Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept offers 4×4 luxury

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Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack concept vehicle

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack is still a concept vehicle at this stage.

The all-wheel drive option has always been a popular choice with Volkswagen commercial vehicle buyers, and the German firm says that 20% of the commercial vehicles it sells in Europe are ordered with all-wheel drive.

Obviously this slice of the market includes the Amarok pick-up, but the firm’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system has always been a popular option on its vans and cars, and does add unique versatility to these models.

I’ve always been a fan of VW’s all-wheel drive van offerings, but the firm’s latest concept model, the Multivan Alltrack, takes the concept further than ever before, blurring the boundaries between SUV, van, people carrier and campervan in a direct nod to the popularity of vehicles such as the BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg and Range Rover Sport.

Volkswagen says that the Multivan Alltrack ‘combines stylish nautical design with rugged off-road features’. I’m not sure which elements are nautical — other than the vehicle’s suitability for towing a boat, something VW is keen to emphasise — but the rugged off-road features are there for all to see in the form of 19-inch wheels, black plastic wheel arch extensions and rubbing strips, underbody protection and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Interior of Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack

Inside the Multivan Alltrack are independently movable leather seats, along with a removable kitchen module that includes cooking facilities, a fridge and a water tank and tap.

Under the bonnet, the high-spec theme continues: the Multivan is powered by VW’s range-topping 2.0 TDI (132 kW/180 PS) engine, the power from which is transferred to a Haldex multi-plate coupling mounted to the rear axle. It has an approach angle of 21° and a departure angle of 15°.

Inside, it’s more of the same — Volkswagen’s floor track system allows the individual leather seats to be moved independently, while a removable kitchen module means that you won’t have any problem brewing up (or keeping the champagne cold).

I doubt the Multivan Alltrack will make it into production in its current format, but it showcases the potential of the Transporter/Caravelle model, at a time when competition from the new Ford Transit Custom and Vito in the mainstream van/minibus market is intensifying.

 

Will the Nissan e-NV200 electrify the UK van market?

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Nissan e-NV200 electric van

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van goes on sale in the UK in June

Nissan’s e-NV200 electric van goes on sale in June.

The company is hoping that it will be the first electric van to break through to the mainstream market, and Nissan has spent a lot of time and effort preparing the ground for this launch.

Large fleet operators have enjoyed a high level of access to the e-NV200, thanks to a number of long-term operational trials aimed at proving the commercial and operational viability of the van.

Companies that have participated in the UK include FedEx and British Gas, which aimed to make a substantial part of its fleet electric by 2015. Further afield, names such as Coca-Cola, DHL, IKEA, EDF and the Japan Post Office have also been involved in trialling the e-NV200 in everyday operational use.

The basics

Nissan says that the electric version of the NV200 has been re-engineered where necessary, to ensure that it is not simply a converted NV200, but a well-designed van in its own right. According to the firm, the e-NV200 has a unique part count of more than 30% — i.e. 30% of its parts are made specially for this model and are not common with the conventional NV200.

Nissan e-NV200 interior

The dashboard and controls in the e-NV200 have been designed to be as similar as possible to a conventional van, in order to aid drivers who have to switch between vans regularly.

The e-NV200’s homologated NEDC [official] range of 170km is greater than the average 100km daily driving distance required by more than half of the fleets who use this size van, says Nissan, while its payload and cargo area (4.2 cubic metres) are the same as the standard NV200.

The battery can be recharged overnight using a domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3 kW supply which reduces to four hours if a 6.6kW/32-amp supply is used. A dedicated CHAdeMO DC 50 kW quick charger can recharge the battery from 0-80 percent in just 30 minutes or less if the battery is already partially charged. More than 1000 public CHAdeMO quick chargers are now installed across Europe, in addition a number of companies have installed their own dedicated quick charging facilities at their home depots or offices.

Will it work?

I have believed for several years that the big opportunity for mainstream adoption of electric vehicles is in the light commercial vehicle sector.

Nissan e-NV200 electric van being used by florist

Many vans do less than 60 miles a day and never venture outside the city — the ideal usage scenario for electric vehicles.

Nissan shares this view and has made a big commitment to electric vehicles, in both car form (the LEAF) and through the e-NV200. What’s needed now is for a few major van operators and forward-looking looking SMEs to bite the bullet and commit to operating a significant slice of its fleet on electricity.

I believe this is both possible and increasingly likely, and for my money, Nissan has the best chance of any manufacturer yet of delivering an electric vehicle that gains mainstream acceptance.

Watch this space.

What Type Of Van Makes The Best Ambulance?

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulanceIf you’ve ever wondered which vans make the best ambulances, then let me explain.

At the top of the pyramid, the kings of the emergency medical jungle are coachbuilt Mercedes Sprinter conversions.

Amongst the lower orders, you may occasionally see ambulances based on the Renault Master, Iveco Daily, Volkswagen Crafter, Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay and even the humble Ford Transit, but there’s no doubt who’s boss.

An example of the Sprinter’s supremacy in action is the latest order from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which has just started taking delivery of a 147-ambulance order worth some £15m. All the new ambulances are based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI chassis, fitted with purpose-designed box bodies by German specialist WAS.

At the beginning of this year, the Trust’s fleet contained 283 ambulances, of which 45 were non-Mercedes models. However, these outsiders are being systematically replaced as the fleet is renewed, and by the end of this year, every one of the newly-expanded fleet’s 310 emergency ambulances will be a Mercedes-Benz.

The Trust’s Head of Fleet, John Hole, explains why:

“The 5.0-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is well proven in operation and offers the combination of performance, reliability, safety and carrying capacity that allows us to provide a high-quality service to patients.”

The Trust’s latest Sprinters are powered by smooth and fuel-efficient 190 hp V6 common rail turbodiesel engines and additionally equipped with Telma electro-magnetic engine retarders to reduce wear and tear and enhance braking performance. Key to the model’s appeal for ambulance services nationwide is the availability of a fully automatic gearbox.

“This makes life a lot easier for our drivers, particularly when they’re on a ‘blue light’ call, as it leaves them free to concentrate fully on the road,” says Mr Hole.

Other optional features specified to ensure the Sprinters are ‘fit for purpose’ include air conditioning, adjustable steering wheels, an outside temperature gauge, halogen fog lamps, Comfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, and an airbag for the passenger (the driver’s bag is standard).

The Sprinter’s well-known performance, durability and sophistication mean that it continues to be the preferred choice of courier fleets and other demanding van users — and it’s no surprise that the heavyweight 5t version continues to be the base vehicle of choice for amublance fleets.

I suspect that Ford’s new two-tonne Transit may edge into the emergency service market when it appears later this year, but its short history and lack of proven conversion options may work against it for the first year or two.

Celebrate Pancake Day With £15 Van Hire From Hertz*

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Hertz pancake day promotional offerIt’s Pancake Day this week, and what better way to celebrate (apart from with a stack of syrup-laden pancakes) than by hiring a van from Hertz from just £15 per day?

This week’s special rates mean you to save up to 5% on regular Hertz rates, if you use this discount code:

 

*Price from £15 per day, terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.

New Nissan NT400 Cabstar Goes On Sale In UK

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Nissan NT400 Cabstar

The new Nissan NT400 Cabstar is available in single and double cab models.

The new Nissan NT400 Cabstar has gone on sale across Europe. The updated range benefits from improved payload, a new high output engine option and longer service intervals, as well as improvements designed to make coachbuilt conversions easier to integrate with the base vehicle.

All engine options are fully compliant with Euro 5b+ emission regulations while the new 145hp (107kW) high output engine option is 45kg lighter than the unit it replaces, benefiting both economy and improving the vehicle payload.

The new Cabstar is available in single and double cab forms, in three different wheelbase lengths, five gross vehicle weights from 2.8t to 4.5t, and three power output options all from the same common rail 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine. The three power options are low (121hp/90kW, 250Nm), mid (136hp/100kw, 270Nm) and high (145hp/107kW, 350Nm).

The 145hp option replaces the previous 3.0-litre ZD30 unit and is new to the NT400 Cabstar. Although it is produced by a smaller engine, torque is identical and power is just 5hp less than from the old engine, and Nissan believes the benefits it provides in terms of fuel economy, emissions and operational efficiency are worth the slight cut in outright power.

To make the job of the specialist body builders as easy as possible, Nissan has equipped the NT400 Cabstar with a comprehensive array of connectors, electrical pre-equipment and warning lamps to enable a virtual ‘plug and go’ operation.

The cab has also been upgraded, with new USB/iPod compatible audio equipment and integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use. The dashboard instruments have also been tweeked, while a winter pack is now available, which provides a rear heater in the crew cab model, a heated driver’s seat and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors.

Volkswagen Crafter To Get Euro VI Engines

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Volkswagen Crafter vanThe Volkswagen Crafter will soon be availabe with Euro VI engines, making them some of the cleanest in their class.

The Euro VI standard is the most stringent European standard for exhaust emissions and Volkswagen says that a combination of three systems — Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems, and a built-in Diesel Particulate Filter — will be used to stay within the limits imposed by Euro VI.

Volkswagen’s Euro VI range will be available on selected Crafter models with kerbweights between 2,355 kg and 2,815 kg in medium and long wheelbases.  The firm’s Euro VI engine is a 2.0-litre TDI engine with an output of either 163 PS or 114 PS, the latter of which is new to the Crafter range.  The 114 PS EURO VI engine can also be specified with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology, which will provide fuel economy of up to 35.3 mpg (combined) and emissions of just 210 g/km — not bad for a large van.

Crafter Euro VI model prices will start from £28,935 ex. VAT.

Carlisle Van Rental: Northern Vehicle Hire

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Northern Vehicle HireI’m very pleased to welcome our newest advertiser, Northern Vehicle Hire, to the vanrental.co.uk website.

Northern Vehicle Hire is based on the south side of Carlisle, just off the A6 London Road, and only a few minutes from junctions 42 and 43 of the M6.

This independent firm offers a good selection of modern vans, covering all popular sizes:

  • Compact van (e.g. Citroen Nemo)
  • Medium panel van (e.g. Citroen Relay SWB)
  • Long wheelbase panel van (e.g. Citroen Relay LWB)
  • Luton van (tail lift available, ideal for removals)
  • Tipper van (1.2t payload)

Northern Vehicle Hire’s day rates start from just £25 (correct at the time of writing).

To find the firm from the centre of Carlisle, head south on the A6 (Botchergate / London Road) then turn right onto Petterill Bank Road and follow the road across the railway line, when it becomes St Ninian’s Road. Northern Van Hire is in the Michael Thompson Building (postcode is CA2 4NE for sat nav users).

For more information, a quote, or to make a booking, contact Northern Vehicle Hire direct:

Citroën To Unveil New Relay At April’s CV Show

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Citroen Relay

The new Relay is expected to be an updated version of the current model (shown above).

Citroën will unveil an updated version of its popular Relay large van at the Birmingham NEC CV Show this April. The new Relay, which is due to go on sale during the third quarter of this year, will go head to head against the all-new two tonne Ford Transit, which has had outstanding reviews from early press tests.

Full details of the New Relay will be released at the CV Show. However, the range is expected to include all the major model configurations found in the current Relay range.

As such there will be a wide choice of panel vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs and back-to-back cabs. All will be offered in a variety of gross vehicle weights, with a range of low emission, fuel-efficient HDi diesels. In addition the New Relay range will include ready-bodied Specialist Models, such as dropside trucks, tippers and Luton vans – and a full range of Ready-to-Run conversions.

I’ll publish photos and more details when they become available following the launch, which will take place on April 29 2014 at the CV Show.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 10% On Hertz Van Rental & Collect Nectar Points

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Hertz logoIf you need to hire a van this week, then I’d strongly suggest you take a look at Hertz.

vanrental.co.uk has managed to negotiate an exclusive 10% discount code with Hertz for one week only — and you can collect Nectar points on your hire, too!

THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED.

Here are the details — remember, this offer is exclusive to vanrental.co.uk, so make sure you click through on the link below:

  • Save 10% on Hertz van hire 
  • Collect Nectar points on your hire
  • Valid from: 24th February 2014
  • Expires: 2nd March 2014
  • Pick up period: 24th February – 23rd March 2014
  • Code: 778649

>>> Click here to visit the Hertz website <<<

 

Hertz offers a comprehensive UK van hire service, with small, medium and long wheelbase panel vans and luton vans available to rent. Hertz is also one of the best companies for student van hire, and often runs special offers aimed at drivers aged 19 and over.

Hertz 24/7 Hourly Van Hire Now At Costco

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Hertz logo

The Hertz 24/7 hourly van hire service has been available at selected B&Q branches for a number of years now, but the firm recently announced that it had signed an agreement with cash-and-carry chain Costco to make the Hertz short-term van rental service available to Costco members (see here for more info on hourly van hire).

The Hertz 24/7 service will be available at all 25 Costco branches in the UK, with van hire rates starting from just £13 per hour. At present, only one type of van — a long wheelbase Ford Transit — is available. Costco customers wanting to use the Hertz 24/7 vans will need to set up an account, following which they will be able to book vans as needed, in advance, or on the spot for immediate use.

Commenting on the expanded service, Michel Taride, group president, Hertz International, said:

“We have been growing our global van rental offering through Hertz 24/7 for over five years. Our Hertz 24/7 service enables Costco to provide its members with an attractive and efficient van delivery service.

“Hertz takes care of providing and maintaining the fleet and handling all customer transactions while Costco’s members can enjoy the convenience of taking their purchases home straightaway, rather than waiting for the goods to be delivered in the future.”

You can find out more about the Costco/Hertz 24/7 short-term hire service on the Hertz 24/7 website.