Nissan Launches Facelifted NV200 London Taxi Conversion

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Nissan NV200 London TaxiNissan’s plans to launch a London tax model based on its NV200 van (or ‘multi-purpose platform’, to use the company’s preferred description) are no secret. The company first showcased a working model back in August 2012, but things have changed a bit since then.

According to Nissan, it received feedback from the London Mayor’s office and Transport for London which sent the firm’s designers scurrying back to their drawing boards to change the way the taxi looks.

Designers at Nissan’s European design centre in Paddington have drawn on styling cues from the current TX1 cab in an effort to persuade passengers and cabbies that their vehicle belongs on London’s streets. Although the NV200 taxi is also destined for use in Barcelona, New York and Tokyo, the firm will produce a London-specific version in an effort to provide the required look.

Among the specific changes that have been made to the front of the NV200 taxi are:

  • Round headlamps and a re-modelled grille mirroring the traditional black cab ‘face’
  • LED lighting to improve visibility of the traditional taxi sign
  • Completely new front bumper panels

Design Excellence Manager at NDE, Darryl Scriven, said:

“Having already overcome the unique technical challenges presented by the development of a new Hackney Carriage for London ahead of our launch of the vehicle in August 2012, we turned our attention to making the vehicle look the part.

“The Mayor’s office and taxi drivers were very keen that we maintain the character of the Hackney Carriage, making it something that people in the city can be proud of.

“The main challenges were concerned with making sure customers can easily recognise it as a taxi. Being in London, we were able to go out and talk to cabbies about what was important to them as well as look at the vehicle from a customer’s viewpoint. It’s unusual for us to be able to work on something as bespoke as this, specifically for one location in the world and we are very proud to have been asked to do so.”

Nissan intends to put the NV200 Taxi for London on sale in the Capital in December 2014, followed by an all-electric version, the e-NV200, in 2015. From launch, the new taxi will be available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine equipped with an automatic gearbox. Compared to current diesel London taxis, this engine will be far cleaner, with lower levels of NOx and particulates.

Europcar Opens ExCeL London Mobility Centre

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Europcar ExCeL London Mobility Centure

The new Europcar Mobility Centre at ExCeL London offers car and van hire, as well as chauffeur, valet and bus transfer services.

Europcar has wasted no time in opening its first Mobility Centre at ExCeL London.

The centre, which is part of an exclusive five-year deal between the two companies announced in November, offers a full range of car and van hire services, including a chauffeur-drive service from Prestige at Europcar, a valet service and bus and coach services to and from London City Airport, where car and van hire is also available.

Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group, says that the company believes that its partner ship with ExCeL has considerable potential:

“Innovation is central to everything Europcar does, and this is the perfect example of what two leaders in their field can achieve by working in partnership. But this is just the beginning. With over 5 million visitors in 2012, across its 100,000 sqm site, ExCeL is London’s biggest venue and as Europe’s largest rental provider, we believe Europcar is the perfect partner.”

In addition to hiring vans at ExCeL London, exhibitors and suppliers can also hire vans from Europcar’s nationwide network for their trip to ExCeL, benefiting from hourly and one-way rentals, as well as delivery and collection services.

Located on ExCeL’s main boulevard, the Europcar Mobility Centre will serve the needs of exhibition visitors, exhibitors, the campus residents and employees, hotel guests and the immediate wider business and consumer communities.

Offering an all-encompassing transport solution, it will provide access to a wide range of car hire services, including a chauffeur-drive service from Prestige at Europcar, a valet service and bus and coach services to and from London City Airport.

Merc Citan Is First-Class Choice For Rail Maintenance Firm

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RDL Mercedes-Benz CitanVans bearing the three-pointed star have a long and deserved history for delivering superior quality and economy, and despite its true identity as a re-engineered Renault Kangoo, the Mercedes-Benz Citan is building on that reputation.

One recent convert is rail engineering business Railway Drainage Ltd (RDL), which performs a variety of maintenance and engineering tasks on the UK’s rail network on behalf of Network Rail.

RDL has purchased five Citans for its supervisors, who cover up to 50,000 miles a year travelling around the UK to oversee on-site work.

Staff previously used a ‘mixed bag’ of car-derived vans, 4x4s and pick-ups to visit sites. But after reviewing its transport arrangements the company decided to switch to a single vehicle model.

Safety Director Paul Saddington explains:

“We wanted something that would be cost-effective to run and practical, because our supervisors have to carry tools and equipment, as well as small quantities of materials from time to time.

“The Citan ticked both boxes admirably, while being a Mercedes-Benz it also has the upmarket brand image we were looking for to complement our own reputation as a quality business.”

“The Citan is the perfect size for this role and we’re already achieving some very worthwhile savings on our fuel bill, thanks to its light weight and economical engine.”

RDL’s long-bodied Citan 109 CDIs are powered by 66 kW (90 hp) common-rail diesel engines and were ordered with optional Driver’s Packs, which include air conditioning, Parktronic proximity sensors and electric folding mirrors. The cargo areas, meanwhile, have been fitted with water tanks and heaters to provide washing facilities.

Save Up To 33% On UK Van Rental In Hertz Global Sale

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The Hertz Global Sale kicks off today, giving you the chance to save up to 33% on UK van hire from Hertz.

All you need to do to start saving is click through to Hertz and make your booking using the discount code below.

THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED.

Click here to visit the Hertz website

Here are the details:

  • Valid from: 24th December 2013
  • Expires:  12th January 2014
  • Code: 783530
  • Terms and conditions apply, see Hertz website for details.

Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing Falls 35.7% In November

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Another month, another dismal set of commercial vehicle manufacturing figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

UK CV manufacturing fell by 35.7% in November, compared to the same period the previous year, resulting in just 7,051 vehicles being produced. Last month’s fall takes the cumulative drop this year to 21.5% — just 82,535 commercial vehicles have been built in the UK this year:

CV manufacturing Nov-12 Nov-13 %
Change		 YTD-12 YTD-13 %
Change
Total 10,974 7,051 -35.7% 105,188 82,535 -21.5%
Home 5,343 3,673 -31.3% 45,005 38,747 -13.9%
Export 5,631 3,378 -40.0% 60,183 43,788 -27.2%
% export 51.3% 47.9% 57.2% 53.1%

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

The recent surge in new van and truck registrations hasn’t been reflected in the CV manufacturing figures, and isn’t likely to — most of the vans and trucks on our roads are built abroad, with the honourable exception, among volume manufacturers, of Vauxhall, whose Vivaro medium van is built at Luton, and will continue to be so when it is replaced with a new model in the near future.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, tried to put a positive spin on the figures:

“Ongoing weak European demand and changes to UK manufacturing operations impacted commercial vehicle production in November. While we expect the downward trend to continue for a few months yet, CV manufacturing in the UK has a solid base from which to build with more than 200 vans, trucks and buses rolling off domestic production lines every day.”

I’m not completely convinced. If people are buying more trucks and vans, but they’re not buying the ones built in the UK, what’s likely to happen next? I hope I’m wrong, obviously, but it’s not something I’d bet money on, and this graph shows why, I hope:

CV manufacturing output in UK November 2013

CV manufacturing output is now lower than it was in 2009, with no sign of any recovery.

CV manufacturing in the UK is now much lower than it was in 2009, and although it’s fair to put some of the blame on exports, it’s clear from the top line on the graph that domestic demand for home-built CVs isn’t that strong either.

All-New Ford Transit Goes On Sales As Transit Custom Wins Van of the Year

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All-new Ford Transit 2-tonne model

The all-new Ford Transit 2-tonne model is now available to order.

The all-new Ford Transit two-tonne van is due to go on sale in the UK early in 2014, and is now available to order. Will it be as successful as the Transit Custom, which has just won the What Van? Van of the Year award for the second year running?

Don’t bet against it. Ford’s new vehicles — cars and vans — are really hitting a sweet spot at the moment, and the firm’s One Ford initiative, aimed at selling the same models in Europe and the US, is a policy that other manufacturers are starting to follow.

The big Transit is a completely new model, and will be pitched directly against other large vans, like the Sprinter and Ducato, leaving Ford’s smaller Transit Custom model to compete with smaller models like the Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Ford’s two-pronged approach should enable it to compete more effectively in both the medium and large van markets than previously, when the Transit was a jack of all trades that participated in both markets.

According to Ford, the Transit ECOnetic will be able to deliver CO2 emissions from just 169g/km and fuel consumption of as little as 44mpg — impressive stuff.

Ford reckons that the new model will have best-in-class running costs and load capacity, and says that it will offer extended 2-year/30,000 mile service intervals, with just 4.2 hours of scheduled maintenance required during the first 90,000 miles — down from 5.4 hours for the outgoing model. Non-scheduled maintenance times have also been cut, according to Ford — for example, a rear brake disc replacement will take 1.3 hours, rather than the outgoing model’s deeply extravagant 2.6 hours.

The new Transit will be powered by a 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel with a choice of three power ratings (100PS, 125PS and 155PS) and a 6-speed manual transmission. The ECOnetic specification will be available up to 3.5t for the first time, and will feature Auto Start-Stop and Ford’s Acceleration Control feature, which limits the acceleration of unladen vans to avoid drivers hoofing it when empty…

Overall, the new model looks set to be a corker of a van that should be popular with van rental fleets and businesses alike — can’t wait to see how it compares to the new Sprinter.

Moving House In The New Year? Check Out These Tips

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Europcar van hire moving houseAre you moving house in the New Year? With Christmas looming, it’s tempting to forget about 2014 until it happens, but as I write, it’s less than three weeks until the 1st January!

Even if you’re using a removals firm, you may be doing your packing yourself, and if you’re planning a DIY move with a hired van, then you need to be doubly thorough and efficient with your packing.

Car and van hire firm Europcar has put together some tips to help you pack and prepare — have a quick read. I recently move house myself, and I can confirm that this advice does make a big difference and is well worth the early effort.

  • Once you know you are going to be moving, have an initial clear out of possessions.
  • Take stock of everything that needs moving and use Europcar’s van calculator online to book the right size van
  • Book your van in advance to be sure you get the right vehicle for your needs
  • Wrap up fragile items carefully
  • Make use of pillows, blankets and duvets to pack around breakables
  • Don’t fill up large boxes, as they’ll be too heavy to move
  • Pack heavy items, like books, in smaller boxes to keep them manageable
  • Colour code the boxes to identify where they need to go in the new house. This reduces stress at the other end
  • Consider having the van delivered to you — you don’t want to have to go and collect it on the day, when you are trying to finish the last bits of packing

For more tips on DIY removals, click here for our free illustrated moving guide. Once you’re ready to book a hire van, then head on over to our van hire comparison engine to find the cheapest, closest van hire branch to your location. We can even do prices for one-way van hire, if you’re moving to a new area.

Finally, don’t forget to have a great Christmas and New Year before the move — I’m sure it will go brilliantly!

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Takes Two At Fleet Van Awards 2013

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Mercedes-Benz SprinterThe Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bagged the 2013 Fleet Van of the Year and 2013 Large Panel Van of the Year awards at least week’s Fleet Van awards.

It’s the sixth consecutive year in which the Sprinter has won the Large Panel Van award, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Ford’s all-new two-tonne Transit, which goes on sale in the UK next year.

Earlier this year, the Sprinter range became the first van range to meet Euro VI emissions standards. The new Sprinter can deliver fuel consumption of up to 44mpg and emissions as low as 165g/km, depending on the precise model. Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief at Fleet News, says that it was simply a case of the best getting better:

The Large Panel Van was awarded to the Sprinter because it is packed with the latest technology that will appeal to safety-conscious fleets. It tops the table for residual values and also for driver appeal. Backed by Mercedes-Benz’s excellent dealer network with 24/7 response and roadside fixes, the Sprinter remains the one to beat.

In addition to class leading fuel economy the New Sprinter comes equipped with a range of new safety assistance systems, including World firsts in the van segment. These new features include Crosswind Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Assist, all of which augment the standard fit ESP.

The Fleet Van Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, including  Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News, Simon Harris, Deputy Editor of Fleet News, Trevor Gelken, Associate Editor of Fleet Van, Alastair Houston, Northgate Vehicle Hire, George Alexander, Glass’s Guide, Ken Brown, CAP, Steve Crawshaw, LeasePlan and Gary Banister, Lex Autolease Senior Manager, CVs.

November Sales Leave Used Van Prices Up 20.2% In 12 Months

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I’ve documented the inflation-beating rise of used van prices regularly over the last twelve months, courtesy of monthly figures from vehicle auctioneers BCA.

Used van prices paused for breath in November, according to BCA’s lates figures, leaving them 20.2% higher than they were in November 2012:

All vans Avg Age (mnths) Avg Mileage Avg Value Sale vs CAP
Nov 2012 59.74 81,408 £4,250 99.98%
Nov 2013 60.95 81,951 £5,109 103.42%

Data courtesy of BCA (www.british-car-auctions.co.uk)

Average values for light commercial vehicles declined by £42 (0.8%) in November, largely as a result of a change in model mix as dealer part-exchange volumes increased during the month, increasing the flow of older, lower-priced models into the auction stream (a possible consequence of the recent rise in new van sales).

The average used van price was £5,109 in November, the third-highest value on record and the fourth consecutive month in which values have stayed above £5,000. A year-on-year increase in value of £859 means that used van price at auction have risen by 20.2% over the last twelve months, helping realised prices stay well above CAP value, at 103.4% of book price.

Duncan Ward, BCA’s General Manager, is confident that the upwards march will resume in December or early next year, and said:

While there was a small dip in the headline value in November, this was as a result of a subtle change in model mix rather than any fall in demand.  With fleet/lease LCVs in such short supply, relatively greater numbers of dealer part-exchange vehicles were sold and these are typically older, higher mileage and a lower average value.

Ward pointed out that corporate (ex-fleet) vans, which are most sought-after by used dealers, have risen in value by around 30% over the last year, thanks to a sustained shortage of supply:

Professional buyers who typically bid on corporate vans at auction are finding it harder to source these vehicles and have to pay more to secure the best retail-ready examples. November saw corporate stock rise significantly and we expect that to be maintained in December as the shorter trading month means there are fewer opportunities to buy.

Despite the decline in average used values, ex-fleet and lease vans proved continued to rise in value last month, gaining 4.6% to an average of £6,820. With fleet and rental companies taking the balance sheet strain away from would-be new van buyers, this trend may continue for sometime yet.