Ford launches updated versions of its Transit Courier and Transit Connect Commercial Vehicles.

• Ford reveals first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier light commercial vehicles that will join the top-selling Ford Transit family from mid-2018 

• New Transit Connect delivers bold design and fuel-efficient engines with all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol featuring cylinder deactivation 

• Compact new Transit Courier offers updated powertrains with standard six-speed transmission, SYNC 3 technology and refreshed front-end appearance 

• Ford is Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand; entire product line-up to benefit from renewal during the next 18 months 

Ford today revealed the first details of the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier – part of a Ford product revolution that will see the company’s entire commercial line-up in Europe renewed during the next 18 months. 

Transit Connect and Transit Courier are an important part of the latest four-model Transit family, which has driven Ford to become Europe’s No. 1-selling commercial vehicle brand, with sales exceeding 276,000 in October year-to-date, an increase of eight per cent over 2016. In the UK, both Transit Connect and Transit Courier are the best-selling commercial vehicles in their respective segments for 2017 year-to-date, with more than 20,000 sales between them – almost one quarter of total Transit nameplate sales. 

Featuring stylish new designs, more fuel-efficient powertrains* and advanced new driver assistance technologies, the two new Transit models will be available to order in spring 2018 for customer delivery from the middle of the year. 

“Ford’s latest Transit family has taken the European market by storm, and we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “We’ve given our two smaller Transits a complete overhaul that makes them even more affordable to run, more stylish to look at, and ready to tackle every job our customers throw at them.” 

New Ford Transit Connect

New Transit Connect introduces a smart new front-end appearance that adopts the latest Ford design DNA. An imposing three-bar Transit grille combined with slimmer headlamps – with powerful HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on high series models, combine with a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler to deliver the fresh new look. 

Inside the Transit Connect, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired six-inch colour touchscreen on high series models, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab. 

A state-of-the-art new powertrain line-up provides enhanced fuel-efficiency, while achieving Euro 6.2 emissions standards. Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies with a low-friction engine design to deliver improved performance alongside reduced fuel-consumption. 

For customers requiring a petrol option, new Transit Connect offers an advanced new version of the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which incorporates significant changes to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems to provide further improvements in fuel-efficiency. New technologies also include cylinder deactivation, which enables the engine to run on two cylinders at low loads, to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel-efficiency. 

An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard. The 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered to deliver optimised fuel-efficiency alongside responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts. 

To minimise overall cost of ownership, service intervals have been extended on both diesel and petrol variants, with manual diesel vehicles now offering best-in-class variable intervals of up to two years/25,000 miles. The longer service intervals contribute to scheduled maintenance and non-scheduled repair costs that are significantly lower than the primary competition, according to Ford analysis. 

The new Transit Connect introduces a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features including Intelligent Speed Limiter – that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. 

Like the outgoing model, new Transit Connect offers commercial vehicle operators an outstanding breadth of capabilities, with short and long wheelbase options providing load volumes up to 3.6 m3 (VDA), payload capacity ranging from 520-890 kg, and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van. 

New Ford Transit Courier

The Transit Courier is the smallest member of Ford’s Transit family, and the new model brings a refreshed front-end appearance that incorporates a reshaped grille opening and revised design for the lower fascia. 

The cabin features a redesigned centre console design for enhanced ergonomics, including a new, larger six-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that is available on higher series models, and positioned closer to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use. 

Meeting the latest Euro 6.2 emissions standards, the updated powertrain line-up offers customers the choice of fuel-efficient 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines. All vehicles feature Ford’s all-new six-speed manual transmission in place of the outgoing model’s five-speed gearbox, offering improved shift quality, refinement and contributing to better real-world fuel-efficiency. 

For the ultimate in low running costs, a new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models, which integrates optimised aerodynamics with an Active Grille Shutter that improves warm-up times and reduces aero-drag. 

New Transit Courier offers urban van operators a payload capacity ranging from 500-590 kg, load volumes up to 2.4 m3(VDA), and a choice of van and kombi bodystyles. The series line-up now also includes a new Limited variant, providing customers with an alternative to the dynamic Sport model at the top of the range. 

Further information about the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier models, including fuel consumption and performance data, will be published closer to the launch of the vehicles in 2018. 

Groupe Renault moves forward with a massive increase in group revenues helped by a 10% growth in sales Units.

• Group revenues totaled €13,129 million in first quarter 2017 (€12,560 million excluding AVTOVAZ). The 25.2% increase (19.7% excluding AVTOVAZ) resulted primarily from an increase in the Group’s brand volume and sales to partners.
• First quarter sales rose by 15.8% to 873,678 vehicles (at constant scope, including Lada) in a market that grew 4%.
• Sales volumes and market share increased in all regions. The Renault and Dacia brands set new sales records for a first quarter.
• In Europe, Group registrations rose 10% in a market up 8%, driven by new models and the confirmation of the good results of Kadjar, Clio 4, Captur and Duster. 
• UK is Groupe Renault’s fifth biggest market globally in Q1 2017
• Outside Europe, the Group posted a 100% increase in sales in Asia-Pacific and a 31% increase in the Africa-Middle East-India Region.
• The Group is confirming its guidance for the year.

Sales Results: first quarter highlights

Groupe Renault (including Lada) worldwide registrations (Passenger Car + LCV) increased by 15.8% in a market up 4%. The Group’s share of the world market now stands at 3.8%, up 0.4 points on 2016. The Renault and Dacia brands set new sales records for a first quarter. Renault Samsung Motors sales increased by 56.3% and those of Lada by 7%.

In Europe, the Group’s share of the PC + LCV market increased 0.2 points to 10.1%. Sales grew 10% to 478,706 vehicles. 

The Renault brand continued to progress, with a 10.1% rise in registrations. Market share came out at 7.7%, up 0.1 points. Renault notably benefited from the complete renewal in 2016 of the Megane family car line-up. 

Electric vehicle sales increased by 46% to nearly 10,000 units (excluding Twizy) thanks to the success of New ZOE with an official range of 250 miles (NEDC). Sales of ZOE rose 57% and reinforced the Group’s leadership with a 28% share of the electric vehicle market. 

The Dacia brand posted a sales record for a first quarter with 112,457 registrations and a 2.4% share of the market. This 9.5% growth resulted from the performance of New Sandero – the facelifted model launched in late 2016.

In France, Groupe Renault benefited from the growth of the market with a 5.6% increase in registrations. The Group placed five vehicles in the top ten best-selling passenger cars (including the top-seller, Clio) and occupied the top four positions in the LCV top ten. The Dacia brand was buoyed by the success of Sandero (the leader in sales to retail customers).

In the UK, Groupe Renault has experienced unprecedented growth over the last five years. This growth has continued in 2017 with 39,498 Groupe Renault vehicles being sold in Q1 – up 3.8% on Q1 2016. The UK is Groupe Renault’s fifth biggest market worldwide.

Outside Europe, all the Regions increased their sales volumes and market share.

Groupe Renault strengthened its positions with the success of its range: Kwid in India, QM6 and SM6 in South Korea, Kaptur in Russia, Koleos in China, Megane Sedan in Turkey, and Captur in the Americas.

In Africa-Middle East-India, Group registrations rose 30.9% for a market share of 6% (up 1.4 points).

Sales in Iran rose sharply (up 161.5%) for a market share of 9%, up 4.9 points, thanks to the success of Tondar and Sandero.

In India, Renault continued to rank as the number-one European brand with a 3.6% share of the market and a 9.9% increase in sales. Kwid registrations reached nearly 27,000.

In North Africa, the Group took a 41.5% share of the market, up 8.3 points with a 13.4% increase in sales.

In Eurasia, registrations increased by 6.3% in a market down 0.5%. The market share of Groupe Renault, now including the Lada brand, rose 1.5 points to 24.1%, notably thanks to a strong momentum in Russia.

In a Russian market that grew slightly (+1%) for the first time in four years, the Group increased its sales by 9.2% (including Lada).

The Renault brand took a 8.1% share of the market, up 0.8 points. Registrations of Kaptur, launched in June 2016, came to over 6,000 for the quarter.

Lada sales volumes rose 8% for a market share of 19.1% (up 1.2 points) thanks to the success of the new Vesta and Xray models. 

With the consolidation of Lada sales volumes, Russia has become the Group’s number-two market.

In Turkey, sales increased 0.8% in a market down 7.4%. The Group posted a 19% share of the market, up 1.5 points. New Mégane Sedan, awarded “Car of the Year”, is off to a successful start with over 6,500 registrations.

In the Asia-Pacific Region, registrations were up 99.7% in a market up 4.6%. 

In China, Renault sold nearly 18,000 vehicles (compared with 3,400 in first-quarter 2016), including 10,000 New Koleos, launched at end-2016 and produced locally at a new plant in Wuhan.

Renault Samsung Motors posted a growth of 56.4% in a South Korean market up 0.9%, for a market share of 6.2%, up 2.2 points, driven by the success of the latest product launches (SM6 and QM6).

In the Americas region, sales increased 19% in a market up 9%, for a market share of 6.3%, up 0.5 points. The success of Sandero, Logan and Duster Oroch models was confirmed.

Groupe Renault continue to take full advantage of the recovery in the Argentinean market, with an 87.2% increase in registrations in a market up 42.8%. Market share rose by 3.1 points to 13.1%. Renault is fully benefitting from the local production of Sandero and Logan since end-2016. The market in Brazil has stabilized (down 1.2%) and the Group maintained its market share at 6.8%.

First quarter revenues by operating sector

Group revenues came to €13,129 million in first quarter 2017, up 25.2%. Excluding the impact of the consolidation of AVTOVAZ, Group revenues increased by 19.7% to €12,560 million (up 18.4% at constant exchange rates).

Automotive excluding AVTOVAZ revenues totaled €11,939 million, up 20.1%, mainly thanks to growth in sales volumes (up 9.2 points). The increase in sales to partners contributed 3.5 points to this growth. The performance reflects the strong momentum in our CKD1 activity in Iran and China and in the sales of vehicles assembled in Europe (notably with the start of Nissan Micra production). The price effect (+2.4 points) benefited primarily from recent launches. The currency effect was positive at 1.3 points, mainly owing to the strengthening of the Russian ruble and Brazilian real, despite the negative impact of the British pound.

Sales Financing (RCI Banque) posted revenues of €621 million in the first quarter, up 13.5% on 2016. The number of new financing contracts increased by 21.4%. Average performing assets rose 21.9% to €37.9 billion. 

Outlook for 2017

In 2017, the global market is expected to a record growth of 1.5% to 2.5% (versus 1.5% to 2% previously). The European market is still expected to increase by 2% this year, as is the French market. 

Outside Europe, the Russian market might increase by up to 5% (versus stable previously), whereas the Brazilian market should remain stable. China (+5%) and India (+8%) are expected to continue their growth momentum. 

With this context, and following the consolidation of AVTOVAZ, Groupe Renault is confirming its guidance:

• increase Group revenues, beyond the impact of AVTOVAZ (at constant exchange rates)*,
• increase Group operating profit in euros*,
• generate a positive automotive operational free cash flow.

* compared with 2016 Groupe Renault published results

Groupe Renault consolidated revenues

(€ million)	2017	2016	Change
			2017/2016
Q1
Automotive excluding AVTOVAZ	11,939	9,942	+20.1%
Sales Financing	621	547	+13.5%
AVTOVAZ	750	-	-
AVTOVAZ eliminations	-181	-	-
Total	13,129	10,489	+25.2%
Excluding the impact of AVTOVAZ consolidation	12,560	10,489	+19.7%

1CKD: Complete Knock Down

Analysis shows that there was significant growth in 2016 with some weird and wonderful products leading the charge.

• Analysis of 52 markets found that 84.24 million units were sold in 2016, which was driven by increased demand in China, India and Europe
• China saw double-digit growth in sales, while demand in the US remained stable
• Global demand for SUVs continued, with significant sales increases in the segment across South East Asia, Europe and China

The global automotive industry showed its resilience in 2016 with 84.24 million units (LCVs and passenger cars) sold according to data released today by JATO Dynamics. This is a 5.6% increase on 2015 and shows the sector's strength amidst the uncertainty of 2016. 

"Despite the hurdles faced by the automotive industry last year, an increase in registrations of 5.6% shows the sector's resilience. The growth shows that the declines in Japan, Russia and Brazil were offset by strong results in China and Europe," commented Felipe Munoz, JATO's Global Analyst.

The expansion of the car purchase restrictions policy in China caused a slowdown in the market at the beginning of the year. 

However, demand recovered during H2, with consistent monthly double-digit growth. 2016 was a mixed year for the US, with a decline in registrations in five of the twelve months. This resulted in the overall volume of registrations in 2016 increasing by just 0.4% compared to 2015.

Japanese car sales decreased by 1.6% compared to 2015, signalling a slowdown in the retraction of the industry when compared to the sharp fall of 9.5% seen in 2015. Tax increases on Kei-cars continued to impact the Japanese market in 2016, with city-cars posting a decline of 4.2%. 

The decline in registrations in Brazil was particularly dramatic, with 500,000 less units registered compared to the previous year. 2016's total was a significant 45% lower than the record 3.63 million units posted in 2012.

The declines in these markets were offset by double-digit growth in China and Europe's slow, consistent recovery. European car and LCV registrations totalled 17.1 million units, which is a significant increase of 7% on 2015. Click here to see full European car registrations details.

In the emerging markets, India showed its strength with more than 3.3 million units sold as a result of growing prosperity and the greater availability of consumer credit. India's growth offset losses in other emerging markets, and established India as a solid source of revenue for car manufacturers.

Toyota maintained its leading position as the world’s most popular car brand, despite losing ground in the US and China. Overall it increased sales during 2016 thanks to strong results in emerging markets such as Indonesia and Mexico.

Despite the emissions issue, the Volkswagen brand increased its sales by 2.8% during 2016. Its Chinese operations remained largely unaffected by the scandal, with its sales continuing to grow. This allowed the brand to offset significant declines in Brazil, the US and Russia. In contrast, in Europe, Volkswagen posted the highest market share drop of any brand as a result of the issue.

Honda, Kia and Mercedes were the best performers in the top 10, as a result of their latest launches capitalising on the SUV boom.

Other brands which experienced notable growth in 2016 include:

• Renault’s performance was boosted by a 28.1% increase on its SUV sales, and its dramatic improvement in India where it experiened a 146% increase in registrations due to the popularity of the Kwid.
• Buick’s Chinese sales accounted for 82% of its global results and its Excelle compact sedan was the country’s third best-selling car.
• Jeep’s performance was boosted by the popularity of the Renegade B-SUV and as a result the brand increased its sales in the US, became a market leader in Brazil, and sold more than 100k units in Europe.

Demand in the US for large pickups continued to fuel the success of the Ford F-Series and as a result it became the world’s best-selling car.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf suffered a dip in demand in its largest market, Europe, as a consequence of stronger competition and the impact of the emissions issue.

2016’s best-selling SUV was the Nissan X-Trail/Rogue, which overtook the Honda CR-V – which had occupied the lead position for some years as a result of strong growth in the US, China and Europe. Other big increases include the Honda HR-V (aka XR-V or Vezel), the Great Wall Hover midsize SUV and the twins Hyundai Tucson – Kia Sportage.

The segment ranking indicates that SUVs were the largest drivers of growth, with its volume accounting for almost 29% of all cars, pickups and LCVs sold last year. The majority of these registrations were in the C-SUV subsegment, but the smallest subsegment (B-SUV) posted the highest growth of 28.0%.

“SUVs have continued to take market share away from traditional segments, and this trend isn’t restricted to particular markets – it’s a trend that we’ve seen on a global scale and expect to continue in 2017,” concluded Munoz.

Nissan's LCV Range takes the Editors Choice award for it's five year warranty.

Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle range rounded off a fantastic year after the manufacturer’s innovative five-year warranty landed a prestigious honour at the What Van? Awards in London today.

The What Van? Editor’s Choice award went to Nissan’s market-leading five-year, or 100,000 mile, Manufacturer Warranty for its range of petrol and diesel trucks and vans.

The warranty, introduced on new vehicles purchased from September 1^st 2015, covers a comprehensive array of component and chassis elements, from powertrain and battery through to paintwork, such is the confidence Nissan has in its LCV range.

It wasn’t the only success Nissan enjoyed at the awards today. The all-electric Nissan e-NV200, which costs just two pence per mile to run, was also Highly Commended in the What Van? Green Award.

““Nissan’s decision to push its standard warranty out to an impressive five years or 100,000 miles is a valuable extension that provides real value and confidence for light commercial vehicle operators,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “It’s a move that illustrates the confidence Nissan has in the durability of its products and we’re delighted to highlight this industry-leading package.”

Nissan has one of the widest ranges of LCVs in Europe, including the all-new NP300 Nissan Navara, which recently won the International Pick-up of the Year. The range also includes the NV200 and NV400 vans and NT400 Cabstar truck.

Designed to suit a variety of uses, Nissan’s vans and pick-ups provide cleverly-designed cargo spaces and the latest technological features as options, including rear view camera and NissanConnect Navigation system. The LCVs provide for a wide range of applications, with impressive manoeuvrability, high levels of driver comfort and affordable cost of ownership from versatile and durable chassis and cabs.

Barry Beeston, Corporate Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB) said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the Editor’s Choice award. Receiving an honour like this from such a well-respected industry publication is further proof that Nissan sets the benchmark when it comes to innovation in the light commercial sector.”

What Van? is the UK’s premier title offering Light Commercial Vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.

The awards seek to reward the best products, companies and services in the industry for their ability to make life easier, cleaner, safer and more efficient for light commercial vehicle operators in the UK.

ISS UK Ltd orders 123 Renault Master Tippers takings it's total to more than 1,100 units.

• ISS UK Ltd orders 123 Renault Master Tippers
• ‘Off-the-shelf’ conversion adds to customer convenience
• ISS now has more than 1,100 Renault vehicles on fleet
• Vehicles come with industry-leading four-year warranty

World-leading facility services provider ISS has placed an order for 123 efficient and versatile Renault Master Tippers, taking advantage of the manufacturer’s convenient and straightforward ‘off-the-shelf’ in-house conversion programme.

The company, which offers facility solutions including technical service, support services, cleaning, catering and security, opted for the twin-wheel RWD Master in both medium-wheelbase single cab and long-wheelbase crew cab versions.

The vehicles – available for order through Renault’s dealer network – feature 45-degree rear-tipping ‘Scattolini’ bodies, fitted by accredited Renault supplier VFS, and will be used by ISS’ Landscaping Business to service a major new contract at locations across the UK.

Supplied by Renault Retail Group in Coulsdon, South London, each tipper has been specified with an optional heavy duty towing upgrade, allowing them to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, and an electronic steering lock for added security.

The vehicles have been financed through LeasePlan on a five-year contract hire with full maintenance. They also benefit from the industry-leading Renault four-year warranty that provides the ultimate peace of mind for this period or 100,000 miles.

The tippers are complemented by ISS’ recent purchase of 17 Renault Master-based beavertails with a further five on order. Offering benefits that include the speed of loading and unloading mowing machinery and there being no requirement for the driver to hold a driving licence with trailer entitlements, these vehicles feature a TGS purpose-built lightweight aluminium beavertail body which affords a payload of around 1.2 tonnes and can also be fitted with optional cages for leaf and litter clearance use in winter months.

ISS is a long-standing strategic partner of Renault UK and Groupe Renault internationally and the latest acquisitions mean the company now has around 1,100 Renault vehicles on its 2,500-strong UK fleet. This includes a wide range of passenger cars including the Clio supermini, Mégane and Captur crossover shortly the All-New Kadjar and the full array of Renault light commercials.

Nigel Rowden ISS UK Group Fleet Manager said: “ISS has been working with Renault for many years and as a strategic partner, they were able to deliver a seamless service, from order to delivery, at the best TCO, after stiff competition from our other suppliers, for the 123 tippers required to deliver this service to our new customer, around the UK.”

Darren Payne, Director of Sales, Renault UK said: “We are delighted that a major partner of Renault UK, especially one with such an impressive and diverse fleet as ISS, has seen the benefits of our in-house Master conversion programme, which has been designed from the ground up to simplify the whole vehicle ordering and specification process.

“It’s also very pleasing that ISS was attracted by our market-leading Renault Business Quality Commitment, with four-year warranty and assistance - a promise that’s unrivalled in the LCV sector - and the huge impact this can have on keeping vehicle downtime and whole life costs to a minimum.”

The Renault Master is available as a chassis cab or platform cab and with a variety of manufacturer approved conversions that give operators the unbeatable convenience of a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach to specifying their vehicle and choosing between different weights, lengths and engines.

In addition to the Tipper, ‘ready-made’ Master conversions include a Dropside, Box Van and Luton Loloader.

The Master Tipper, priced from £27,050 (ex VAT), is available in medium or long wheelbase form and with front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or twin-wheel rear wheel drive for added traction and greater towing ability.

Meanwhile, a high strength but lightweight steel body with aluminium side and rear panels keep the unladen weight down to maximise payload. RWD models can carry up to 1,199kg while FWD models can lug a hefty 1,349kg.

Two powerful yet efficient common rail diesel powerplants are available – one producing 125PS and the other 135PS.

The Master also offers a practical and well-equipped cab, with a raft of popular features including DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB port as standard. An array of safety features such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with Grip Xtend, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Swing Assist also come as standard.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles ahead in growing van market, during September plate change month.

• Brit-built Vivaro accounts for more than one in ten of all retail vans sold YTD
• For January to September 2015, Vivaro sales up 50% over same period in 2014
• Sibling Movano also makes impressive headway with 43% increase YTD
• Strong September market – registrations up nearly 20% year-on-year

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles made strong gains in the CV market showing improved sales across its entire van range from January to September this year, making it the number one manufacturer for retail customers.

The van market itself enjoyed strong growth in September with 58,744 light commercial vehicles registered, up 19.5 per cent versus the same month last year.

Vauxhall registered 31,038 LCVs in the nine months to September corresponding to a 10.9 per cent market share and a 37.9 per cent increase on the same period last year.  That was more than double the rate of increase in the market as a whole, which is up 17.4 per cent with 284,161 units registered.  Vauxhall claimed top spot in the retail van charts with 11,425 registrations and an impressive 17.1 per cent market share.

The popular Vivaro, built at Vauxhall’s Luton plant, is the stand-out performer, accounting for an 11.01 per cent share of the retail van market. Overall, 20,231 Vivaro units have been sold year-to-date (compared to 13,411 for the same period last year), an increase of 50.8 per cent. This means there have been more Vivaros sold in the first nine months of 2015 than there were in the whole of 2014.

The Movano also exceeded all expectations with total registrations year-to-date amounting to 3,857, a 43.5 per cent increase over the same period in 2014. Elsewhere in the range, Corsavan increased sales by 12.6 per cent and Combo registrations rose by 7.1 per cent for the first nine months of the year.

Richard Collier, Vauxhall’s National Commercial Vehicle & B2B Sales Manager, commented: “2015 so far has been an outstanding year for Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, and we are very proud of the impact our vans, particularly Vivaro, have made on the marketplace. With the Vivaro accounting for nearly 20 per cent of all retail vans sold in 2015, we’re confident the positivity surrounding the Brit-built van will continue.

“Across the range, it’s a great story for us too, with Movano uptake incredibly strong – it’s a van popular for conversions – while Corsavan and Combo hold their own in their respective segments, with sales growing year-on-year.”