Van sales up a fifth, suggesting an economic surge
Ford remains far and way the best-selling marque, the 7,068 units sold representing a very healthy 27% of the market.
Volkswagen follows with 16% market share, from Renault (12.5%), Toyota (7.2%), Peugeot (6.2%), Citroen (5.1%), Opel (4.7%), Nissan (4.4%), Mercedes-Benz (3.8%), and Land Rover (3.3%).
The top selling models are Ford’s Transit (3,356 units), Ford Transit Connect (1,984), Volkswagen Caddy (1,772), Renault Trafic (1,425), Renault Master (1,312), Peugeot Partner (1,285), Toyota Landcruiser (1,418), Citroen Berlingo (1,081), Land Rover Discovery (830), and Ford’s Kuga (770).
Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations have recorded a 38% year to date.
NEW SPRINTER WEIGHT
Mercedes-Benz has announced a higher weight class for its Sprinter large van.
The van is being offered now in a 5.5t classification which means that new conversion options can be offered without special changes, and an upshift of 450kg in payload for the Sprinter range.
New and improved engines are available from summer in some European markets, offering power ranges from 114hp-190hp.
NISSAN’S NEW MEDIUM VAN
Nissan’s NV300 mid-size van will arrive in showrooms later in the year.
Featuring styling cues from the company’s crossover range, it is a successor to the Primastar and will fill the gap between the compact NV200 and the larger NV400. It has been the missing player in Nissan’s line-up and will be available as a panel van, a crew van and a Combi passenger vehicle seating up to nine people.
Two body lengths and two body heights will be offered, with rear load space ranging from 5.2 to 8.7 cubic metres. The NV300 has been designed to provide business drivers with a “mobile office” environment, offering passenger car levels of cabin comfort and driving refinement. Nissan say it is perfect for every industry, from transportation and logistics, to multi-drop delivery, fast-fit repairs and mobile workshops.
It will have service intervals of two years/40,000km and a range of four fuel- efficient Euro 6 turbodiesel engines.
A five-year/160,000km pan-European, manufacturer-backed warranty will apply, fully transferrable to second and subsequent owners. It includes five years’ roadside assistance cover.
A GENERATIONAL LEAP
Citroen’s latest Dispatch van makes a real generational leap over the previous model.
Two wheelbases are 2.92m and 3.27m as well as short and long rear overhangs. These can be combined to give three lengths (XS at 4.60m, M at 4.95m, and XL at 5.30m) so that each professional can choose their vehicle in line with their needs and activity.
Two double cab families are offered. The flatbed is available in the M length of 4.95m — this version provides a basis for conversions such as into refrigerated vehicles and high-volume versions, as well as other conversion variants.
The Dispatch’s cargo capacity is up to 1,400kg in payload, 6.6m3 of load volume, and it can tow up to 2.5 tonnes. Its height of just 1.90m for the XS and M versions makes for easy underground car park access.
Features include a Moduwork system which allows the side passenger seat to be lifted up against the partition to make extra space with a flat floor and the large flap in the partition, offering a length of up to 4m.
Optional hands-free sliding side doors can make loading and unloading easier when the driver’s hands are full with equipment, packages or goods.
Power options include the latest-generation 1.6 and 2.0 diesel engines ranging from 95hp (210 Nm) with a manual gearbox to 180bhp (400 Nm) with an EAT6 automatic gearbox.
Dispatch offers numerous conversion possibilities to meet the needs of all activity sectors, including a 4x4 version.
Price from €21,500, including VAT.
