All the latest developments and new launches from the world of vans & pick-ups

New Citroën ë-Relay officially launched in the UK

Citroën’s biggest and most capacious 100%-electric van has been officially launched in the UK. New ë-Relay joins the award-winning Citroën ë-Dispatch in the brand’s extensive LCV line-up.

By the end of the year, customers will also be able to order the most compact electric van in the Citroën range – the eagerly anticipated ë-Berlingo Van. Which means from Quarter 4 of this year, fleet and business customers will be able to choose the compact, medium or large Citroën van that best meets their needs – and then opt to have it delivered with an efficient all-electric powertrain. New 100%-electric ë-Relay is available exclusively in well-appointed ‘Enterprise’ trim, and is available in Panel Van, Window Van or Chassis Cab configurations – meeting the needs of the vast majority of business and fleet operators. Panel Van versions are available in L2 (5,413mm), L3 (5,998mm) and L4 (6,363mm) lengths, while the Window Van is offered exclusively in L4 form. Chassis Cabs are available in the popular L3 length. With up to 15m3 of load volume and 1,150kg of payload, new ë-Relay really does offer outstanding practicality and versatility. Customers have the choice of two Lithiumion battery packs, a 37kWh option connected to a 120hp (90kW) electric motor available exclusively in the L2 Panel Van, or a 70kWh battery unit connected to the same 120hp (90kW) motor for all other body types. The 37kWh battery provides a WLTP certified range of up to 73 miles in the L2 Panel Van, while the 70kWh battery increases range up to 139 miles under WLTP testing for L3 and L4 variants. With zero tailpipe emissions, the new 100%-electric ë-Relay is exempt from current Congestion and Ultra Low Emissions Zone charges, and attracts a 0% company van tax rate. All new Citroën ë-Relay models come with a Type-2 charging cable as standard, supporting charging of up to 22kW. A full charge from a 7kW wallbox unit will take six and 12 hours respectively, for the 37kWh and 70kWh versions. Both variants also support up to 50kW rapid charging. All battery units enjoy an eight-year/100,000mile warranty for added peace of mind. New Citroën ë-Relay models come as standard with a five-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio and satellite navigation, plus a new rear-view mirror that contains a small display with key vehicle information such as battery charge level and remaining range.

MAXUS reports 400% increase in sales

For the first time ever, the CV Show showcased an all-electric LCV stand as MAXUS delivered an electric experience for visitors, featuring the new platform e DELIVER 3 and the larger e DELIVER 9 models.

A key highlight of this year’s show, visitors could check out nine MAXUS EV variants including an e DELIVER 3 fridge and EV SWB Dropsider (52.5kWh) in advance of the launch of the allnew e DELIVER 3 long wheelbase chassis, which will be available in the UK and Ireland in Q1 2022. Speaking at the CV Show, Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS said: “EVs are a common sight on our roads today, which is why MAXUS decided to exclusively showcase a purely electric fleet at this year’s CV Show. “Over 54% of MAXUS sales so far this year are electric and with all eyes firmly on the future of motoring, we wanted to give people the option to explore what electric driving might mean for them during a visit to our stand. At MAXUS dealerships, we provide business owners and fleet managers with a realistic evaluation of where they are on their journey to greener motoring and what they need to do next. “We wanted to bring this service to the CV Show too, so that people can equip themselves with the right information for their business - some may be ready to make the switch, others may need to put policies and infrastructure in place before making the move and MAXUS provides a step-bystep guide to ensure that move is as seamless as possible.” MAXUS has had its best year ever thanks to several significant fleet deals and is currently forecasting a 400% increase in sales in the UK by the end of 2021 (v 2020). Businesses, primarily in the grocery, retail, pharmaceutical and delivery sectors, have been seeking out MAXUS for a new suite of vehicles in recent months. These deals, and the many other business enquiries that MAXUS has received in recent months is proof that businesses large and small are getting serious about going electric. In other positive news, MAXUS has increased its network of dealerships in the UK this year by 40%, with over 40 dealerships now located around the UK – and growing (50 including service dealers), with a target to reach 80 service points. Later this year MAXUS will introduce another variant to the e DELIVER 9 family in the form of a short wheelbase LCV. While the variant didn’t make an appearance at CV Show, it will be available to order from Q4 2021. 2022 will see MAXUS build even further on its great range of commercial vehicles with the launch of a seven-seater combi van. Work is also underway to test the market feasibility for a MAXUS Intelligent Flexible Architecture (MIFA) platform seven-seater, fully electric MPV. Mark Barrett confirmed that MIFA would enable EV to be used across the MAXUS range to suit various applications including SUV and MPV. MAXUS is also exploring the feasibility of introducing a midsized pick-up truck, the ET90, to the market. Other vehicles currently being considered for right hand drive markets include an EV mini bus, a range of medium to heavy duty track including an EV tractor unit, which would move the brand beyond the LCV sector and into heavy duty vehicles.

Orders open for Vauxhall’s All-New Movano-e and Movano

Vauxhall has announced pricing and specification for the All-New Movano and the 100% electric Movano-e. The all-electric Movano-e joins Vauxhall’s best-selling Vivaro-e and the award-winning Combo-e, with fleets and businesses now able to choose the electric van that best meets their needs.

As of 2028, Vauxhall will only offer fully electric cars and vans in the UK. With the introduction of the all-electric Movano-e and Combo-e LCVs, Vauxhall will offer fully electric vans across its range by the end of 2021. Vauxhall is the UK’s the best-selling electric Light Commercial Vehicle manufacturer, with 1,487 allelectric vans sold so far this year. The large Movano and Movano-e feature the latest safety and driver assistance systems. For the first time, the models feature a rear vision camera system which gives a live feed to the driver, helping them detect pedestrians and other road users. A blind spot monitoring system is also new to the Movano range, while a lane departure warning system is also available. As the largest vehicle in Vauxhall’s portfolio, the Movano is available in three different lengths and three heights. It comes with a maximum payload up to 2,110kg and a load volume of 17m3 – the equivalent of five Euro pallets. Ideal for trade professionals, there are 150 different versions of the Movano available via Vauxhall’s conversion specialists. Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “With class-leading practicality and payload, alongside the latest safety features and technology, the All-New Movano and Movano-e are set to make an immediate impact in the largeLCV sector. Vauxhall is leading the electrification of the UK van market and is all about democratising access to electrified vehicles.” Featuring a 90kW (120PS) and 260Nm electric motor, the Movano-e is available with a 70kWh battery, featuring up to 139 miles respectively under WLTP testing, making it perfect for urban environments, such as last-mile deliveries, and the open road. Like Vauxhall’s other fully electric LCV models, Movano-e is exempt from current ultra-low and congestion charge payments. The zero emissions powertrain also allows businesses to save significantly on company van tax, with a 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate. All-New Movano is also available with a powerful, durable and efficient diesel engine option. The state-of-the-art 2.2-litre unit meets strict Euro 6.3 / Euro 6d emissions regulations and is available with a range of power outputs, from 140PS to 165PS and with torque figures of between 300Nm and 370Nm. All versions of the engines feature a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. The All-New Movano and Movano-e are available in Dynamic and Edition trim levels. The All-New Movano is available in Panel Van, Chassis Cab and Crew Cab configurations in L2H1, L2H2, L3H1, L3H2, L4H2 and L4H3 lengths and heights, while the all-electric Movano-e is exclusively available in Panel Van configuration in Dynamic trim only in either L3H2 or L4H2 lengths. All Movano-e models come standard with front fog lights and a painted radiator grille in the chosen body colour. Inside, the All-New Movano-e models feature DAB radio with Bluetooth®, Vauxhall Connect that alerts emergency and breakdown services in the instance of an accident or breakdown, as well as a full steel bulkhead. The passenger side also comes with a foldable, rotating tray – ideal for setting up a laptop or other work items. The glovebox also contains a tablet holder. Movano-e models also come standard with Vauxhall’s rear park assist, as well as pedestrian detection rear warning sound – which alerts drivers when pedestrians cross behind the van. All-New Movano Edition variants come standard with DAB radio and Vauxhall Connect. All models also get a one-sided sliding door, full steel bulkhead and seat belt reminders. Dynamic models add DAB radio with Bluetooth, as well as a foldable, rotating tray to the passenger bench and a tablet holder inside the glove box. AllNew Movano Dynamic models also feature Vauxhall’s pedestrian detection rear warning sound and rear parking assist for improved safety and manoeuvrability.

Unique battery technology keeps Fiat Professional’s E-Ducato on the road for longer

The new Fiat E-Ducato is the only light commercial vehicle on the market featuring an innovative battery architecture that further boosts the already renowned reliability of the Ducato LCV family.

Developed by Fiat Professional engineers, the fully electric van’s Recovery Mode is an industry-first feature that characterises the unique parallel batteries’ set-up. This technology allows the E-Ducato to continue the journey even if one of its battery modules drop out. Working in contrast to how battery packs work in alternative electric LCVs, should one of the battery modules drop out in E-Ducato, then the other modules will automatically pick up the slack so drivers can continue their journey. This also ensures that drivers are not missing out on their working day. The E-Ducato has three to five battery modules depending on the size of battery fitted. The 47kWh and 79kWh batteries both come with Recovery Mode as standard. Connecting the batteries in parallel means that the current flow cannot stop because the current is taken from each individual battery. Kickstarting the Fiat brand’s foray into 100 per cent electric vehicles, the E-Ducato has a range of between 113 and 230 miles, depending on the variant. It is congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt, making it the perfect tool for businesses in both urban and suburban environments. Like its internal combustion engine counterparts, E-Ducato receives a bestin-class payload of up to 1,950kg and maintains the same volumes of between 10m3 and 17m3 meaning there is an E-Ducato for every eventuality.

Ford’s All-Electric E-Transit Makes Show Debut

Ford’s E-Transit commercial vehicle will, say the manufacturer, provide businesses with a new benchmark for electric vehicle productivity, value and ownership experience when it comes to market next year, as the production vehicle made its European public debut at the CV Show 2021 in Birmingham.

Ford also announced that E-Transit would be highly competitively priced in the marketplace, to help accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, with pricing starting from £42,695 (excluding VAT) as order books open from October. The new E-Transit is a key part of Ford Pro – the manufacturer’s new worldwide sales and servicing business centred around improving commercial vehicle customers’ productivity with cutting-edge products and services. “E-Transit is going to be a quantum leap for commercial vehicle operators. New connected services and advanced technologies will streamline customers’ businesses and supercharge their productivity as they make the move to fully-electric fleets,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “With pricing designed to remove any barrier to entry, E-Transit is a truly compelling proposition for European businesses.” The Ford E-Transit is designed to satisfy a wide range of customer use-cases, with a 68kWh usable battery capacity as standard, providing a best-in-class targeted driving range of up to 196 miles WLTP. 1 True Transit capability is delivered by the powerful motor offering 430Nm of torque (with a choice of 135kW or 198kW maximum output), payloads up to 1,758kg 2 on the van model, and a comprehensive range of 25 variants with van, double-cab-in-van and chassis cab body styles with multiple lengths and roof heights and GVMs from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes. For maximum on-site productivity, operators can specify exportable power via the unique ProPower Onboard feature, which delivers up to 2.3kW from standard plug sockets in the cab and load area, to power tools, lights, laptops and conversions such as refrigeration units. Following a punishing global testing and development programme, E-Transit is kicking off a programme of trials with customer partners across Europe to demonstrate the productivity benefits of electrified commercial vehicles and help refine the operator experience ahead of the first E-Transit customer deliveries in spring 2022. Vehicle charging is a critical element for businesses adopting electric vehicles, and Ford is providing a comprehensive package to support customers with their needs for depot, home and public charging. This service will be led by a dedicated team of Ford Pro charging specialists available to guide customers in Ford’s major European markets through vehicle choice and the implementation of charging infrastructure, commencing in October. The depot charging solution will include both hardware and installation, as well as smart software tools to enable businesses to schedule and optimise their vehicle charging. Through Ford Telematics, fleets can seamlessly manage the payment of public charging using the Ford charging network, as well as the reimbursement of employees who charge vehicles at home. Drivers can also easily locate, access and bill for charging while on the road using the Ford Charge Assist app integrated into E-Transit’s SYNC 4 system and accessible via the 12-inch touchscreen. The E-Transit can charge from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in 34 minutes from a 115kW DC fast charger. An overnight full charge from a standard 230-volt AC supply takes just over eight hours.

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX

ISUZU D-MAX RANGE FROM ISUZU D-MAX RANGE FROM £20,999–£32,749† ISUZU D-MAX RANGE FROM £20,999–£32,749† £20,999–£32,749†

DRIVEN TO DO DRIVEN TO DO DRIVEN TO DO

EAKIN BROTHERS LTD

SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER.

EAKIN BROTHERS LTD 02871860601 WWW.EAKINBROS-ISUZU.CO.UK 8 Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, County Londonderry BT47 6UQ

SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER.

02871860601 WWW.EAKINBROS-ISUZU.CO.UK 8 Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, County Londonderry EAKIN BROTHERS LTD 02871860601 WWW.EAKINBROS-ISUZU.CO.UK BT47 6UQ All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data.8 Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, County Londonderry BT47 6UQ

Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 - 11.2). Mid 31.4 - 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 - 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 - 33.6 (8.4 - 9.2). CO2 emissions 220 - 241g/km. All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. †From price shown is an Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Single Cab vehicle on the road price with manual transmission. Model shown in image is a Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Double Cab Commercial vehicle on the road price of Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 - 11.2). Mid 31.4 - 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 - 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). £31,249.00 with manual transmission. All prices shown include delivery, number plates, 12 months road fund licence and first registration fee, excludes VAT and mica/metallic paint finish. The All-New Isuzu Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 - 33.6 (8.4 - 9.2). CO2 emissions 220 - 241g/km.

D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Terms and conditions apply.

SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER.All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 - 11.2). Mid 31.4 - 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 - 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 - 33.6 (8.4 - 9.2). CO2 emissions 220 - 241g/km. †From price shown is an Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Single Cab vehicle on the road price with manual transmission. Model shown in image is a Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Double Cab Commercial vehicle on the road price of £31,249.00 with manual transmission. All prices shown include delivery, number plates, 12 months road fund licence and first registration fee, excludes VAT and mica/metallic paint finish. The All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Terms and conditions apply.

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT ACTIVE DELIVERS ON ALL COUNTS

Ford’s Transit Connect has always been a popular small van choice since it was first launched some years back, and the latest Active lifestyle model takes it to another level, as Van Ireland’s Phil Eaglestone has been finding out.

Courtesy of Trust Ford at Mallusk, we had the opportunity to put the Ford Transit Connect Active through its paces over the course of a few days, and we weren’t disappointed. This Transit Connect has come a long way in its evolution, with additional innovations and enhancements making it even more attractive to SMEs and others. It drives, handles and performs much like a family saloon car; indeed, you will find many of its features in Ford’s car range. It also offers excellent fuel efficiency, thanks to its 1.5-litre EcoBlue TDCi turbodiesel 120hp engine, which combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emissioncontrol technologies, matched to a smooth performing six-speed manual gearbox. During the time we had the vehicle, we travelled quite a few miles taking in motorway driving, busy town centres and narrow country roads, covering virtually every possible scenario, so we soon discovered just how far a tank of diesel goes. Versatile and practical, it offers a comfortable ride, but perhaps more importantly for the likes of a busy tradesman, it offers good loadcarrying capability with a payload of up to 982 kg – an increase of 79 kg over previous versions – and with wide opening low level rear and side doors, loading up is made easy. There’s also plenty of storage space in the cab for all your paperwork and other bits and pieces. It looks good on the road, too, with its smart front-end appearance that adopts the latest Ford design DNA. Apart from an imposing threebar Transit grille that combines with slimmer headlamps and a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler with powerful HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights, it also features body colour front and rear bumpers, bodyside mouldings, door handles and door mirrors – oh, yes, and let’s not overlook the standout 16” alloy wheels. Inside our Transit Connect Active, an upgraded cab features a revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a floating, tablet-inspired 6-inch colour touchscreen, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. New trim materials provide a stylish and hard-wearing working environment for long working days in the cab.

Driver Assist Features

Also noteworthy is a comprehensive range of segment-first driver assistance features – some standard, others optional - 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. It also comes with Auto Stop-Start, now a common feature in many cars and SUVs; when you stop at traffic lights or your vehicle is idling in a queue, Auto StartStop can automatically switch off the Engine, while still supplying power to essentials like the headlights, air-conditioning, radio and the Ford SYNC system. When you’re ready to move, just depress the clutch and select first gear as usual, and the system restarts. Auto Start-Stop is particularly effective in city streets, where it can potentially help to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Other driver comfort and safety features include a reversing camera, rear parking distance sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter in addition to Electronic Stability Control, which is designed to help you maintain control in extreme driving conditions. It senses when you are deviating from your chosen line and aims to keep you on track by automatically regulating braking and engine output. Its Emergency Brake Assist feature, meanwhile, is designed to recognise an emergency braking situation and increases the pressure within the braking system to provide optimum stopping power, while Load Adaptive Control is designed to adjust the responses of the ESC system to compensate when the vehicle is unladen, partially- or fully-laden. There is a lot more to this van than we have space to mention; suffice to say it enjoys a very high spec that provides a comfortable, spacious and safe working environment; hats off to Ford for coming up trumps again, it certainly delivers on all counts.

Verdict

So, if it’s a van you want to be practical, versatile and image enhancing for your business during the working week and one that can double up to carry your mountain bikes or other outdoor leisure pursuits gear at the week-ends, you won’t go too far wrong with the Ford Transit Connect Active. But that’s only our opinion, take it out for a test drive to see if it lives up to expectations; we are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.