BCA van auction

Rising new van sales trigger surge in used volume — prices falling

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Used van values fell for the second month running in August, according to auctioneers BCA. The firm said that rising volumes of used stock hitting the market pushed down the average sale price marginally, from £5,544 in July to £5,507 in August.

BCA van auction

What’s interesting to me here is not so much the price change, which is probably insignificant, but confirmation that the recovery in the new van market is generating a flood of used vans and dampening down seconday market conditions.

Here’s how the figures looked compared to this point last year (not July):

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
August 2014 56.95 79,697 £5,658 103.13%
August 2015 55.78 75,763 £5,507 99.94%

(Data courtesy of BCA)

The year-on-year picture is more telling and suggests the used market may be returning to normality. Both average age and mileage are down, but so is the average value. Around a year ago we were seeing the opposite — used prices were rising despite rising age and mileage.

Commenting on the figures, BCA’s Head of Commercial Vehicles, Duncan Ward, said:

“We commented earlier this year that values were likely to come under pressure over the summer months, as a result of rising volumes, an increase in poor condition vehicles and the strong new van market.”

“With the benefit of hindsight we can also now see how the shortage of retail quality stock, combined with the rising demand for LCVs as the economy improved, pushed average prices up over an extended period. Average values climbed steadily throughout 2012, 2013 and 2014, with month-on-month and year-on-year growth becoming the norm.”

“Of course, that was never going to be sustainable indefinitely, and we are now seeing the return of more typical market conditions with balanced supply and demand and elements of seasonality taking effect. The good news is that the market has maintained relatively strong average values across the board and there is plenty of interest from buyers for well presented, good quality commercial vehicles.”

In other words, trees don’t grow to reach the sky, and the used van maret is now coming back to earth, albeit fairly gently. Good news all round, I think.

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.”

 

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

Volkswagen unveils Multivan motorcycle transport concept at IAA

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The pressure of being a top automotive manufacturer at Europe’s largest motor show must be immense. You’ve got to produce something new to put on your stand, even if you haven’t really got anything that’s new.

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

How else can Volkswagen’s Multivan Panamericana concept be explained? It’s essentially a Volkswagen Multivan (the window van version of the Transporter) with the seats removed in order to transport a single motorbike.

Loading and unloading is facilitated with an electric loading ramp and tie-down points. To add some spice, the Multivan Panamericana comes in 4MOTION all-wheel drive spec and has slightly beefed up bodywork with custom badging.

Volkswagen Multivan Panamericana

The firm says that this concept model would target a discerning audience of sporting motorcyclists looking for a way of transporting their machines around Europe to their next big ride — whether alpine pass or track day.

Volkswagen does have at least one new LCV model scheduled for launch at the IAA — the Europe-only Caddy Alltrack I covered yesterday, However, my guess that as VW has only just launched new versions of its Transporter and Caddy vans and people carriers, new commercial-derived models were thin on the ground, so the firm’s offering was boosted with this very photogenic and easy-to-produce Multivan Panamericana concept.

Needless to say, Volkswagen has no plans to bring this concept to the UK market.

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack will offer new 4×4 alternative

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The limited number of off-road capable all-wheel drive vans on the market means that the new Caddy Alltrack will be joining a fairly exclusive club when it’s launched later this month.

Not all Caddy Alltrack models will offer power to all four wheels, but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system will be an option on the Caddy Alltrack.

Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack

Sadly, the new Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack won’t be available in the UK.

Volkswagen have long produced a 4×4 version of the Transporter (the Transporter 4Motion) but appears to be targeting the lifestyle market more decisively with the Caddy Alltrack, whose name suggest a model with a specification echoing that of car models like the Volkswagen Passatt Alltrack.

The new Caddy Alltrack will be launched at the International Automobile Show in Frankfurt from 15-27 September. It will be available as a panel van and a family MPV model.

The standard specification will include several visual clues that will distinguish it clearly from the standard Caddy models. Exclusive 17-inch ‘Quito’ alloy wheels will be paired up with additional black plastic trim, an underbody protection panel, a modified radiator grill, Alltrack logos and silver roof rails.

Inside, the differences continue. The Alltrack has its own 7Summits seat covers plus folding tables on the front seatbacks for passenger-carrying models. Both variants will feature a leather package (steering wheel, handbrake lever, gear lever boot) and will boast model-specific Mojave Beige metallic paintwork.

However, for UK drivers thinking about buying a Caddy Alltrack, the answer will be no. Sadly VW has no current plans to offer this model in the UK market. If you want a 4-wheel drive VW van, then your only option will continue to be the Transporter 4Motion.

BVRLA RISC system screenshot

New BVRLA system could help blacklist troublesome van rental customers

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BVRLA RISC system screenshot

The BVRLA’s RISC system can be accessed by all BVRLA members and flags up problematic renters.

Rental customers who cause problems for van hire companies could find themselves blacklisted by rental firms across the UK, thanks to a new system.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which is the trade body for UK vehicle rental companies, has released a new version of its risk management software, RISC.

This enables BVRLA member companies, including the majority of UK van rental firms, to search for information about new renters and to record and share problems with existing customers.

For example, the names and details of customers who provide fake ID, such as fictional utility bills, or who cause damage to vehicles may be added to the RISC system.

The BVRLA says that the most common reasons for a rental firm to log a report on RISC are non-conformance with terms and conditions, lack of payment, damaging the vehicle and abusive behaviour towards staff.

Commenting on the revised RISC platform, BVRLA Director of Member Services Nora Leggett said:

“RISC is now an even more powerful loss prevention tool for our members. Opportunistic fraudsters and high-risk customers have become adept at sharing information to exploit vulnerable businesses. The collaborative environment of RISC will harness the power of the BVRLA community and help safeguard valuable assets.”

Other features include a heat map of the UK, showing members where risk activity is being reported in real time.

The BVRLA can also monitor incidents to issue general alerts on problems that may be spiking, such as identity fraud or large numbers of renters showing up with authentic-looking utility statements from bogus websites.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

New Volkswagen Transporter & Caddy vans now available in UK dealers

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The latest versions of Volkswagen’s popular Transprter and Caddy vans made their debut appearance in UK dealerships today (7 Sept).

We covered the global launch of these vans earlier this year (Caddy & Transporter) but today is the first time that right-hand drive models have been made available in the UK.

Potential buyers can pre-book test drives on the VW website, but here are the key details of the new models.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

Prices start from £17,745 +VAT for the new Transporter, which is clearly an evolution of the T5 model.

Volkswagen Transporter T6

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is now available in the UK.

According to VW, the T6 Transporter features the widest range of potential engine, transmission and trim level option ever offered on a Transporter.

Engines: Starting under the bonnet, a choice of four 2.0-litre TDI Euro5 engines with outputs of 84 PS, 102 PS, 140 PS and 180 PS (Highline only) and a 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 unit that develops 102 PS are available.

Fuel saving: As I expect to happen across the sector, all new Transporters are now fitted as standard with VW’s BlueMotion Technology modifications. These include low rolling resisitance tyres, regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems to reduce fuel consumption.

Interior: Inside the cab, new standard features include DAB+ digital radio, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection. VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which applies the brakes automatically after a collision, is now also standard.

Payload and loadspace: The new Transporter is available in a choice of four gross weights, from 2,600kg to 3,200kg. Three roof height options are available, ranging from 1,410mm to 1,940mm, along with short and long wheelbase options.

Volkswagen Caddy

Prices start at £13,500 +VAT for the new Caddy, which the VW expects to remain the firm’s second best-selling commercial model.

Volkswagen Caddy 4th generation

The 4th generation Volkswagen Caddy is now available in the UK.

Trim: Like the new Transporter, the fourth-generation Caddy is available in three trim levels, Startline, Trendline and Highline. Highline is the top trim level.

Engines: The new Caddy can be specified with Euro 5 or Euro 6 engines for the time being. Unlike with the Transporter, BlueMotion Technology is not standard across the range, but is available. The most eco-friendly model, in Euro 6 spec, includes BlueMotion and a 2.0-litre Euro 6 102 PS engine that returns a claimed 65.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km.

Interior: Inside, the new Caddy is more car-like than ever. Standard equipment includes electric windows and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability.

Driving safety: The Automatic Post-Collision Braking system also makes an appearance in the new Caddy, and buyers can opt for Park Assist and a rear-view camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems.

Hertz autumn van sale

Book early & SAVE up to 25% in the Hertz Autumn Sale [EXPIRED]

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The weather may be cooler, but the sales are hotting up!

** THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED **

You can SAVE up to 25% on van rental in the Hertz Autumn Sale, including advance bookings:

  • DISCOUNT CODE (CDP): 809600
  • Valid from: 1 September 2015
  • Expires: 30 September 2015
  • Pick-up period: 1 Sept 2015 – 20 March 2016
  • Terms and conditions: Only available on for hire periods between 3 and 14 days. Offer not available on all van types.

This cracking offer is valid throughout September.

By booking now, you can save up to 25% on van hire right the way through to 20 March 2016!

Don’t miss out — visit the Hertz website for an instant quote today:

 

 

Terms and conditions apply. See Hertz website for details.

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 - Aug 15

Van registrations rise by 14.3% in August as momentum returns

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After coming to a halt in July, the rate of new van registrations increased again in August, rising by 14.3% to 14,467.

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 - Aug 15

Van and truck registrations Jan 10 – Aug 15 (courtesy of SMMT)

That takes the year-to-date rise in registrations to 16.8%, or 225,417 vans:

UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014

August % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 14,467 14.3% 225,417 16.8% 354,155 17.2%
Trucks 2,887 20.2% 30,432 38.3% 49,890 -0.2%
Total 17,354 15.3% 255,849 19.0% 404,045 14.8%

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

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said:

“August’s registration figures are further evidence of the commercial vehicle sector’s return to form in 2015 after a year of regulatory upheaval. With certainty now restored, fleet renewal patterns are returning to normal, buoyed by the continuing growth in demand for online deliveries.”

I’d certainly second Mr Hawes’ suggestion that things are returning to normal. After years of extended fleet renewal periods and an abnormally strong used market, these distortions are dropping out of the market.

Booming demand for new vans also seems to be helped by the ever-growing home delivery sector and by strong demand from the daily rental sector. As usual, the category which saw the biggest growth last month was the 2.5-3.5t sector, into which fall the Sprinter, Transit, Vivaro and all other medium and large panel vans, of the kind used for deliveries.

Another factor in favour of continued high levels of new registrations is the van rental sector, which rarely keeps vans beyond 24-36 months. Daily van rental took on an enlarged role as a flexible, no-strings provider of vehicles and — effectively — finance during the credit crunch.

My perception is that the rental industry will continue to fulfil this role in better times. Companies have discovered that renting rather than buying can be financially and operationally advantageous, even though the option to buy may now be available. There’s also the fact that budget cuts are easier to make than to undo, so justifying new purchases to replace rented vans may be difficult.

Renault Alaskan Concept one-tonne pickup

Renault Alaskan pick-up concept unveiled ahead of production launch

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If the pick-up on the right looks similar to the one on the left, that’s because it is:

Renault Alaskan Concept and Nissan NP300 Navara

The Renault Alaskan concept (l) and the new Nissan NP300 Navara (r)

Renault has released the first pictures of the Renault Alaskan concept, a pick-up model that’s a teaser for the new Renault one-tonne pick-up model due to be unveiled in the first half of 2016.

Renault Alaskan Concept one-tonne pickup

The Renault Alaskan concept pick-up is a taster of what’s to come next year when Renault launches a production model. This will be based on the new Nissan NP300 Navara.

The firm’s long-standing partnership with Nissan on light commercial vehicles has been invoked and the new Renault pick-up will be based on the new Nissan NP300 Navara, which I wrote about here.

Renault Alaskan concept rear view

There will be some differences, of course. Renault may alter the engine offerings and will tweak the styling. Beyond that, we’ll have to wait until next year to find out, but I don’t think there will be massive differences.