VW Commercial has marked its return to the CV Show with the announcement of a new Converter Recognition Programme.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has marked its return to the CV Show this year with the announcement of a new Converter Recognition Programme. 

Designed to build upon the brand’s existing and successful ‘Engineered to Go’ and ‘Engineered for You’ programmes, the new scheme not only extends the range of off-the-shelf and bespoke conversions on offer, but also further guaranties the quality of the products available directly from Volkswagen’s dedicated Van Centre network.

Working only with pre-qualified trusted partners, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continues to offers a range of conversion products manufactured to the highest standards and that comply with the latest commercial and technical requirements. The changes to the programmes see Volkswagen introduce a number of new quality and technical criteria to which converter partners must adhere in order to be part of the conversion offering. The alterations have been developed to improve quality further, simplify the aftersales service and increase customer convenience.   

A new three-tiered approach has been developed to suit the differing converter agreements that Volkswagen operates (Registered Bodybuilder, Integrated Partner and Premium Partner). At each level, converter partners will be required to undergo regular, stringent converter audits to ensure the quality of the products available, as well as deliver minimum type approval certification for each conversion. This dedication to quality means that all Volkswagen-converted vehicles will feature the same aftersales support received by the brand’s standard vehicles.

The changes to the scheme will ensure customers are provided with a ‘one stop shop’ for converted vehicles, meaning that their chosen Van Centre takes care of the whole conversion process. Not only does this increase the convenience for the customer and mean only one invoice will be received when purchased via the Van Centre, but also that when the vehicle is delivered it is ready-for-use straight away.

Nick Axtell, Specialist Sales Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “The changes to the ‘Engineered to Go’ and Engineered for You’ programmes are another example of how Volkswagen is working together with its customers to develop and evolve our products and service to help meet their business needs. The alterations to the conversions offering will allow us to not only further develop current range of off the shelf solutions we offer, but also help us to deliver an improved customer experience.”

CV SHOW 2015 - Isuzu wins again with the D-Max, from the Trade Van Driver Awards.

Isuzu UK continues to upset the status quo with its award winning feats when the D-Max was recently awarded the accolade of Best Trade Pick-Up in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards for the second year running.

Already proving to be a great success with British pick-up users, the magazine’s judging panel praised the D-Max for its value, build quality and well known off-road capabilities.

Matt Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver said of the achievement: “Many trade users need a solid, no-nonsense pick-up that is prepared for an extremely hard life and isn't afraid to get its feet muddy. 

With its low front-end price, superb off-road capability and rugged build quality, the D-Max fits the bill admirably and wins this title for the second year running.”

The Trade Van Driver accolade follows on from Isuzu UK’s best first quarter sales since imports began in the UK in 1987 with 1841 D-Max pick-ups registered. In 2014, Isuzu UK recorded its best ever year with sales growing at double the rate of the overall pick-up market - 33.7% versus 15% - ensuring the brand number one for retail sales.

This week also saw the announcement of the new D-Max Blade as the flagship model of the range and the launch of a network of new fleet centre across the UK as the D-Max continues to attract increasing interest from the fleet sector of the market.

The widest range of body styles available on the market – single, extended and double cab – as well as the largest choice of automatic transmissions, has provided the platform for the Isuzu D-Max to establish itself as a leader in the pick-up sector since its launch in the summer of 2012. 

Every new D-Max sold in the UK is backed by the company’s pioneering, five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

Ford’s golden convoy of Transits celebrating 50 years of the van icon has departed the UK’s CV Show.

• Gold Ford Transits debut at this week’s CV Show to mark 50 years of leadership
• Ford’s CV Show stand dominated by gold-sprayed two-tonne Transit display model
• A further four gold Transits depart the show to tour new Transit Centre dealerships, events and other shows
• Convoy’s Transit Courier, Connect, Custom and two-tonne models go on four-month tour, culminating at Transit Owners’ Club’s celebration on its actual birthday (weekend of Aug 8/9)

Ford’s golden convoy of Transits celebrating 50 years of the van icon has departed the UK’s CV Show to tour dealerships, events and other shows until the commercial vehicle leader’s actual anniversary on the weekend of Aug 8/9.

The tour by gold-coloured Transit Courier, Connect, Custom and two-tonne Transit models marks five decades of loyal service to businesses in UK and around the world.

Since the first vehicle left the production line in Langley, England, on August 9, 1965, almost 8 million Transit and Transit Custom models have been built, and the Transit has grown from a single model to an entire family of Transit vans.

Lined up end-to-end, 50 years of Transits would circle the globe, and on average a new Transit has been bought every 180 seconds during its lifetime.

The latest expanded Transit line-up features four all-new models – Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier – which are boosting demand for Ford commercial vehicles, with sales at an all-time high in March up 43 per cent at 16,497, compared with March 2014.

“The Ford Transit has touched the lives of most of us,” said Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “From house moves to moving people, the Ford Transit is an essential tool to get the job done. It has become a mobile office or workshop for some – and loved by us all.” 

Launched in the same year that the first person walked in space, the Transit made an immediate impact, providing practical support to the booming economy. The Transit evolved with a vast range of bodystyles and variants: from the parcel van, through tipper trucks and campers, to outrageous one-offs, including the Cosworth V8-powered Supervans.

Growing popularity saw production of the Transit accelerate, and after passing the first million milestone in 1976, it rapidly passed the next ones in 1985, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2013. Add demand for the smaller Transit Connect – with more than 1 million sold – and the compact all-new Transit Courier, and total Transit production is scheduled to top 9 million during 2015.

Transit has also introduced a list of technology innovations to help improve performance, comfort and safety; from features like side-loading doors, radial ply tyres and halogen headlights, to direct injection diesel engines, high security locks and standard anti-lock brakes. The latest Transit models have added state-of-the-art technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid.

The success of the Transit has seen production expand beyond Europe, including facilities in Nanchang, China and in 2014 the Transit entered North America for the first time, with the all-new two-tonne Transit being built in Kansas City, Mo. This has helped extend the all-new Transit to 118 markets across six continents.

"Ford’s Transit family continues to lead the way in innovation,” Ovenden said. “With 50 years of van sales leadership in the UK under its belt, the new four-van Transit range is looking forward to its next half century.”

Vauxhall launches all new CorsaVan, a huge move forward from the previous generation.

MARKET & RIVALS

• Priced from £10,995 to £13,695
• On sale now
• First deliveries expected this month

DESIGN

• New exterior styling
• Modern and ergonomic interior
• Three new exterior paint colours

VERSATILITY, LOADING CAPACITY AND MODEL VARIANTS

• Increased payload up to 571kg
• Flat-loading capacity of 920 litres
• Compact enough for the narrowest city street

POWERTRAINS AND CHASSIS

• All-new Euro 6-compliant powertrains
• Economy up to 85.6mpg and 87g/km CO₂
• Enhanced and improved chassis

SAFETY

• Six airbags as standard
• Active safety systems as standard
• Latest generation ESP plus as standard

RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT

• Priced from £11,858.33 to £14,558.33
• Two trim levels: Corsavan and Corsavan Sportive
• Excellent levels of standard spec across the range

MARKET & RIVALS

• Priced from £10,995 to £13,695
• On sale now with first deliveries expected this month

Available in showrooms later this month, the new Corsavan features a bright new exterior, high-class interior and an improved chassis.

The outgoing model has sold over 34,000 in the UK with the 1.3 CDTi being the most popular engine option.  Over 13,000 have been sold at retail to small businesses. 

Last year was the strongest sales year for Corsavan since 2008. 

 The Corsavan’s main rival in the small compact sized commercial vehicle segment is the Fiesta Van.

“Vauxhall’s all-new Corsavan is stylish, comfortable and affordable to run,” said Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Head of Commercial Vehicle Brand. “Like its award-winning predecessor, it will hold massive appeal to van drivers, small businesses, fleet decision-makers and company drivers alike.”

Making new Corsavan even more affordable is Vauxhall’s offer of four years’ zero per cent APR representative finance, four years’ free servicing, four years’ roadside assistance and four years’ warranty. Service intervals are best-in-class at one year/20,000 miles.

The Corsavan will make it UK debut at the CV Show in at Birmingham’s NEC (14^th – 16^th April 2015).

DESIGN

• New exterior styling
• Modern and ergonomic interior
• Three new exterior paint colours

Corsavan’s striking profile has been overlaid with Brit Mark Adams’ sculptural design, including elements such as the ‘blade’ running across the lower door-sections.

From the front, the Corsavan is immediately recognisable as the latest addition to the Vauxhall range. The bold face is clearly recognisable thanks to its ‘eagle eye’-shaped headlights, incorporating Vauxhall’s signature ‘wing’ LED daytime running lights and the low sporty trapezoidal grille, with a chrome bar supporting the Vauxhall Griffin.

From the side, the upper window line drops to the rear giving the van a sleek appearance. The sculptured body sides feature Vauxhall’s flowing ‘blade’ signature.

The rear view of the Corsavan is also completely new. 

Horizontal split tail lights help widen the van and flow through to the rear shoulders creating a more muscular stance. The ‘wing’ graphic design features when the rear lights are switched on.

The new Corsavan is available in seven exterior paint colours including three all-new colours including Summit White, Shiny Rock and Darksea Blue.

Ergonomics have been vastly improved, with new seats that provide increased support, durability and extended travel – a boon for operators covering long distances or for companies using the van as a pool vehicle. In addition, ambient lighting and reduced levels of noise, harshness and vibration further improve the workday experience, whatever the line of business.

VERSATILITY, LOADING CAPACITY AND MODEL VARIANTS

• Increased payload up to 571kg
• Flat-loading capacity of 920 litres
• Compact enough for the narrowest city street

The new Corsavan has a class-leading payload, up by 21kg versus the outgoing model to 571kg, and a flat loading capacity of 920 litres. Maximum loadspace height is also best-in-class at 921mm.

But at just 4.02 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, it’s compact enough to fit in to tight parking spaces and negotiate the narrowest of city streets.

Dimensions and Payload

Cargo dimensions       

Maximum Length 1257mm

Maximum Height 921mm

Maximum Width 1264mm

Width Between Wheel Arches 969mm

Load Volume 0.92m³

Vehicle dimensions     

Length 4021mm

Height 1487mm

Width – excluding door mirrors 1736mm

Width – including door mirrors 1944mm

Wheelbase 2510mm

Front/Rear Overhang 881/630mm

Payload (excluding driver)       

1.2 (70PS) 560

1.3CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop 571

1.3CDTi (95PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX 571

1.3CDTi (95PS) Start/Stop [Sportive] 543

POWERTRAINS AND CHASSIS

• All-new Euro 6-compliant powertrains
• Economy up to 85.6mpg and 87g/km CO₂
• Enhanced and improved chassis

All-new Corsavan is also equipped with a range of Euro-6 compliant petrol and diesel engines, offering economy up to 85.6mpg and CO₂ emissions as low as 87g/km.

The new Euro 6 1.3 CDTi (95PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX has been re-engineered for exceptional economy and running characteristics, and features:

• New turbocharger for high torque from low revs and lag-free acceleration
• Revised exhaust manifold for reduced noise and emissions
• Dual mass flywheel for smoother running and idling
• Close-coupled LNT (lean NOx trap) catalytic converter to meet Euro-6

The reliable and well-proven Start/Stop System is standard on all diesel engines, and also features brake energy recuperation. Regulated voltage control actively manages the battery level, helping reduce fuel consumption by reducing and optimising charging level during operation. It can sense when the vehicle is coasting or braking, and increases charge to battery .

There’s 1.2-litre (70PS) petrol unit that completes the Corsavan powertrain portfolio.

Chassis

An all-new chassis and steering system offers improved ride and feedback. The new speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system not only adds the City Mode, which boosts power assistance for easier parking, but has been further optimised for a more positive and direct feel.

Both the balance and handling have benefited from the lower centre of gravity made possible by new chassis technology. Front and rear suspension have been optimised and recalibrated resulting in improved stability, handling and comfort. New engine mountings ensure smoothness at all speeds including at idle. This also helps further reduce fuel consumption.

SAFETY

• Six airbags as standard
• Active safety systems as standard
• Latest generation ESP plus as standard

The new Corsavan features a rigid safety structure made from high-strength steel with load diffusion paths and impact-absorbing areas. Six airbags are standard:

• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Seat mounted thorax-pelvis side airbags
• Side curtain airbags

The passenger front and side airbags can also be switch deactivated.

In addition to the passive safety enhancements such as safety cell and six airbags, New Corsavan also features active safety systems as standard. Active safety systems are important and enable accident avoidance. 

New Corsavan features the latest-generation Electronic Stability Program Plus which includes following functions:

• Straight Line Stability Control
• Cornering Brake Control
• Drag Torque Control
• Brake Assist System
• Active Rollover Protection
• Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist
• Hill Start Assist

Tyre Pressure Monitoring is also standard with each tyre pressure constantly monitored and shown individually in the instrument cluster.

RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT

• Priced from £11,858.33 to £14,558.33
• Two trim levels: Corsavan and Corsavan Sportive
• Excellent levels of standard spec across the range

There’s also advanced new IntelliLink infotainment smartphone connectivity, as well as more comfort and convenience features than ever before.

The new model benefits from a raft of new options, making it one of the best equipped car-derived vans on the market. The new options include electronic climate control, Winter Pack with heated seats and heated steering wheel, IntelliLink with 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Bluetooth and DAB, 16-inch black alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.

There’s also a Technical Pack which includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear camera, traffic sign recognition and following distance indicator.

Full pricing for the all-new Corsavan is as follows:

Model	Engine	RRP exc. VAT	CO2 g/km	MPG
Corsavan	1.2 (70PS)	£11858.33	126	52.3
Corsavan	1.3CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop	£13108.33	100	74.3
Corsavan	1.3CDTi (95PS) Start/Stop	£13558.33	87	85.6
Corsavan Sportive	1.3CDTi (95PS) Start/Stop	£14558.33	101	74.3

Corsavan features the following standard specification:

• Electronic Stability Programme Plus (includes: Straight Line Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, Drag Torque Control, Brake Assist System, Active Rollover Protection, Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist, Hill Start Assist)
• Six Airbags – driver/passenger; side-impact and curtain
• One-touch electrically operated windows
• Electrically adjustable door mirrors
• CD30 audio unit with MP3 player, Aux-In; Bluetooth, USB and DAB
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering with City Mode

The Sportive model features the following additional specification:

• Air conditioning
• Metallic or pearlescent paint
• 4-Twin Spoke 16-inch alloy wheels
• Interior ambient lighting
• Heated windscreen
• Sports front seats
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control with speed limiter function
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
• Front fog lights
• Automatic lighting control

New Options

• Electronic Climate Control (ECC)
• Technical Pack (features Forward Collision Alert; Lane Departure Warning, Rear Camera; Traffic Sign Recognition and Following Distance Indicator)
• Winter Pack with heated seats and steering wheel
• Intellilink with 7” touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and DAB