Ssangyong finalises its support for this years Silverstone Classic the second time it has been the official support brand.

SsangYong returns to the Silverstone Classic for the second time as official courtesy car partner for this year’s event (29-31 July), and will provide over 60 cars to support the 26^th anniversary with a three day VIP service.

Models from across the range including the all new Tivoli, Korando crossover, Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up, Rexton 4x4 and Turismo MPV, will support the occasion by ferrying VIPs, competitors, media and event organisers around the Silverstone circuit throughout the three day event.

Last year’s Silver Jubilee track parade on the Sunday saw hundreds of silver cars touring the Grand Prix circuit to mark the 25-year anniversary, with 15 silver SsangYong cars at the lead.

“With over 100,000 visitors last year, the Silverstone Classic is a superb opportunity to showcase our range to this highly influential and well informed audience,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.  “We and our dealers are delighted to be returning to support this exciting classic event at the home of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

“SsangYong is Korea’s oldest vehicle manufacturer, and with a history stretching back over 60 years, our heritage perfectly complements the ethos of the weekend,” he added.

"We are very pleased that SsangYong is participating again,” says Nick Wigley, Event Director.  “As one of the fastest growing brands in the UK market, it’s opportune that we can help show visitors and participants what a great range of cars this is.  The cars and their drivers delivered a fantastic service to our VIPs, competitors and guests last year.”a

Ssangyong finalises its support for this years Silverstone Classic - I still want to test that Tivoli !!!!

As the official courtesy car partner for this year’s Silverstone Classic (24-26 July), SsangYong is supplying some 50 cars to support the 25^th anniversary.

Models from across the range, many in silver to accompany the track parade, include the all new Tivoli, Korando crossover, Korando Sports pick-up, Rexton 4x4 and Turismo MPV, and will be used to ferry VIPs, competitors, media and event organisers around the Silverstone circuit over the three day event.

The Silver Jubilee track parade on Sunday 26 July will see hundreds of silver cars touring the Grand Prix circuit to mark the 25-year anniversary milestone and SsangYong will be amongst them.

“We are delighted to be supporting this exciting classic event so soon after another British grand prix victory at Silverstone, and to be able to demonstrate the virtues of our range to this influential audience,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.  “Whether for towing a classic car trailer, using the practicality of our 1 tonne double cab pick-up, or the seven seat and luggage carrying capacity of the Turismo, we have a car to suit.

“SsangYong is Korea’s oldest vehicle manufacturer, and with a history stretching back over 60 years, we have a heritage that well complements that of many of the cars lining up on the grid,” he added.

CV SHOW 2015 - FIAT celebrates with a double win at the CV show, for the Ducato and Fiorino.

• FIAT Ducato wins the “Trader’s Choice” award in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards
• FIAT Fiorino takes the Trade Van Driver “Best City Van ” award for the second  time
• Trade Van Driver Awards expert jury comprised of experienced LCV journalists and a panel of readers who use LCVs as part of their businesses
• Awards presented to Sebastiano Fedrigo at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show (NEC Birmingham) where the new FIAT Doblò Cargo, new FIAT Ducato and FIAT Fiorino Adventure are on display

Trade Van Driver has named the FIAT Ducato as the “Trader’s Choice” in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards. The magazine, which is the only publication to cater specifically for owner-drivers and small fleet operators, also named the FIAT Fiorino as the “Best City Van” for the second time.

Adjudicated not only by a team of expert Trade Van Driver journalists but also by a panel of readers who use light commercial vehicles as an integral part of their businesses, the Trade Van Driver awards offer a true reflection of the thoughts and feelings of its readership.

Commenting on the FIAT Ducato, the judges noted: “Trade van buyers have special needs. They want low front end costs, good build quality, frugal running costs and good residual values. The Ducato ticks each one of these boxes, making it an ideal winner.”

Commenting on the second win for the FIAT Fiorino in the “City Van” category, the jury said: “The Fiat Fiorino well and truly broke the mould in the city van sector when it was first launched in 2008, with its tough build quality and high-cube loadspace. Since then, in the eyes of the judges, no other rival has come close to matching the style, practicality and cost-effectiveness of this cheeky little performer.”

Sebastiano Fedrigo, Director, FIAT Professional UK, said: “We are very happy that the editorial experts and readers of Trade Van Driver have recognised the class-leading attributes of the FIAT Ducato, not only in terms of versatility, performance and features but also the equally important elements that owner-operators and small-fleet managers really appreciate – the customer service, the real-world running costs and peace of mind you get from knowing you’re running a tough and dependable van. This is equally true of the FIAT Fiorino – it may be much smaller and more affordable, but our Fiorino operators get the same high levels of engineering, content, support and service as all FIAT Professional customers.

The Trade Van Driver Awards aim to give recognition to the manufacturers, firms and people who, in the opinion of the judges, offer the very best to retail van buyers. Both trophies were presented to Sebastiano Fedrigo, Director, FIAT Professional UK, by Matthew Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver, at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle show held at The NEC Birmingham this week.

CV SHOW 2015 - Vauxhall's best ever CV range debuts at Birmingham.

• New Corsavan makes its debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2015
• Full Vivaro range on display: Combi, Double Cab, Platform Cab, LWB, High Roof
• In-house signwriting and conversions available to all Brit-built Vivaro customers
• One-Invoice sees single invoicing for Movano conversion customers
• Vauxhall van sales up 32 per cent; number one retail brand
• Football legends Peter Shilton, Bryan Robson and Trevor Francis on stand

Vauxhall, the UK’s only volume van manufacturer, is debuting the new Corsavan at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC (14^th – 16^th April) alongside its full line-up of British-built Vivaro vans.

The Luton-based manufacturer will also announce plans to offer Vivaro customers an in-house sign writing and wrap service as well as bespoke racking and conversions.

Available now to fleets and in the summer for small businesses, Vauxhall is the only UK manufacturer to offer this service which will save customers time and money as the work is done in-house, as the vans roll off the production line. Pricing will be extremely competitive and all work will be covered by a three-year warranty.

Vauxhall will also launch Movano One-Invoice approved conversions, providing even more simplicity and transparency for customers.

Vauxhall Vans Sales

Year-to-date, Vauxhall van sales are up nearly 32 per cent with over 11,000 vehicles registered in 2015. Market share was up to 11.3 per cent.

The Luton firm is also number one at retail and Vivaro is the number one van for small businesses with over 7,000 registrations this year. Vauxhall fleet sales also grew by 40 per cent.

Rounding off a cracking start to the year, Corsavan sales doubled and Movano fleet sales increased by 80 per cent in the first quarter.  

Corsavan

With an increased payload of up to 571kg and priced from £11,175 to £13,875, new Corsavan in Sportive trim will take pride of place on the Vauxhall CV stand.

New Corsavan features an enhanced and improved chassis, with fuel economy of up to 85.6mpg and emissions as low as 87g/km CO₂. As well as an impressive flat-loading capacity of up to 920 litres, the new small van is big on safety, featuring six airbags and active safety systems as standard, as well as Tyre Pressure Monitoring and ESP plus including Hill Start Assist.

Vivaro Range

The full Vivaro range will also feature on Vauxhall’s prominent stand in Hall 4 of the NEC, including L1H1, L2H1 (long wheelbase) and L2H2 (high-roof and long-wheelbase) panel vans, as well as Double Cab, nine-seater Combi and Platform Cab variants.

The Vivaro is built at Vauxhall’s Luton plant, the UK’s most productive van plant, where approaching a million current Vivaros have been made since production began in 2001. The latest model secured 1,200 jobs in the Luton area and contains 40 per cent British-sourced components, which will mean an extra £600 million spent with British suppliers. The plant is also a major exporter with 52 per cent of vans destined for European markets.

Also on the stand will be Vauxhall’s Combo with its class-leading payload of up to 1,000kg, as well as a Trucksmith Movano ‘KneeHi’ One-Invoice conversion, demonstrating the adaptability of Vauxhall’s commercial vehicle range.

Vauxhall is also the sponsor of Home Nations football, and visitors will have the chance to meet a football legend on its CV Show stand, including Peter Shilton on Tuesday 14^th April, Bryan Robson on Wednesday 15^th April and Trevor Francis on Thursday 16^th April.

Vauxhall’s full van range including new Corsavan, Combo, Vivaro and Movano will be on display at the show. Here’s the full run down:

• New Corsavan 1.3 CDTi 95PS Start/Stop Sportive
• Combo 2300 1.6 CDTi 105PS Sportive L2H1 Panel Van
• Movano 3500 L3H1 FWD 2.3 CDTi BiTurbo 125PS (Trucksmith ‘KneeHi’ Platform Cab conversion)
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 120PS L2H1 Sportive Panel Van
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 140PS L2H1 Sportive Double Cab     
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 120PS L2H1 Combi
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 120PS L2H2 Panel Van
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 120PS L2H1 Platform Cab (Jiffy Catering Truck Conversion)
• Vivaro 2900 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo 120PS L1H1 Panel Van (British Gas livery and conversion)
• Vivaro (90PS) L1H1 Panel Van (BT livery and conversion)

CV SHOW 2015 - Citroen premiers the new Berlingo at Birmingham CV show.

Citroën’s New Berlingo made its UK debut at the CV Show earlier today (NEC, Hall 5, Stand D40, 14-16 April 2015). New Berlingo is on display alongside models from the just-expanded Relay Ready to Runrange and a selection of the latest Nemo, Dispatch and New Relay vans.

The New Berlingo is now available to order, with UK deliveries starting on 1 July 2015. Competitively priced from just £12,515 plus VAT and delivery, the New Berlingo range offers running cost reductions and environmental benefits, combined with driver comfort, safety and convenience gains.

New Berlingo offers a choice of Euro 6 VTi 95 petrol or Euro 5 HDi 75 and HDi 90 diesel engines, complemented by the latest generation Euro 6 BlueHDi 100 and BlueHDi 120 diesel powerplants. Depending on the model selected, New Berlingo is available with Stop & Start technology, manual 5 or 6-speed gearboxes and Citroën’s ETG6 automated manual transmission. 

The New Berlingo continues to offer the widest range of factory built variants in its class, including two panel van lengths, three trim levels, an electric van, an XTR+ enhanced traction van, a Crew Van and a platform cab for special bodywork.

The New Berlingo is the first Citroën LCV to be offered with Euro 6 compliant BlueHDi diesel engines, which use advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Citroën will be extending the application of these low-emission, fuel-efficient BlueHDi engines across its entire LCV line-up as part of a rolling programme starting in July 2015 and running through to September 2016. 

New Berlingo’s CO₂ emissions are now reduced to an exceptional 109g/km for the BlueHDi 100 S&S ETG6 L1 625 LX model. The range has combined cycle fuel economy figures of up to 68.9mpg.

In addition to the introduction of the new BlueHDi engines, New Berlingo models also have specification upgrades to benefit both the operator and the driver. Externally, New Berlingo vans have a redesigned grille and front bumper, and are available with an optional Look Pack, featuring LED daytime-running lights. 

Internally, both New Berlingo LX and Enterprise trim levels now have cruise control and a programmable speed limiter as standard. The top-of-the-range New Berlingo Enterprise specification has been enhanced with the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen technology and an upgraded DAB audio system. In addition, the New Berlingo Enterprise trim level now includes an alarm for increased security and peace-of-mind. New Berlingo offers an extended choice of options, including front parking sensors, a reversing camera and a colour touchscreen with audio streaming.

All New Berlingo panel vans are fitted, as standard, with Teletrac Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. This advanced telematics platform, which provides operators with cost-saving efficiency, safety, security and productivity benefits, can be optionally upgraded – at low cost – to include Fleet Director real-time fleet management capability.

Alongside New Berlingo, Citroën is displaying models from its newly extended Relay Ready to Run range. Relay Ready to Run is one of Citroën’s major LCV success stories, with sales increasing 10 fold in just two years. The original four-strong Relay Ready to Run range has just gained two new models – the Relay 35 L3 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Crew Cab Dropside and the Relay 35 Heavy L4 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Dropside.

The newly expanded Relay Ready to Run range consists of:

• Relay 35 L2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Tipper, £26,030 + VAT + delivery
• Relay 35 L2 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Dropside, £24,735 + VAT + delivery
• NEW Relay 35 L3 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Crew Cab Dropside, £25,985 + VAT + delivery
• NEW Relay 35 Heavy L4 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Dropside, £25,835 + VAT + delivery
• Relay 35 L3 HDi 130 6-speed manual Enterprise Luton, £27,765 + VAT + delivery
• Relay 35 Heavy L4 HDi 150 6-speed manual Enterprise Luton, £29,450 + VAT + delivery

All of these models are based on new, high specification Relay Enterprise chassis cabs, which have been developed specifically for Ready to Run applications. The Relay Enterprise chassis cabs, which are only available for the Relay Ready to Run programme, will be available from late April onwards.

The new Relay Enterprise chassis cabs’ enhanced specification adds:

• Teletrac Smartnav & Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking telematics package
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control with variable speed limiter
• Perimetric alarm
• 5-inch colour touch screen/DAB digital radio
• Bluetooth®, audio streaming & SMS  
• MP3 compatible CD player                

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, commented; “This year’s CV Show provides Citroën with the ideal platform to demonstrate to existing and prospective customers the financial and operational benefits of the company’s innovative thinking. The Nemo, New Berlingo, Dispatch and New Relay ranges – including Relay Ready to Run – demonstrate Citroen’s ability to deliver even greater business transport efficiencies.”

CV SHOW 2015 - The undisputed king of vans, The Transit celebrates 50 years of excellence.

• Ford’s Transit van celebrates its 50^th anniversary in August with almost 8 million Transit and Transit Custom models built since 1965
• Parked end-to-end, 50 years of Transits would circle the globe; on average, customers have bought a new Transit every 180 seconds during its lifetime
• Transit has grown from a single model in Europe, to an entire family of Ford Transit vans delivering to customers worldwide
• Expanded all-new four-model Transit line-up is boosting demand, with Ford commercial vehicle sales in March reaching a record-high in the UK
• Demand for smaller Transit Connect and Transit Courier models means total production for the whole Transit family is expected to top 9 million units in 2015
• All-new two-tonne Transit is now built and sold in North America for the first time, extending the model to 118 customer markets across six continents

Ford’s popular Transit van celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2015, marking five decades of loyal service to businesses around the world. The celebrations will begin at the CV Show in Birmingham and culminate on Transit’s birthday in August.

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.”

CV SHOW 2015 - Dacia enters the LCV fight in the UK with it's first Van, the Duster LCV.

• First factory-produced Duster LCVs
• Up to 1,150 litres of load space with 550 kg payload
• Available in 4x4 and 4x2 versions
• VAT fully reclaimable and flat-rate BIK taxation for users
• Available to order now; first deliveries from late June
• Prices from £9,595 exc VAT and OTR charges
• CV Show 2015 debut, hosted by TV presenter Rachel Riley

Dacia today announces plans to enter the UK light commercial vehicle market later this year with a commercial version of the Duster SUV – Duster Commercial.  The announcement was made at the start of the CV Show 2015, which runs at the NEC in Birmingham from April 14 to 16. 

In keeping with Dacia’s strapline of ‘You do the maths’ – a nod to its no nonsense approach to value – TV presenter and mathematical whizz, Rachel Riley will be on the Dacia stand during the CV Show for an interactive launch of the Duster Commercial.

The new Duster Commercial models – available in 4x2 and 4x4 guises – have been created at the specific request of Dacia UK and Dacia Ireland, where car-derived vans account for 30 per cent of the LCV market.

Andy Heiron, Dacia Brand Manager in the UK, said: “With the Dacia brand now established as part of the UK motoring landscape following two very successful years of growth, we now feel the time is right to launch a Duster product in the commercial vehicle sector. Having previously considered local adaptations, the shift of production location to Europe gave us the opportunity to have an N1-homologated product direct from the factory.

“Our aim is to bring Duster ­– the Renault Group’s global best-seller – to the UK’s van buyers in true Dacia style with a value-for-money product and transparent pricing. Owners and drivers will benefit from a practical and functional vehicle that can be serviced and maintained in our network of 223 dealers and service outlets.”

The Duster Commercial models are being produced at the Pitesti plant in Romania. Order books open this month, with first UK deliveries expected at the end of June.

Thanks to a false floor with load protection, Duster Commercial has a load capacity of 1,150 litres (4x2) or 1,000 litres (4x4), a payload of 550 kg and a flat cargo deck almost 1.4 metres long and more than a metre width between the wheel arches.  The new models are expected to appeal strongly to local and regional businesses as a mobile toolbox, while their low price will be especially attractive to charities.

Dacia has sold more than 16,000 Dusters in the UK since launching the car here in January 2013, and the Commercials will add to the sales potential of the range.

The Duster Commercial is available solely with a 1.5-litre, 107 hp dCi 110 diesel engine, but offer buyers the choice of Ambiance or Lauréate equipment packages, each with the option of two- or four-wheel drive.

The availability of all-wheel drive, meanwhile, opens up huge possibilities with landscape gardeners, ground maintenance staff, farmers and forestry, power and communications companies who need to reach remote areas, often in extreme weather.

Because the Duster Commercial is classed as a van, owners can reclaim the VAT on the purchase price, and they attract flat-rate benefit-in-kind taxation for users.

Standard equipment on all models includes roof bars, a chrome grille, chrome interior highlights, a toughened plastic floor with two anchorage points, electric front windows, a height-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, luggage area lighting, a four-speaker radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth, AUX and USB sockets, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control and four airbags.

Lauréate versions add alloy wheels; satin chrome roof bars, side sills and scuff plates; piano black interior detailing; black door sill protectors; a seven-function trip computer; heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors; cruise control with a speed limiter; and air conditioning. All-wheel-drive versions have a centre differential lock with selectable 2WD, AUTO and LOCK modes.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Model	Power (hp @ rpm)	Torque (Nm @ rpm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top speed (mph)
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x2	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750	12.2	105
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x4	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750	12.9	104
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x2	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750	12.2	105
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x4	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750	12.9	104

OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

Model	MPG	CO2 (g/km)	BIK (band %)	VED (band)	Insurance group
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x2	56.5	130	24%	D	1A
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x4	54.3	137	25%	E	1A
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x2	56.5	130	24%	D	1A
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x4	54.3	137	25%	E	1A

RANGE PRICING

Model	Price*
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x2	£9,595 + VAT
Commercial Ambiance dCi 110 4x4	£11,295 + VAT
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x2	£10,845 + VAT
Commercial Lauréate dCi 110 4x4	£12,545 + VAT

*excludes VED (£0 for 4x2, £130 for 4x4), First Registration Fee (£55) and delivery (£595)