Van Guard News

Skoda has announced that it will bring out a new light commercial van, called the Praktik. The new model will come out next year. It’s based on the Roomster minivan.

Ford Motor Co. will be the first Detroit automaker to sell hybrid commercial vans in North America, after signing an agreement Thursday with a Toronto-based supplier.

Azure Dynamics Corp., a supplier of hybrid gas-electric powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, will build a hybrid system for Ford’s E-350 and E-450 commercial chassis by early 2008.

Available in 25 versions from launch, priced from £14,475 – £24,575 + VAT, the new 2006 Ducato Panel Van range, which is designed to be the most versatile in its segment and encompasses panel van, dropside truck and crew cab truck variants, chassis cabs as a base for conversion and a nine seat Commercial Passenger Vehicle, the Combinato.
The new Ducato features larger dimensions, both within the passenger cab and to the length, height and width of a load compartment which now offers a maximum volume of 17m3. The new Ducato range offers an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to a maximum of 4.0 tonnes, and a driver-inclusive payload of up to 1850 kg.

Six Volkswagen medium wheelbase Crafter box built vans will be based in Haydock and operate throughout the north west, supplying commercial premises with a wide range of leading brand products.

By Simon Reeve

Ford’s Transit is still the UK’s most popular van - not bad after a production run of more than 40 years.

Now the venerable Trannie has had a bit of a makeover - the first major facelift in nearly six years.

The new Ford Transit has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘International Van of the Year 2007′. The ‘Van of the Year’ jury, which comprises an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries, awarded the new Ford Transit the 2007 trophy in what was described as “one of the closest fought ‘Van of the Year’ battles ever.”

Volkswagen has revealed the first images of its new Touran compact MPV, ahead of its world public debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. With a fresh new appearance and innovative technologies, yet still boasting all the practical features for which the Touran has become renowned, the revised seven-seater people carrier looks set to continue the model’s success. The new Touran will be the first Volkswagen available with ParkAssist, an optional parking guidance system developed by Volkswagen engineers.