Van Guard News

An engine that is not running does not need any fuel. This truism helps the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to save fuel and thereby reduce its environmental impact. If the vehicle is stationary with the engine idling and the transmission in neutral for more than three seconds, the engine is automatically switched off. As soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal again, the engine re-starts.

The arrival of the Dodge Sprinter has resulted in a significant shakeup in the full-size van market.

While Ford and General Motors have churned out evolutionary versions of traditional vans, Dodge has quietly imported a German-made vehicle — essentially a re-badged Mercedes-Benz van — that literally stands heads and shoulders above them.

Two hot new additions are joining the Vauxhall LCV line-up, bringing new levels of stylish design and driver appeal to the commercial vehicle market.

With high-performance, fuel-efficient diesel engines and sports-themed styling features, the Astravan Sportive SE and Corsavan Sportive join the line-up by popular demand, after first being exhibited in concept form at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

It was in 1947, that the Dutch Volkswagen Importer, Ben Pon, spotted a vehicle at the Volkswagen Plant in Wolfsburg, Germany that the staff there had made up using Beetle components to transfer heavy parts and panels from one place to another. Inspired by what he had seen, he immediately sketched a design of a simple commercial vehicle and soon after in 1949 the Type 2 (the Type 1 being the Beetle) was born and was soon to become known as the T1, the 1st generation of the Volkswagen Transporter.

As a result of a new solus vehicles supply deal, fast expanding GP Plantscape is now switching its entire 40+ light commercial vehicle fleet to Citroen vans. Lanark-headquartered GP Plantscape, one of the UK’s leading office plant and interior/exterior landscaping companies, has previously run a mixed-make commercial vehicle fleet.

The “KEP Van of the Year” competition organised by the ETM publishing house in Stuttgart was held recently for the seventh time. The jury consisted of professionals from the courier, express and parcel delivery (KEP) sector, and was made up of fleet managers and self-employed operators. The competition took place as part of the AMI automotive trade fair in Leipzig, with the winners announced during a formal dinner event.

Ford commercial vehicles are leading the company’s charge towards next month’s 57-plate debut by notching up the best sales results for six years.

Performing at their strongest since 2001, Ford commercial vehicles include the iconic Southampton-built Transit – International Van of the Year 2007. In the first seven months of this year 56,682 CV buyers have chosen new Ford Transit, Transit Connect, Fiesta van and Ranger pick-up models.

The new 2008 Ford E-Series commercial van – America’s best selling cargo vans, cutaways and passenger wagons – gets a major makeover inspired by the new F-Series Super Duty’s bold new front-end design to communicate a list of chassis and suspension upgrades that increase capability and improve ride and handling. Safety and security is also improved with the addition of available traction control and features such as the advanced E-Guard Cargo Protection System™, a segment exclusive, for added door-lock security.