FLEET WORLD - Volkswagen is named manufacture of the year for its commercial side.

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles claims top Van Fleet World Honours award
• Brand is named Manufacturer of the Year in 2017 awards
• New services and initiatives aimed at fleets are key to success
• Crafter wins first UK awards: named ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has taken home the triple crown from the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours, with the brand winning the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award and the new Crafter claiming the ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’ accolades.

Van Fleet World judges commended Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ work over the past 12 months, with a number of initiatives piloted by the brand now being adopted by the Van Centre network.

Commenting on the win, Dan Gilkes, editor of Van Fleet World, said: “Volkswagen has worked hard over a number of years to develop an outstanding Van Centre network that delivers a dedicated service to fleet and retail customers across the UK. However in the last 12 months the brand has piloted a number of initiatives that are now being adopted by the network, all aimed at improving service for fleet customers. It seems to be working too. 

Volkswagen is number two in the UK light commercial vehicle market with sales having doubled since 2009. More importantly, the company recorded record levels of customer satisfaction in 2016, making it a worthy winner of our Van Manufacturer of the Year Award.”

Initiatives introduced include head of business development support at every Van Centre, with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ensuring the needs of trade customers are being fully met through business experts employed at each location. An extended hours offer is also being rolled out across all Van Centres, along with Mobile Service Clinics.

The new Crafter also picked up two key awards – its first in the UK after being named International Van of the Year in September 2016. In awarding the Crafter its Best New Van and Best Large Van accolades, the Van Fleet World judges said: “It’s not often that a van manufacturer has the chance to create a new vehicle, not just from a clean sheet of paper, but with a completely new factory dedicated to its production. Volkswagen has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, to meet the needs of large van users in every sector.”

Praising its wide range of drivetrains, bodies, engines and driver assistance systems, Gilkes concluded: “Volkswagen had one chance to get new Crafter right and it seems to have hit the spot first time.”

Chris Black, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, collected the awards on behalf of the brand at the ceremony in London.  He said:  “We’re overjoyed to be named Manufacturer of the Year and for all of the brand’s hard work to be recognised. It’s also great for the all-new Crafter to have its first two UK awards, reinforcing the strength of the brand and quality of our products.”

Volkswagen's new plant in Poland will produce the fourth generation Crafter van in 69 various styles, the best version yet.

• Greater payload and cargo capacity offer outstanding functionality
• Optimised dimensions for maximum everyday practicality
• Available with front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive, with manual or automatic transmission
• 4 base models, 3 lengths, 3 heights - total of 69 derivatives
• Highly economical thanks to reduced fuel consumption and low maintenance and repair costs
• Cutting edge driver assistance systems for increased safety and comfort

Optimum benefits to meet customer-specific requirements from numerous commercial vehicle sectors: the new Crafter provides customer-focussed transport solutions with extreme economy.

With extra payload, greater cargo capacity, optimised external dimensions and a formidable multitude of drive systems and derivatives, the new Crafter impresses with exemplary functionality and provides practical everyday solutions for all transport requirements.

Robust, durable and reduced-consumption commercial vehicle engines, low maintenance and repair costs and well thought-out preparations for superstructure manufacturers provide optimum benefits and key functional and economic advantages for diverse customer groups.

A newly developed and finely tuned chassis along with innovative driver assistance systems provide a whole new level of comfort for this category of van. They also facilitate impressive handling and noticeably increased safety.

The completely new design concept featuring well thought-out interior storage options not only shows the Crafter's innovations visually; but in combination with further measures that optimise the aerodynamics also produce, at 0.33, the best drag coefficient in the Crafter's vehicle class.

Economical, functional, practical, reliable and eco-friendly - plus with innovative technology on board, safer and easier to drive than ever before: those are the characteristics that make a winning case for the new Crafter.

A new plant for the Crafter

State-of-the-art production at a new plant built especially for the Crafter in Wrzesnia, Poland

A new production facility has been built in Wrzesnia, Poland, especially for the new Crafter. The facility is the brand's second production site in Poland; the other is the Volkswagen plant in Poznan-Antoninek, which has been operating for more than 20 years now. The Crafter plant covers an area of approximately 540 acres, which is equivalent to around 300 football pitches. Up to 3,000

people will work at the Wrzesnia plant when the facility is operating at full capacity. Several supply companies will also open up factories in the area, which will create additional jobs for the surrounding region.

Renault pulls out all the stops to give the customer the best range of commercial vehicles for the 66 plate change.

• Contract hire offers available on 66-plate Renault LCV range
• Offers encompass versions of Kangoo, Trafic and Master
• Award-winning Trafic available from £189.95 per month on a 6+23 contract hire rental
• UK Renault LCV sales were up by over 20 per cent in the first half of 2016
• Renault is the number one LCV brand in Europe for 18 consecutive years

After selling a record number of LCVs in the UK last year, Renault is offering a host of contract hire rental packages that are designed to make its award-winning LCV range even more appealing to businesses who are considering new 66-plate vehicles.

With Renault LCVs in high demand by UK business users – Renault’s van sales are up by over 20 per cent in the first half of 2016 – the offers encompass all of the models that have made Renault the number one LCV brand in Europe for 18 consecutive years.

Having achieved more than 200,000 sales in the UK since its launch 35 years ago and two-time consecutive winner of What Van?’s ‘Best Medium Van of the Year’ in 2015 and 2016, the Renault Trafic is available with 6+23 contract hire offers on eight different versions. 

Encompassing short and long wheelbase models and Business, Business+ and Sport trim levels, the 6+23 contract hire offers start from £189.95 per month for the Trafic SL27 dCi 115 Business¹. In short wheelbase, low-roof format, this panel van features a 115hp turbodiesel engine.

For an even more attractive £159.95 per month, and again on a 6+23 contract hire rental, the Trafic SL27 ENERGY dCi 95 Business nine-seater is perfect for those who require a stylish vehicle to transport a number of passengers safely and comfortably. 

Spacious and well equipped, this Trafic benefits from the efficient ENERGY dCi 95 turbodiesel engine combined with a low roof and short wheelbase.

Customers who require even more room, or have a need for one of Renault’s off the shelf conversions, can opt for a choice of two 6+35 contract hire offers on the Renault Master Panel Van or 6+35 contract hire rentals on selected Master Dropside, Tipper and Luton variants. 

The 6+35 contract hire offers start from £219.95 per month, which applies to the Master MM33 dCi 110 FWD Business. Smart and versatile, this Master Panel Van comes in medium-wheelbase, medium-roof format with the powerful and well proven dCi 110 turbodiesel engine.

Offering a 650 kg payload together with a car-like drive, the Renault Kangoo is also available on a 6+35 contract hire rental. 

Business users can drive away in the Kangoo ML19 dCi 75 Business for £174.95 per month, the standard-sized Kangoo panel van providing a high level of efficiency from its turbocharged, 75hp engine.

Whichever Renault LCV customers choose, they will enjoy the reassurance of the Renault 4+ warranty and Renault Assistance scheme, which provides the ultimate peace of mind for four years or 100,000 miles. 

They will also benefit from the Renault Business Quality Commitment – Renault’s 13-point plan that guarantees customers will receive a class-leading experience – and the business-focused expertise of the manufacturer’s specialist Pro+ dealer network.

Renault van sales in the UK grew by over 20 per cent to 13,435 vehicles in the first half of 2016, significantly outpacing the van market that grew by 2.5 per cent, according to official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. LCV market share for the first half of 2016 stood at 7 per cent – up 1 percentage point on the same period in 2015.

Renault’s growth in the van market builds upon a record year for LCV sales in the UK last year, with sales up 40 per cent on 2014 to 25,458 units, and also the manufacturer being the best-selling LCV brand in Europe for the 18^th consecutive year.

Mercedes-Benz takes the Fleet Van of the Year award for the ninth year running with the Sprinter Van.

The superb Sprinter has scooped the highly-prized ‘Fleet Van of the Year’ accolade at the Motor Transport Awards for the ninth year – smashing its own record in the number of times this honour has been claimed by Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The Sprinter emerged victorious with its latest makeover giving the van a fresh new look, improved driving capability and a host of new safety features. The Motor Transport jury of fleet van operators felt the all-round package from Mercedes-Benz – reliability, performance and operational efficiency – gave it the edge over its rivals.

“We have a very demanding operation, which puts the focus on reliability and durability,” one judge commented. “The Sprinters we run make a significant contribution to our operation. When something does go wrong, which isn’t very often, the Mercedes network is quick to react and get us back on the road.”

“That three-pointed star on the grille counts for a lot,” another judge commented. “We know what we’re going to get, a reliable, consistent performer.”

Motor Trader Editor Steve Hobson added: “The Sprinter is a worthy winner of the title Fleet Van of the Year. It continues to set new standards for driver safety and comfort as well as being a reliable, economical and hard-working vehicle.”

The prestigious Motor Transport Awards took place last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London, with Kevin Ferris, Head of Strategic Planning at Mercedes-Benz Vans collecting the accolade.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, said of the win: “We set the record in the 2013 Motor Transport Awards by winning the title for an eight time, so to win again this year, is an astonishing feat. To say we are honoured to receive the Fleet Van of the Year title for an unprecedented ninth time is therefore a huge understatement!

“We knew that the Sprinter was an unbeatable van, so to have the industry recognise it as one is a true testament to its deserved appeal.”

Since the ‘Fleet Van of the Year’ category was introduced at the Motor Transport Awards 14 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has lifted the trophy in 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004 and 2003.

The new Sprinter was the world’s first van to meet the future Euro VI emissions standard, and also introduced standard-fit Crosswind Assist to the industry. 

The large van is available in a choice of three wheelbases, four lengths, and three loading space heights, as well as a 4x4 variant, offering a payload to 2,532 kg and volume to 17 m³.The first version of Sprinter was presented almost 21 years ago and since 2000, a driver airbag has been standard, with Adaptive ESP^® new in 2006.

The Sixth Generation Ducato gets a new look, better engines and becomes the commercial vehicle to beat.

• Sixth generation FIAT Professional Ducato and fourth generation FIAT Professional Doblò now be available with Euro 6 engines
• FIAT Professional Ducato Euro 6 diesel engine range uses two technologies: Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LPEGR) and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR)
• LPEGR avoids the need for NOx-reducing additives by channelling exhaust gasses away after the DPF, cooling them in a low-pressure EGR cooler and recirculating them ahead of the turbo charger
• SCR is currently fitted to people carrier versions and uses AdBlue to convert NOx to non-harmful gases
• New entry-level 2.0-litre MultiJet II 115hp LPEGR engine offers improved efficiency and performance joins the current 2.3 MultiJet 11 130hp and 150hp engines – both with LPEGR  
• New 180hp 2.3 MultiJet II tops the FIAT Professional Ducato engine range - a significant downsize in capacity, if not performance, compared to outgoing 3.0-litre version
• FIAT Professional Doblò range benefits from a new top-of-the-range 1.6-litre MultiJet II 120hp
• EcoJet versions of the FIAT Professional Doblò help improve fuel efficiency by 12 percent on the 1.3-litre MultiJet II and 15 percent on the 1.6-litre MultiJet II 

The sixth generation of the hugely successful FIAT Professional Ducato, which has notched up 2.9 million sales over six generations since it was first launched in 1981, continues to set the segment benchmark not only in Europe but also in the 80 international regions in which it is on sale. 

It also sets the standard for motorhome base vehicles, accounting for 75 percent of motorhomes sold in Europe with more than 600,000 on the road to date.

To retain its leading role in the segment, the FIAT Professional Ducato was completely restyled in 2014 to accommodate the new requirements of customers, offering more technology, more efficiency and more value, as well as improvements in performance, active and passive safety, infotainment, durability, robustness and running costs.

For 2016 the FIAT Professional Ducato improves even further thanks to the introduction of  a comprehensive range of class-leading Euro 6 engines, exclusively employing Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation system (LPEGR) to lower NOx emissions without the complexity, added weight and additional costs associated with using emission additives.

LPEGR functions by channelling exhaust gasses away after the DPF, cooling  them through a low-pressure EGR cooler and then recirculating them in advance of the turbo charger. LPEGR solution ideal for goods transport and campers where simplicity, reduced weight and low running costs are of paramount importance.

The FIAT Professional Ducato also benefits from the addition of a new 2.0-litre 115hp MultiJet II LPEGR engine to replace the current Euro 5 2.3-litre MultiJet 110hp. Offering up to 47.9mpg on the official combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of just 157g/km, this new entry-level engine represents a significant downsizing compared to the engine it replaces but employs FIAT Professional’s latest technologies to offer improved efficiency and lower running costs while improving performance and refinement. Similarly, the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre 180hp has also been replaced by a new 180hp 2.3-litre MultiJet II Power LPEGR, resulting it a considerable improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions (46.3mpg on the official combined cycle and 160g/km), while the core 2.3-litre MultiJet 130hp and 150hp engines also adopt FIAT Professional’s exclusive LPEGR technology to ensure all FIAT Professional Ducato customers benefit from the brand’s latest technological advances.

Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) is currently offered on people carrier versions and uses AdBlue fluid to convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) to non-harmful gases. The AdBlue filler is placed close to diesel cap behind the same fuel flap to make refilling the 151-litre tank as simple and straightforward as possible. Consumption of emission-reducing additives (UREA) can vary according to how the vehicle is used and is indicated on the instrument panel.

The fourth-generation FIAT Professional Doblò builds on the class-leading characteristics that have helped it win International Van of the Year in 2006 and 2011, and achieve critical and commercial success in markets all over the world, by offering a full range of Euro 6 compliant engines -  including second-generation turbo diesel engines: a 1.3-litre MultiJet II 95hp and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II 105hp, both of which are available in new "EcoJet" versions to offer an improvement in fuel efficiency (12 percent and 15 percent respectively) and emissions levels thanks to the use of Start&Stop; low rolling-resistance tyres; low-viscosity oil; an 'intelligent' alternator; a variable-displacement oil pump and a new aerodynamic pack. All this makes it possible to achieve a fuel economy figure of up to 61.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 120 g/km. Replacing the current 2.0-litre engine at the top of the range, a new 1.6-litre MultiJet II 120hp is now the flagship engine of the FIAT Professional Doblò line up, offering similar performance to the engine it replaces but capable of 55.4mpg (official combined cycle fuel economy figure) and CO₂ emissions of just 135g/km.

With excellent dynamics, comfort and best-in-class load and volume capacities, the new FIAT Doblò Cargo is available in four body-styles; two roof height options and two wheelbase lengths. It is now sold in more than 80 countries, including North America where it retails as the RAM Promaster City.

The FIAT Professional Ducato Euro 6, with ground breaking LPEGR, is available to order now priced from £21,445* while the Doblò EU6 is priced from £13,545* (*prices exclude VAT and OTR charges).

Volkswagen commercial see's significant growth wmost models growing in sales, over the January - May period.

• 195,200 vehicles delivered worldwide
• Significant growth of 7.9 per cent in Western Europe
• In Germany the brand delivers 49,700 vehicles
• T model range in double figures with 11.2 per cent growth

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 195,200 light commercial vehicles to customers from January to May, an increase of 5.7 per cent. In this period, the T model range was the top seller: the Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California achieved a worldwide delivery increase of 11.2 per cent at over 81,400 units. 

With a figure of 40,100 units delivered in the single month of May, brand sales were considerably higher than in the same period last year (+8.7 per cent).

Bram Schot, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles responsible for Sales and Marketing, said: "We are very satisfied with developments in our sales situation in the month of May. This is also due to excellent work undertaken by our dealer network in the past few months. A lot of the feedback from our customers is positive; our product portfolio is well received."

In Germany, 49,700 vehicles (+4.4 per cent) were delivered to customers during the first five months of the year. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also increased sales in the European volume markets of Spain (+27.4 per cent to 5,600 vehicles), Italy (+26.3 per cent to 4,500 vehicles) and France (+20.1 per cent to 8.000 vehicles). In Eastern Europe the brand reported a rise of 8.2 per cent with 13,900 deliveries.

Outside Europe the following regions reported increases: North America (+19.6 per cent to 3,000 vehicles), South America (+4.0 per cent to 15,500 vehicles) and the Middle East (+1.8 per cent to 14,000 vehicles). Only Brazil (-17.9 per cent to 4,300 vehicles) and the African region (-14.6 per cent to 6,100 vehicles) recorded decreases in vehicle deliveries due to continuing difficulties in the general conditions there.

Deliveries by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles from January to May by model:

• 81,400 vehicles from the T model range (73,200; +11.2 per cent)
• 64,300 vehicles from the Caddy range (61,800; +4.0 per cent)
• 30,300 vehicles from the Amarok range (30,100; +0.9 per cent)
• 19,100 vehicles from the Crafter range (19,400; -1.8 per cent)

Volkswagen Commercial sales grow by an impressive 4.7% during the first four months, not bad considering.

• Worldwide delivery increase of 4.7 per cent
• Clear growth of 7.8 per cent in Western Europe
• In Germany the brand delivers 39,100 vehicles
• Deliveries of the T-series up by 9.4 per cent

In the first four months of the year Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 154,600 vehicles to customers worldwide – growth of 4.7 per cent. With 41,500 vehicles, the brand's deliveries in April also exceeded the previous year's level (+5.8 per cent). Particularly successful: the T-series with 64,500 Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California handed over to customers (+9.4 per cent).

Bram Schot, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: "Our product offensive and customer-oriented vehicle solutions are becoming increasingly important. We would like to thank our customers for the continued great trust they place in us and our products."

On the German domestic market 39,100 light commercial vehicles were delivered between January and April this year. This corresponds to an increase of 4.0 percent. The brand's sales also increased in the European core markets Italy (+32.5 per cent to 3,700 vehicles), Spain (+25.2 per cent to 4,300 vehicles) and France (+17.9 per cent to 6,400 vehicles). The East European region also recorded a successful four months: 10,900 vehicles delivered here represent an increase of 4.1 per cent.

Outside Europe the markets of Argentina (+9.4 per cent to 7,000 vehicles) and Turkey (+1.2 per cent to 9,900 vehicles) delivered more vehicles than in the same period last year.

Due to the continued difficult situation the markets in Africa (-13.2 per cent to 4,900 vehicles), Asia-Pacific (-7.0 per cent to 6,600 vehicles), the Middle East (-2.6 per cent to 10,800 vehicles) and South America (-0.4 per cent to 12,300 vehicles) recorded a fall in sales.

Deliveries by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles from January to April by model:

• 64,500 vehicles of the T-model series (58,900; +9.4 per cent)
• 50,700 vehicles of the Caddy model series (48,800; +3.9 per cent)
• 24,200 vehicles of the Amarok model series (24,400; -0.9 per cent)
• 15,300 vehicles of the Crafter model series (15,500; -1.8 per cent)