the lion’s share of registrations:

SMMT Jan-16 van bestsellers

Graph courtesy of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

Commenting on this month’s figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said he expected continued moderation this year with strong underlying demand:

“On the heels of a record-breaking 2015, which saw LCV registrations grow by an impressive 15.6%, January’s levelling off in demand comes as no surprise, and is indicative of what we can expect for the coming year. The overall market remains very strong, with business confidence high and the trend for home deliveries still growing.”