Boom in utility vehicle market
Several manufacturers are planning the launch of new utility vans on the European market in the wake of a recent boom in the market segment.
The latest version of the Mercedes Sprinter has been available at the dealers for several weeks with upgraded technology and equipment. It is the bestselling van in Europe with some 1.2 million units sold during the past 10 years.
Numerous body weight and engine variants are available. The new model comes with a gross vehicle weight of between 6.0 and 7.5 tonnes the engines comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emissions standard. The new transmissions are complemented by a more sophisticated cab interior and new tipper bodies.
A boom in the light utility vehicle segment on the German market has in part been triggered by the introduction of a tollgate system for heavy commercial vehicles.
But interest in general is turning away from the classic sedan, according to a recent poll conducted by Germany’s ADAC automobile association.
In 1995, only 4.9 per cent of motorists said they would consider buying a van. Today the figure has risen to 17.3 per cent with interest in station wagons also increasing from 6.5 per cent to 28.7 per cent.
Other major competitors in the van segment are the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper with Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen jointly producing the vehicle now in its third generation. These vans are also offered in various different weight and cab variations. The latest engines are also more economical and cleaner.
Ford’s new Transit van comes with a new design and a choice of seven new engines complying with the Euro4- emission norm.
Another model stemming from the Fiat concern is the latest completely upgraded Iveco Daily. It has been placed in the market segment above the Ducato and is aimed mainly at a clientele seeking more than a two tonne tonnage, according to Fiat Germany spokesman Claus Witzeck.
The cooperation in the van segment between Opel and Renault is meanwhile also entering the next stage with a successor model planned for later this year for the Opel Vivaro/Renault Trafic and Opel Movano/Renault Master. Alliance partner Nissan is also planning an offshoot of the van, according to press reports.
Henner Lehne of the CSM market analyst company says that running costs have always been one of the major buying factors in the van segment. Meanwhile, customers are also looking at such features as design, safety and comfort.
Manufacturers are responding to the heated debate about the safety of vans on European motorways which are frequently spotted speeding with overloads.
Mercedes and Volkswagen have introduced the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) in their vans that responds to different load conditions. A similar system at an extra price is also available for the Daily, Transit, Ducato, Boxer and Jumper.
The interiors of the new vans are also a far cry from the early models with their spartan dashboard designs. The new models on the market can be ordered with up to six airbags, curvature lighting, leather seats and rear view cameras.
Specialist body manufacturers convert the vans to the needs of plumbers, electricians, postal services and frozen food companies. Alternative drive systems from natural gas, liquid gas (LPG) to fuel cell and hybrid drive are available.
But the vans are also highly popular among camper fans. Numerous specialist firms convert the vehicles to high-class luxury homes and recreational vehicles featuring everything from whirlpools, sauna and designer kitchen.
(this article was taken from monstersandcritics.com)
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