Van Guard News

Volvo’s low-entry bus, Volvo 8700 LE, has been named Commercial Vehicle of the Year in Finland. It was selected for the award due to its environmental friendliness and that it is an important component of the new Bus Rapid Transit system in Helsinki.

The introduction of the third vehicle of the X90 Programme, which will go on to feature a total of six vehicles within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, not only forms part of the programme’’s ongoing development but also contributes to the group’’s international growth.

The new Ford Transit was crowned as the 2007 International Van of the Year back in September, which set Ford of Europe’s team into motion to create two special one-offs to celebrate the honor. The first is the Transit XXL, a bespoke limousine created by joining two short-wheelbase Transit Tourneo models. Despite being over 24 feet long, the Transit XXL seats only seven people, but just imagine the kind of leg room each passenger enjoys. Entry into the vehicle can be accomplished through one of four full-size sliding doors, and the XXL was made a right-hand drive model, not just because it was developed in Europe, but also because livery drivers will find themselves on the right side of the vehicle when pulling up curbside to drop off passengers.

The light commercial van market (LCV) has been buoyant during 2006 and there is every indication that it will grow even faster in 2007. Sales of LCVs are mainly to smaller businesses and the economic forecasts indicate that as business activity is expected to increase in 2007 so too will the market for light commercial vehicles.