The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo camper van is now on sale.

• Based on long-wheelbase V-Class. Prices start from £53,180
• Seats and sleeps four
• Available in two trim levels: Sport and AMG Line
• Choice of two frugal diesel engines
• Available to order now, with first UK deliveries in Spring 2017

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo camper van is now on sale, with prices starting from £53,180 for the entry-level V 220 d Sport. The V 220 d AMG Line is £55,320, the V 250 d Sport £55,055 and the V 250 d AMG Line is £57,195.

The Marco Polo is based on the popular V-Class, and can seat or sleep four people. It comes with a full range of equipment including a built-in kitchenette with a fridge and hob, plus a two-seater sofa which can easily be transformed into a bed (with under-bed storage). 

It also features a roof bed, accessed via an electrically raising roof; a wardrobe and a generous luggage compartment.

A choice of two engines are available: 220 d and 250 d, both using a turbocharged 2.1-litre diesel engine. The 220 d has an output of 163 hp and maximum torque of 380 Nm, with fuel economy of 44.8 mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of 166 g/km. 

The 250 d generates 190 hp and 440 Nm of torque, can achieve 44.8 mpg and emits 169 g/km of CO₂. A 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission is standard across the range.

As standard, Sport models come with a two-seater sofa with bed extension; yacht wood flooring in rear compartment (available in a choice of two colours at no extra cost); camping table plus two chairs with storage bag; electrically operated pop-up roof; swivelling driver and passenger seats; automatic three-

zone climate control; external connections for power and fresh water; tinted rear windows; 18-inch alloy wheels; ambient lighting; Garmin navigation system; leather upholstery; Active Parking Assist with rear-view camera; and split tail gate.

For an additional £2,140, AMG Line models add AMG bodystyling; 19-inch AMG bi-colour wheels; sports suspension; carbon-look dash; AMG spoiler lip on tailgate; and metallic paint.

For £595, the Lane Tracking package includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The Driving Assistance package is optionally available for £1,695 and includes Distronic Plus; Blind Spot Assist; Pre-Safe; and Lane Keeping Assist.

Stand alone options include metallic paint (£645); Comand Online infotainment system (£1,795); 360° camera (£335); extra individual seat in the middle row (£1,045); side awning (£695); and auxiliary heating (£1,345 – available across the entire V-Class range).

Volkswagen has started to offer loyalty bonuses, firstly to the commercial vehicle owners, who next ?

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers up to £1,500 off the price of a new vehicle
• Loyalty offer available to owners of any Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle
• Passenger-carrying models and campervan also benefit from ‘thank you’ discount 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is thanking existing van owners for their loyalty and custom by giving them up to £1,500 off the price of a new vehicle.

Caddy customers will have £500 (ex VAT) taken off the price, Transporter (including the Shuttle and Caravelle passenger carrying derivatives, and California campervan) and Amarok customers will benefit from a £1,000 reduction, while those purchasing a Crafter will see a full £1,500 discount on their invoice. 

The offer applies to new vehicles ordered before the end of March 2016 (at participating Van Centres, see www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk for full details of eligibility and Ts&Cs).

Andy Waite, Head of Sales Operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: ‘We value those customers who have stayed loyal to us and want to thank them. We understand the importance of a smart, reliable vehicle to them and to their businesses, and are pleased to be able to help them kick off a successful year with a new van.’

Existing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customers will be contacted direct with details of the loyalty discount offer, and invited to visit one of the company’s dedicated UK Van Centres. Here they will have the opportunity to discuss a vehicle which suits their needs, taste and budget, and place an order for a new vehicle. The offer is available to those owning a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle of any age or type, as well as their family members or those living at the same address.

Waite continued: ‘With a 60 year heritage and following the launch of the new Transporter and Caddy in 2015, we know we have a fantastic range of vehicles and a broad customer base. We are pleased to be able to provide a wide range of offers and finance packages to all our customers, and look forward to welcoming them in one of our Van Centres to help them find the perfect vehicle for their needs and lifestyle.’

Volkswagen launches the ONLY factory built Camper van in the world, the All New California.

• New engine range with fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15 per cent
• DSG and 4MOTION options – power outputs from 102PS to 204PS
• New driver assistance features, adaptive suspension and new infotainment system
• New safety systems; Driver Alert, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking
• Acclaimed layout and interior packaging retained and improved

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to kick-start the summer holiday season with the official unveiling of the new California. 

Based on the recently revealed Transporter T6, the new California remains the only factory-built camper van on the market, and offers a host of improvements and new features for buyers who want the ultimate home from home.

The new California is the fourth model to bear the name, and builds on the strengths of its highly successful predecessors. 

The range incorporates all the key features introduced on the new Transporter T6, including new, more efficient engines that are up to 15 per cent more economical than the outgoing units. 

The new California also features a range of advanced technologies designed to make life safer and even more enjoyable for occupants. These include driver assistance systems, a completely refreshed infotainment system and the availability of adaptive suspension.

The launch engine range includes both diesel and petrol options, along with DSG and 4MOTION four-wheel-drive derivatives. Power outputs for UK models range from 102 PS for the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI engine (Beach models only) up to 204 PS for the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit (Ocean models only).

Naturally, the new California retains the legendary practicality and storage ingenuity of its predecessor. Available in two forms; Beach and Ocean (which replaces the current SE model), the California can sleep four occupants courtesy of its acclaimed pop-up roof (electro-hydraulic on Ocean models) that neatly integrates a 1.2m x 2m double bed. 

Ocean models also feature a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with 42-litre refrigerator, twin-burner hob and stainless steel sink unit. 

Ocean models also gain a dimmable LED lighting system for the pop-up roof and tailgate and a clever multi-functional holder for the rear compartment that incorporates a cup, ashtray and towel holder all in one.

Driver and passenger safety is another area where the new California excels. Among the many advanced features introduced on the fourth-generation models are a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. 

The former is fitted as standard on all models and can detect any deviation from normal steering patterns. If deviation is detected, the system uses visual and acoustic warnings to recommend that the driver takes a break. 

Brake Assist adds another layer of security by registering the speed at which the brake pedal is pressed. During emergency braking, it ensures full brake pressure is applied more quickly. 

Finally, Volkswagen’s acclaimed Automatic Post-Collision Braking System triggers braking after a collision, with the aim of preventing secondary collisions.

After a short delay, the vehicle begins a phased braking action down to 6mph, during which the driver can take control at any time.

UK prices and final specifications for the new California range will be announced shortly.

Volkswagen Cleans up and commercial Vehicle awards ceremony.

• Transporter named ‘Best Crew Van’
• Amarok wins ‘Best Utility Pick-Up’ and ‘Best Double Cab’ awards
• Caddy awarded ‘Best Local Delivery Van’
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented with ‘Best Service Package for Van Owners’ and ‘BestFinance Package for Van Owners’ awards

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating a stunning trophy haul at the annual Business Van Awards. The brand swept the board on its way to collecting six out of 12 category awards.

Volkswagen scooped the manufacturer awards for Best Service Package and Best Finance Package. In addition, the brand also claimed Best Crew Van for Transporter, Best Local Delivery Van for Caddy, plus Best Utility Pick-Up and Best Double Cab for the Amarok.

Announcing the results before an industry audience, Business Vans’ editorial director, Ralph Morton, commented:

Best Crew Van – Transporter

‘It’s not just the Transporter panel van version that shines out for SME van operators, when it comes to carrying people to various jobs, the Kombi variant is a winner too.

‘But the real appeal of a Kombi is that it can be a tax-efficient dual use vehicle. For someone in the trades the Transporter Kombi is a brilliant, smart and professional-looking working van during the day, which can then double for family use at the weekends. It means you won’t need an additional car – the Kombi does it all.’

Best Local Delivery Van – Caddy

‘The VW Caddy is compact – just what you need for local delivery work – but this Volkswagen van also has a choice of payloads and 3.2m³ of load capacity and can take loads up to 1.78m. So it’s big on performance.

‘Add in the fact the Caddy is smart, has legendary VW build quality and reliability and carries the professional image that goes with the Volkswagen nameplate, and you have an excellent winner of our local delivery van category.’

Best Utility Pick-Up and Best Double Cab – Amarok

‘We do like a pick-up here at Business Vans and despite challenges from rivals, the Volkswagen Amarok remains top of the pile, whether it’s a do-it-all utility version you want or a more upmarket double cab.

‘Why does it remain our favourite? Outside it looks tough and on the road you feel like you’re ready for anything, the bed area is practical and spacious, yet inside it is comfortable with a car-like feel and comfy ride. Add in Volkswagen reliability and low running costs, and you can see why the Amarok remains king of the pick-ups.’

Best Service Package for Van Owners – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

‘The judges were impressed by Volkswagen’s service offering and the back-up provided by the brand’s dedicated Van Centre network, which features extended hours, fast emergency repairs and courtesy vehicles that are vital for busy small businesses.’

Best Finance Package – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

‘It’s not only the award-winning vans and pick-ups that are so right for small businesses, Volkswagen also supports its commercial vehicles with award winning finance. For those in the trades and other small businesses, Volkswagen offers the complete package. Why go anywhere else?’

Commenting on the awards success, Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, added: ‘To get such recognition demonstrates the strength of the brand and the quality of our products. This is another excellent result for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and proves that our vans make sense for small or large van buyers. 

‘Winning the best finance package and best service awards is particularly pleasing as it shows that our dedicated Van Centres are doing a great job of getting people on the road and keeping them moving!’

SEPTEMBER SALES - VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL - VW celebrates more record sales, across the range.

• More than 5,500 registrations for September 2014 – up 4.6 per cent on 2013
• 30,821 total vehicles sold so far in 2014 – up 9.0 per cent on 2013
• Market share stands at 13.5 per cent year to date
• Record September registrations for Crafter - up 55.0 per cent on 2013

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has continued a record-breaking 2014 with its best ever light commercial vehicle (LCV) September registrations. With Van Centres across the UK reporting brisk business, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has reinforced its number two position in the light commercial vehicles sector.

A total of 5,519 light commercial vehicles were registered in September – up 4.6 per cent on the same period in 2013 (5,276) – with Transporter and Caddy leading the way with 2,333 and 1,755 registrations respectively. For the first time ever, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered more than 1,000 Crafters in September. Deliveries during the month increased by 55.0 per cent (1,054) when compared with the same period in 2013 (680). Sales of Amarok remained strong, with 377 delivered to customers in September. Year to date, Amarok sales are up 20.6% (2,450) when compared with 2013 (2,031).

In addition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also registered 237 camper van and passenger carriers and 33 heavy commercial vehicles in September.

These record figures have helped Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produce its highest ever sales figures for the first nine months of a year. With total sales of 33,715 (January – September), the brand is 7.8 per cent up on the same period in 2013 (31,262).

With a market share of 13.5 per cent, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reinforced its number two position in the light commercial vehicles sector in the UK.

Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘These strong results demonstrate the incredible momentum we are enjoying in the UK.

‘Demand for our products remains at an all-time high. In particular, customer orders for Crafter are at a record level - not just because of its outstanding quality, but also because of its cast iron residual values and outstanding aftersales and fleet support provided from our dedicated Van Centre network.’