Volkswagen celebrates it's commercial vehicle devision topping 50,000 registrations in the year.

• Record UK registrations for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand
• Over 50,000* vehicles registered by the brand for the first time
• Market share up to over 12 per cent; brand retains number two position
• Substantial increase in Transporter and Caddy volumes

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produced a fifth consecutive new UK sales record in 2016, registering over 45,000 new vans. 

The latest generation Transporter and Caddy model ranges saw significant sales increases, while the brand’s passenger carriers and campervan registrations took Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ total 2016 registrations to 50,068*, up nearly five per cent on 2015 (47,739). 

This result means the brand has more than doubled its volume since 2009.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also not only maintained but strengthened its number two position in the light commercial vehicles sector, recording a market share of 12.1 per cent.

The multi-award winning Transporter accounted for 22,872 registrations, up over 11 per cent on 2015 (50,533). 8,156 Caddys were registered, down 757 compared to 2016, though Caddy Maxi sales were up over 35 per cent to 6,377, giving total Caddy registrations of 14,533.

Both the Amarok and Crafter models saw small declines in sales as the brand prepares to relaunch the refreshed pick-up and all-new Crafter this year. (3,586 Amarok down from 3,908 in 2015; 7,137 Crafter down from 8,009 in 2015.)

Commenting on the brand’s performance, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Carl zu Dohna, said: ‘2016 was a really successful year for the brand, with the Transporter and Caddy consolidating their positions in the market after being launched in September 2015. I’m really proud of my team and the Van Centre network for achieving this result.’

He added: ‘I’m delighted that customers are getting to know our latest products and appreciating not only their inherent strengths, but also the after sales support and complete mobility packages which we have put around them. The support we give to our customers to help them choose the right vans and minimise in-life downtime, as well as adding value to our range of products remains extremely important to us.’

*SMMT data. Includes passenger carrying models registered as ‘cars’:

• Passenger carriers include: Caravelle, Transporter Shuttle, Caddy Life, Caddy Maxi Life and Caddy Maxi Camper.
• Transporter registrations include California.
• Registrations include LCV/HCV market up to 6.0T.

FIAT to debut a new 4x4 concept Van at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon.

• FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition Camper Show Van to be unveiled at Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, designed to appeal to adventurous customers wishing to go even further off the beaten track
• Outfitted on a Ducato camper base, with an extended overhang and high roof, the 4x4 Expedition is the result of the collaboration with Italian interior outfitters Tecnoform, 4x4 specialists Dangel and Olmedo body customisation
• The Ducato 4x4 Expedition Camper Show Van is FIAT Professional’s first exploration of a sector which today amounts to over 25% of Europe's motorhome market and is not expected to go into production

The FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition Show Camper Van will feature at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the world's most important event dedicated to caravanning and open air tourism, from 28 August to 6 September, before going on display at a series of specialist shows in Parma (Italy), Le Bourget (France) and Birmingham (UK).

With this one-of-a kind vehicle, FIAT Professional confirms its know-how in all aspects of recreational vehicle engineering while also exploring the camper van segment which presently represents more than 25% of Europe's motorhome market. 

Built on the bestselling FIAT Ducato camper base, and powered by a 2.3 150 HP Multijet II engine in long wheelbase configuration with an extended overhang and high roof, the FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition is designed for adventurous people seeking a vehicle which is eager and agile on the road yet rugged and capable when the going gets tough. 

It combines this versatility with a large, comfortable living space and more interior height than usual.

On the outside, the Show Camper Van features a two-colour paint job in two shades of grey, a raised ride-height, widened track and plenty of Ducato Camper customisations, such as a front skid-plate and LED DRLs. 

The outfit is completed by a front winch and roof-rack, which is fully equipped for an adventurous holiday and which also features a handy platform on which people can walk, some two and a half metres above the ground.

Partners of excellence

FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition is the result of a collaboration with well-known experts in the sector: Tecnoform for the interiors, Olmedo for the exteriors and Dangel for the four-wheel drive system.

Tecnoform is the leader in interior outfitters for motorhomes and yachts and known for integrating top-end materials, design skills, efficient production and sophisticated logistics. 

Over the past twenty years, Tecnoform has set the trends for recreational vehicle interiors in terms of style, technology and comfort and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition.

The interior design is characterised by clean lines, streamlined furniture and use of high-tech materials to create a lounge-like atmosphere, ideally suited to relaxing  at the end of an intense day of outdoor activity. 

Tecnoform has also created a lighting system integrated in the furniture units and state-of-the-art entertainment system with multiple speakers and two retractable flat-screen TVs.

Four-wheel drive expert Dangel, with more than 35 years of expertise in the field, has engineered a permanent all-wheel drive system with viscous coupling for the FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition, while also raising the ride height and adding oversized tyres and special wheels to allow the vehicle to tackle all manner of surfaces safely and confidently. 

The rugged, stylish look of exterior was designed by Olmedo, specialists in adapting vehicles for various uses including off-road use and for the mobility impaired.

Although the FIAT Ducato 4x4 Expedition is not destined for showrooms, FIAT Professional is analysing the market to stay abreast of new trends. Visitors to the FIAT Professional stand will be invited to fill in a questionnaire to learn more about their expectations in terms of products and services for motorhomes and a survey is also available on www.FIATcamper.com website.

FIAT Ducato: The only base created to be a camper:

The FIAT Ducato base is leader in this sector and the first-choice chassis for all European motorhome manufacturers. In the last 10 years, over 500,000 families safely and confidently travelled and enjoyed their holidays in a FIAT Ducato base motorhome. 

With many years of experience under its belt, FIAT Professional offers a full range of services dedicated to FIAT Ducato base motorhome owners for preparing their trips, exchanging experiences and intervening promptly wherever needed.

Three new MINI Concepts, time to relax and chill !

The trio each reflect different aspects of the rise in popularity of camping and festivals, creating a choice of premium home-from-home options for the enthusiastic traveller.

• The MINI Clubvan Camper is the world’s smallest luxury camper van, packed with practical solutions that make it ideal accommodation for an individual on a weekend away.
• The MINI Cowley is a compact yet comfortable caravan for two people, equipped with a twin-ring gas stove, fridge and sink.
• The MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp with its innovative roof-top tent is the getaway car for an adventurous couple, evoking images of African safari and expedition vehicles.
• All three models have been styled with MINI’s much-loved design cues to the fore. They display the character and fun personality which motorists have come to associate with MINI, and which have made the brand such a global success.

The cars have been developed around the ‘maximum touring pleasure with minimal footprint’ philosophy, and illustrate the principle of creative space utilisation for which MINI is renowned.

They have been created as concept vehicles to showcase the depth of the MINI range, as well as the creativity and skill within the company’s design and engineering staff. There are no plans to offer them as production vehicles at this stage.

The MINI Clubvan Camper: good things come in small packages

The freedom of the open road, a dynamic driving experience and everything you need with you – the MINI Clubvan Camper has it all.

It’s arguably the world's smallest luxury camper van, a MINI Clubvan which has been transformed into a versatile home on wheels. Behind the solid side windows there is a spacious sleeping berth for one person, plus a small, extendible kitchenette complete with propane stove and chest fridge.

On-board facilities includes the MINI Navigation Portable XL sat-nav, which will help drivers find their way to the most remote spots. If the weather is unkind a television can provide entertainment and chilly mornings can be made more comfortable thanks to an auxiliary heater.

A particular highlight is the Clubvan Camper’s roof. The small glass panel can be opened for ventilation or star-gazing, while the storage rack above means owners can travel with equipment for outdoor pursuits.

Hygiene is always a key part of any weekend away and MINI’s ingenious design engineers have even got that covered. The Camper’s generous specification also includes an integrated hand-held shower, with a water tank housed underneath the load floor.

The MINI Cowley: a new style benchmark in compact towing

The pleasure that millions of caravanners around the world enjoy is the ability to stop and stay anyway in comfort and safety. Now it’s possible to do that MINI-style with the Cowley caravan.

The compact tourer has been named after the historic factory – today known as Plant Oxford – which is home to much of the current MINI range. It was also where the classic BMC/Austin Mini was built and is this year celebrating a centenary of car manufacturing.

The Cowley caravan is a luxurious overnight solution and all the mod cons are fitted, including two comfortable sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas stove and a water tank complete with pump and sink facility. A solar module charges the on-board battery and there’s a 230-volt connection to power the fridge, TV/DVD and audio equipment.

Styled with typical MINI flair, the teardrop-shaped trailer is a genuine head-turner. In silhouette it’s reminiscent of the curved lines of the MINI panels, and the doors have sliding windows on both sides – a standard feature in the classic Mini up to 1969. The sumptuously trimmed veehicle is only 12 centimetres wider than a MINI Clubman including exterior mirrors and weighs just under 300 kg.

With exceptional manoeuvrability, the MINI Cowley ensures that the hallmark MINI driving fun can still be enjoyed while towing, irrespective of the distance travelled.

The MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp: safari-style accommodation for the adventurous spirit

Finding overnight accommodation can be a real headache, especially for drivers who have taken a spontaneous trip to a festival or beach. But there’s no need to worry about finding the perfect place to bed down when travelling in this MINI. Even when completely off the beaten track, all the owner has to do is head upstairs.

The innovative roof-top tent is showcased above a MINI Countryman which, thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system ALL4, is well-suited to travelling over rough terrain. But this simple and practical sleeping solution can easily be mounted on a MINI or MINI Clubman. The upper half of the tent is simply folded out of its storage box. Plump up the pillows and two occupants are ready to relax, then wake up to a perfect view of the ocean, mountain or valley.

How about an early morning ride out to buy breakfast? It’s easily done because a mountain bike can be easily transported on the specially fitted bicycle rack.

The roof-top tent quickly folds away into its box when it’s not needed. The exterior has been painted in Absolute Black metallic with white stripes to match the car beneath.