VanUser July 2021

vanuser JULY 2021

THE MAGAZINE FOR LCV FLEET OPERATORS

DUCATO UPDATE Tech offer extended

News Driver shortage threatens supplies

Launch Updated Daily features Alexa assistance

Showtime First ITT Hub opens with new models

Fleet management Leasing under pressure

KEEPING BRITAIN MOVING

REGISTER FREE TODAY Discover how innovation can assist businesses big and small to increase efficiency and service delivery.

With all the latest technology in commercial vehicles, trailers and equipment on display, this year’s CV Show is even more unmissable than ever.

REGISTER at cvshow.com @TheCVShow

JULY 2021

Face to face

Contents

16

After almost 16 months of Zoom, Teams and numerous other video conferencing mediums, where we have had to ask questions through chat boxes or ‘raise your hand’ facilities, we finally headed back to an actual live exhibition Dan Gilkes, this month. The Innovation in editor Transport and Technology Hub (ITT Hub) show finally took place, a year after it was initially meant to.

All credit to the organisers, for persevering with an all-new show and a very varied format, as the logistics industry battled through an unprecedented global pandemic. There must have been some very relieved people in the organisers’ office, as the doors finally opened and the car parks at Farnborough International started to fill.

There certainly seemed to be an appetite for the event, from visitors and exhibitors, with a first chance for many to see the very latest vans and trucks and to explore the many ways in which their businesses are likely to change, as we transition to an increasingly electric future. There was even an opportunity for potential customers to actually drive the latest electric vehicles, that could form the core of their fleets for years to come.

More than that though, it was the opportunity to actually talk to people face-to-face that was most welcome. It has often been said that this is a people business and that is never more evident than at a major exhibition, as new relationships are formed and existing friendships renewed.

It is not just at shows either, as it has actually been possible for us to visit manufacturers and suppliers recently, rather than simply taking part in on-screen activities.

With the doors barely closing on ITT Hub, the industry is already turning its attention to a more familiar venue, as the build-up for the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham will start next month. We’ll be providing a full preview in the August issue and we look forward to once again seeing people in person in September.

CONTACTS Editor Dan Gilkes 07802 751473 dangilkes1@mac.com

Design and production Mark Shreeve 01502 725839 mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Editorial assistant Jade Soanes 01502 725840 jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

Advertising executive Laura Munnings 01502 725866 laura.munnings@micropress.co.uk

Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800 www.vanuser.co.uk

NEWS

19

4 Driver shortages could result in empty shelves

'Delayed van renewals' increasing risk of breakdowns

Conversion specialist expands to meet demand

6 Plan needed' if government is to achieve 2030 goals

Suzuki introduces Jimny commercial

Wing mirror replacement 'most common repair'

8 Essential connectivity

10

ITT HUB REVIEW 16

The UK logistics industry has a new exhibition, as the first ITT Hub event took place earlier this month

ROAD TO ZER0 19 Lightning pick-up leads Ford revolution 20 DPD doubles EV fleet

LAUNCH 10 Updated Daily features Alexa assistance 13

Volkswagen has split its Transporter van range from the people-carrying Caravelle, which now goes by the name Multivan

14 Fiat Professional launches revised Ducato line-up

27

Long-term test:: Citroën e-Dispatch

FLEET MANAGEMENT: LEASING 22 A growing shortage of new vans, rising prices for used vehicles and an increasing workload is pushing the leasing and rental markets like never before 24 LeasePlan calls for local authorities to power up

RACKING & STORAGE 27 UK racking and conversion specialist Bri-Stor continues to expand to meet the needs of a diverse range of customers

ROAD TEST 30 Iveco Daily 4x4

Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 3

News Driver shortages could result in empty shelves low profit margin logistics businesses were unable to sustain demands for major wage increases.

As the problem cannot be solved in the shortterm, simply by training more drivers, the industry is asking for the introduction of a temporary work visa for overseas HGV drivers and for this occupation to be added to the Home Office Shortage Occupation list. Longer term, the RHA is calling for a taskforce to be established, to help drive change in recruitment and training of domestic drivers.

The RHA would also like to see the re-establishment of the DEFRA Food Resilience Industry Forum, which was recently disbanded, that helped to ensure the nation’s supply integrity throughout the pandemic.

Conversion specialist expands to meet demand

www.shutterstock.com/ Luca Santilli

A major shortage in the number of skilled truck and van drivers looks set to threaten supplies to supermarkets this summer. Many companies within the logistics industry have joined with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to send a letter to government, asking for help with the driver shortage.

“It is our collective view that there has never been a more challenging time for this industry and we urge you to take these decisive steps, to ensure that we can continue to maintain the UK’s integrated and finely balanced supply chains,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.

The RHA predicts that there is currently a shortage of at least 60,000 drivers in the UK road transport industry. This has been caused by a number of factors. The pandemic has seen many overseas drivers returning to their country of origin, the majority of whom have not returned.

The average age of an HGV driver in the UK is 55, with less than 1% under the age of 25. Prolonged layoffs have resulted in much of this aging workforce retiring early, or finding employment in less demanding sectors.

During a typical year, 72,000 people train to become HGV drivers, of which 40,000 will succeed in joining the industry. With vocational driving tests shut down through much of last year, only 15,000 drivers passed their test, a drop of 25,000 over the previous year.

With the introduction of IR35 tax rules, that were designed to tax disguised self-employment at a rate similar to full employment, a large proportion of agency labour has been withdrawn, as

The pandemic has seen many overseas drivers returning to their country of origin

Conversion specialist TGS Automotive is expanding its Bristol operation to meet growing demand from public and private sector customers.

The move follows a contract to convert 500 Renault Master vans for the Department of Health and Social Care. Supplied by Lease Plan, the vans have been turned into mobile Covid-19 testing units.

Founded in 1973, the planned expansion will double the company’s workforce and treble its workspace capacity.

“We completed the contract for health service vehicles in an unprecedented three months, demonstrating our capacity to fulfil large-scale public and private sector contracts on time and to the customer’s satisfaction,” said director, Glenn Smith.

'Delayed van renewals' increasing risk of breakdowns Fleet software company FleetCheck is warning that extended replacement cycles could lead to an increase in major component failures for van customers. The firm says that new vehicle shortages are forcing some companies to hold on to ageing vans into fifth and even sixth years of operation, risking expensive mechanical breakdowns.

“Quite a lot of fleets delayed van renewals around the start of the pandemic and are finding that new models can’t be sourced in suitable timescales now,” said Peter Golding, FleetCheck managing director.

“It’s not uncommon for vans to break the 100,000-mile mark during their operational life, but we are seeing numbers running well beyond that point and it is a development resulting in mechanical failures that fleets don’t often experience.

“There are a number of practices that fleets can employ, but the simplest and most effective is to ensure that vehicles that are most likely to suffer failures, something that the technology can help to identify, are used in the lowest stress applications.”

4 VANUSER • JULY 2021

NEWS

'Plan needed' if government is to achieve 2030 goals The government needs a plan for vans, if it is serious about achieving its economic and environmental goals, says the BVRLA. With the 2030 deadline for the end of sales of new petrol and diesel-engined vans looming, many small businesses and van operators face mounting costs to upgrade older vehicles. The fleet rental industry has raised concerns about a lack of parity with car drivers, saying that the government must take steps to support van users.

“I am confident that the government appreciates the important contribution the van market makes to society and the UK economy,” said Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive.

“But it has failed to understand that commercial vehicles are a long way behind cars and a tar-

geted plan is needed.”

The BVRLA has called upon the government to ringfence funding for the van sector and to provide new van charging grants and funding.

It also wants to ensure that the supply chain caters for vans and that the government drops the exclusion of rented and leased vans from the super deduction. Lastly, it wants there to be van specific targets and requirements for charging point provision.

“Without the right fiscal support, millions of van drivers and fleet opertors could see business recovery stifled and government could see zero-emission targets not met if steps are not taken now to support fleets and the 3.4m people who rely on vans every day to do their job,” said Keaney.

Suzuki introduces Jimny commercial Suzuki has launched a light commercial vehicle version of its Jimny compact 4x4. The lightweight off-roader offers seating for two and an 863-litre load bay, with a flat floor and half mesh bulkhead. There is just one specification, which comes with air conditioning, selectable 4WD with low transfer gear, a DAB radio and cruise control with speed limiter.

Priced from just £16,796, the Jimny is powered by a four cylinder 1.4-litre petrol engine, de-

livering 101hp and 130Nm of torque. It drives through a five-speed manual gearbox to a high/ low range transfer box.

Maximum payload is just 150kg, though the van can pull a1.3-tonne trailer. However, the compact Suzuki’s off-road credentials will be the major appeal for buyers. Given that the LCV will only be available in very limited numbers, it is expected to sell out rapidly, so if you would like one, better get a move on.

Wing mirror replacement 'most common repair' Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles claims that 62% of van drivers have had their wing mirrors clipped on narrow streets or while parked. Replacement wing mirrors are the single most common repair that VW technicians handle each year.

“The impact of wing mirror damage on finances and business operations shows how important it is to manually fold in wing mirrors and how cost-effective automatic folding mirrors can be to van drivers and fleet managers,” said James Allitt, head of aftersales.

6 VANUSER • JULY 2021

IN BRIEF Royal Mail adds to electric fleet Royal Mail is to add 3,000 electric vans to its fleet, primarily for use in Clean Air Zones around the country, increasing its EV fleet ten-fold. It is installing charging points to all delivery offices that will use the vehicles. In May, the firm announced its first delivery office to feature an all-EV fleet of collection and delivery vehicles, at the Bristol East Delivery Office. Bristol was selected due to the city’s plans for a Clean Air Zone.

Ringway Jacobs adopts lone worker service Highway services provider Ringway Jacobs has become the first UK fleet to adopt a video-enabled lone worker service, designed to safeguard drivers operating in the field. The firm’s health and safety and fleet departments joined forces with Peoplesafe and SureCam to roll-out an integrated safety solution, using a mobile phone app with the benefits of video telematics.

The company has dual-facing, connected dash cams on 163 of its vans. Lone workers scan a QR code when entering a vehicle to register their ID. This allows the controllers at Peoplesafe’s Alarm Receiving Centre to access audio and video, along with incident data, via its portal when an incident is reported.

e-Canter on the bread round Family-owned bakery Warburtons has added its first Fuso e-Canter to the fleet. The 7.5-tonne full electric truck uses six 13.8kWh batteries and a 129kW drive motor to deliver up to 62 miles of range on a single charge. Acquired under a five-year Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreement, the truck is fitted with a PPS Commercials box body.

The e-Canter sets off daily at 4am from Warburtons’ Bolton bakery, delivering bread to up to 25 customers in central Manchester.

Correction In the specification panel for the Isuzu Grafter road test in the June issue of VanUser, it was incorrectly stated that the engine capacity was 1,498cc. That should have read 1,898cc.

PROTECT YOUR FLEET PROTECT YOUR PROFIT Our intelligent Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will help your business to:

CUT DOWNTIME

SAVE FUEL

REDUCE TYRE BILLS

IMPROVE TYRE LIFE

Van systems start at £65 10% discount for the first 10 systems per customer Quote code OFFER10-2021

www.wheely-safe.com

info@wheely-safe.co.uk

01543 415823

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 7

NEWS

Essential connectivity

F

ord is extending its FordLiive connected uptime offering, with the launch of Ford Telematics Essentials. Small fleets, of five vehicles or less, have been able to use many of the benefits of the FordLiive system for free, since its launch earlier this year. The only criteria is that vans are equipped with a FordPass Connect modem (standard on Transit, Transit Custom and Ranger since mid-2019).

Now Ford is offering a free slimmeddown version of its paid-for Ford Telematics system, free to all larger fleet managers.

Ford Telematics Essentials is a vehicle health tool that allows fleet managers to see all of their vans online. The system provides key vehicle health information for each vehicle, including mileage, oil life and engine hours. This can be used to help managers to plan regular maintenance and minimise downtime.

The system also reports Smart

Maintenance alerts, flagging any action required by fleet managers. These alerts are split into categories including Up to Date, Action Soon, Action Now, Overdue and Off the Road. The system also provides this information to the customer’s local Transit Centre, if permission has been given. This allows the dealer to contact the customer proactively, to arrange service and repair work, with the workshop able to pre-order any spares

that will be required prior to the vehicle’s arrival. Transit Centres can also use the system to see up to 60 days of vehicle history, before the van arrives in the workshop. Online bookings are expected to be added to the system by the end of the year.

At present, Ford Telematics Essentials is offered in five major European countries, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. There are currently around 500,000 vans with a FordPass Connect modem in Europe, though this number is expected to rise to more than 1 million vans by mid-2022.

A WORLD OF COMFORT

Award winning security solutions for commercial vehicles

LOCK KITS LAUNCHED FOR MAXUS EDELIVER 3 AND EDELIVER 9

12V “SMART” version for vehicles with start-stop technology now available

EBERSPÄCHER HANDIWASH – HOT AND COLD WATER AT ANY LOCATION Simple to use, effective in performance and reliable in operation. For anyone whose work brings them into contact with hazardous substances, or unhygienic

COME AND SEE US ON STAND 5F57

HOOK LOCKS • SLAMLOCKS • SHUTTER LOCKS INTERNAL & EXTERNAL SHIELDING

conditions, they should be considered a necessity.

Eberspächer handwash units can assist you in meeting occupational health and safety requirements.

www.eberspacher.com – 01425 480151

8 VANUSER • JULY 2021

For all enquiries call 01474 560 077 or email sales@locks4vans.co.uk www.locks4vans.co.uk

LAUNCH DAILY

Iveco has updated its Daily van range, with an improved air suspension option, upgraded seating, a new six-speed manual gearbox and the adoption of Amazon Alexa technology in the cab, says Dan Gilkes.

Updated Daily features T

his is not a completely new model, hence there are few visual clues to the upgraded van, other than a satin chrome grille and some new rear lights. However, under the skin and in the cab, there is plenty to talk about.

Under the bonnet The engine line-up may be unchanged, with a range of 2.3 and 3.0-litre diesel engines and a 3.0-litre CNG gas unit, however all now meet the latest Euro 6-D Final (light-duty) or Euro VI-E (heavy-duty) emissions regulations. A double SCR treatment system is used to hit the emissions levels and Iveco 10 VANUSER • JULY 2021

claims fuel savings for the 2.3-litre engines of up to 6%. The smaller engines also use the same clutch plate as the larger 3.0-litre motor now, boosting durability and cutting service costs.

“

With the new Daily we move to the next level and go smart

The power is transmitted through a revised six-speed manual gearbox, for those that don’t want the popular eightspeed automatic. The manual is capable of handling up to 15% more torque than the previous box. It is also said to offer improved shifting and greater operator comfort. The gearbox requires virtually no oil changes too, with service intervals extended to 220,000 miles, cutting repair and maintenance costs by a further 4%.

Iveco is still some way off the launch of the next generation Daily Electric, which should be launched in Q2 of 2022, with deliveries starting later that year.

Suspension update Daily is offered with an optional air suspension called Air-Pro. This features Air-Pro Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which assesses road conditions to provide the ideal pressure for each shock absorber. Set to cost just over £2,000, Air-Pro is said to reduce vibrations by up to 25%, greatly improving the ride on board.

The suspension has three settings, with the driver controlling the system through a rotary dial in the cab. The Soft setting prioritises comfort, while Load optimises handling and roll control when fully laden. The Auto setting provides a self-adapting system that changes to meet ongoing demands. The Air-Pro system is said to reduce roll in corners by up to 30%, reducing the risk to the load and improving handling for the driver.

The operator can also raise or lower the vehicle by around 0.75m, to match a loading deck, using the air suspension. The system has a memory function, for regularly used loading heights.

Air suspension is currently an option that is taken up by around 10% of UK buyers, a figure that is expected to continue with Air-Pro. In the cab Iveco has employed memory foam in the new seats, with a longer seat pad and extra filling in the side bolsters, to improve driver comfort throughout the day. Bigger news though, is the optional adoption of Amazon Alexa, through the Iveco Driver Pal. Built with the support of Amazon Web Services, Iveco Driver Pal is a voice control system that provides all of the

“

The suspension has three settings, with the driver controlling the system through a rotary dial in the cab functionality that you might find at home, like infotainment and navigation functions, weather and calendar functions.

It also allows communication with Iveco’s connected services, for booking of repair and maintenance. Plus, drivers will be able to access information regarding restaurants, parking places and service stations, while the navigation system will be able to alter routes to avoid hold-ups.

Iveco Driver Pal, which is being of-

Alexa assistance

fered on the firm’s S-Way heavy trucks too, will also allow drivers to interact with other road users through a messaging service, leaving warnings of hold-ups, accidents and breakdowns so that other vehicles can avoid the area. Iveco is calling the system MyCommunity, claiming that it acts like a modern version of the CB radio, allowing users to be part of a driving community. For those venturing abroad, the system will even translate to and from English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, with more languages to follow.

“With the new Daily we move to the next level and go smart,” said Thomas Hilse, Iveco’s brand president.

“It offers a level of innovation with no equivalent on the market. It brings on-board best-in-class comfort and safety, extraordinary flexibility and mission focus, together with a substantial TCO reduction and a constantly expanding portfolio of Iveco On services.”

DA I LY 4X4 DR I ROA D V E T E ST see p30

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 11

VanWeigh® Overload Protection Load Optimisation

Accuracy better than ±2.5% (90% - 100% of GVW) Suitable for twin axle LCVs Gross/axle overload monitoring Maximise payload capacity

Please call for details: +44 (0) 1274 771177 or obw.eur@vpgsensors.com

Telematics output Additional features available.

vpgonboard.com ©2019 Vishay Precision Group, Inc.

39799583_288318695303030_5571072985256689664_n.pdf

1

18/09/2018

15:01

New van, you don’t want stolen! t!

t Thef

n Preve

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

e y e n Keepnayour VIMaE 1n3 MsINUTES o RY T OVE

REC CORD

RE

CMY

K

www.phantom.uk.net 0161 476 4050 12 VANUSER • JULY 2021

Van rental company looking to track rentals!

Phantom has Fleet and Stolen Vehicle Tracking Systems to keep your business running well, and your investment safe.

LAUNCH

People carrier Volkswagen has split its Transporter van range from the people-carrying Caravelle, which now goes by the name of Multivan

V

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched the Multivan as a replacement for the current people-carrying Caravelle lineup. Rather confusingly, while the Caravelle was basically a passenger car version of the Transporter van, the Multivan is no longer based on the LCV model at all.

Instead, the new Multivan uses the MQB platform that can be found under a range of Volkswagen car models, most notably the latest Golf. The current Transporter carries on unchanged, with the next generation model expected to be built as part of the firm’s cooperation with Ford.

The Multivan is offered in two body lengths, though they share the same wheelbase. It features a 30mm wider track than the old model, though the body itself is 80mm slimmer. The roofline is lower, creating a wider, lower profile that should prove more aerodynamic. Offered with 19” alloy wheels, it will be offered in Multivan, Life and Style trim levels.

There is a full-width grille at the front, with a lower bumper treatment similar to the latest Caddy. A panoramic glass roof is an option and LED headlights are standard across the range, though you can upgrade to LED matric lights if preferred. Customers can also order electric rear and sliding side doors, both of which can be operated by gesture-control, or waving a foot beneath the door.

There is seating for up to seven and all five individual rear seats can be easily removed or relocated, to offer a wide range of layouts. Should you want to use the Multivan as a load-carrier, removing all five rear seats results in a 3.67m3 load bay on the shorter model, rising to just over 4.0m3 for the longer van.

There are two petrol engines, a

“

Multivan boasts the availability of no less than 34 driver assistance and safety systems 1.5-litre with 136hp and a 2.0-litre with 204hp. A 150hp diesel engine will join the line-up next year. All drive through a seven-speed DSG automated transmission. In addition, Multivan will be offered with an eHybrid driveline. This uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine, delivering 150hp, mated to an 85kW electric motor, to produce a combined 218hp. The eHybrid drives through a six-speed DSG box and provides an electric-only driving mode for shorter, urban trips.

There is seating for up to seven and all five individual rear seats can be easily removed or relocated.

Multivan boasts the availability of no less than 34 driver assistance and safety systems. Standard specification includes Front Assist, City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display and Lane Assist. The vehicle also debuts VW’s IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, allowing semi-autonomous driving by combining predictive Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Assist.

The interior is all new, with a 10.25” Digital Cockpit display and a 10” infotainment screen, plus a head-up display for the first time on a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model. The vans have an integrated SIM, for VW’s We Connect connectivity package. We Connect Plus is also available free for three years, offering navigation-related services and connection services for the eHybrid model.

The Multivan will go on sale later this year, with pricing and specifications announced nearer the time.

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 13

LAUNCH

A

s the electric E-Ducato order book is finally opened to waiting customers, Fiat Professional is not forgetting those van users that still need the versatility of a diesel van. An updated Ducato line-up features Euro 6D-Final engines, improved operator comfort and a focus on technology, with a wide range of ADAS systems on offer.

The van is powered by 2.2-litre Multijet3 diesel engines, offering 120hp, 140hp, 160hp and 180hp. Fiat is claiming up to 7% fuel savings across the range. The 140-180hp engines can also be had in heavy-duty emissions specification if preferred. Drive is taken to the front wheels through a revised sixspeed manual gearbox, with the option of a nine-speed automatic transmission on the three higher-powered engines.

The vans have been updated externally, with a new grille, central Fiat badge and full LED lighting that is claimed to deliver up to 30% brighter illumination. There are three trim levels, Tecnico, Tecnico Plus and Business Edition, along with a host of equipment packs to tailor the van to the customer’s needs.

Keyless entry and starting is available and once in the cab, there is a new digital cockpit, with a 7” TFT cluster that is easier to read. This interacts with Fiat’s Uconnect infotainment system, with touchscreens of 5”, 7” or 10”, depending on specification. All are smartphone compatible and 3D satellite navigation is supplied by TomTom. The vans also come with wireless phone charging and a range of USB and 230V outputs.

ADAS functions A smaller, multi-function steering wheel is fitted and the vans now come with electronic power steering, allowing a wide range of ADAS functions. There is also an electric parking brake, positioned in the dash.

Fiat Professional is claiming level 2

14 VANUSER • JULY 2021

Fiat Professional launches revised Ducato line-up autonomy for the vans, through a range of driver assistance and safety systems.

This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. There is also a digital rear-view mirror, Cross-Wind Assist and a semi-autonomous Active Park Assist function, for both parallel and perpendicular parking.

The Uconnect system can be upgraded and the Fiat app makes it possible to monitor the vehicle from various devices. Services include remote assistance, smart navigation, remote control and fleet management. Fleet managers can communicate directly with drivers through the My Remote function, while My Car monitors the health of the van, including fuel levels, tyre pressures, mileage and maintenance alerts.

“

Fiat is claiming level 2 autonomy for the vans, through a range of driver assistance and safety systems

My Fleet Manager My Wi-Fi adds a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices and it is possible to use Amazon Alexa voice control within the vehicle. My Alert can be used to track the vehicle in the case of theft, preventing the van from starting remotely. There is also a My Fleet Manager tool, that helps with monitoring, planning and analysis of the whole fleet. All of the telematic data and remote-control functions can be integrated into existing customer third-party solutions.

The revised Ducato is offered as a panel van, a window van, a crew van and as a chassis cab with single or double cab layouts. Fiat Professional also offers a platform cab for conversion, alongside ready-built dropsides and tipper models.

SPEEDLINER EURO HC® KILLS CORONA VIRUSES Speedliner Euro HC® has been tested and proven to kill enveloped corona viruses. This puts Speedliner Euro HC® as the first and only spray liner system to the forefront of advanced hygiene control for vehicle internal load areas carrying food, medical products and hospital laundry as well as ambulances, transport services and welfare vehicles to list just a few.

Not only does Speedliner Euro HC offer its previously proven anti-bacterial protection properties but Speedliner Euro HC® now has a virtually unapproachable, definitive advantage over all other spray liner products. ®

More info available on the website

Commercial vehicles have been a favourite target for thieves for many years. All too often in our towns and cities you see van doors which have been attacked. The locks on manufacturers vehicles are just not up to resisting the kind of attacks which we experience in the UK. This is why we have developed some unique van security locks, to help our fleet operators, courier services, goods suppliers and tradespeople secure their vans, without unloading their bank accounts.

Vanlocker’s security locks have been developed with the van user in mind, offering specific functionality options.

Whether you are a tradesman or courier Vanlocker have just the product for you to help keep your valuables secure. With high security van lock products in either deadlock or slamlock variations, Vanlocker are able to offer maximum product choice for you and your business.

CALL 01584 877 513 EMAIL INFO@SPEEDLINEREURO.COM VISIT WWW.SPEEDLINEREURO.COM

For installation in the Greater London area call Vanlocker today on 0800 112 0203

www.vanlocker.co.uk

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 15

ITT HUB REVIEW

SHOWTIME The UK logistics industry has a new exhibition, as the first ITT Hub event took place earlier this month. Dan Gilkes reports.

I

t may have been a year later than originally intended, but the ITT Hub exhibition and Future Logistics Conference finally took place at the beginning of the month, at the Farnborough International centre.

With a good selection of van, truck and bus manufacturers, along with key sector suppliers, the event offered a first chance for many to see the latest vehicles, and even to get behind the wheel on a short test route.

Visitors to the show were rewarded by several first appearances, including the international unveiling of DAF’s next generation XF and XG tractors, the Mercedes-Benz eActros electric truck, Fiat Professional’s E-Ducato and hydrogen and electric buses from Wrightbus and BYD.

Fiat Professional Fiat’s E-Ducato vans will start to arrive in UK dealers within the next few weeks. Demonstration models will come first, with customer orders following later in the year. While there 16 VANUSER • JULY 2021

is concern among many manufacturers over the delivery of new vehicles, Fiat Professional’s director Richard Chamberlain says that the firm has secured plentiful supply of the electric vans, for the remainder of this year and through 2022.

E-Ducato will be available in a wide range of panel van and chassis cab models, mirroring the diesel-powered offer. Though there is huge de-

Above: Vehicles were available to test.

Below: E-Ducato made an early UK appearance before expected delivery to showrooms in the next few weeks

mand for the chassis cab models, for conversion to suit numerous industry sectors, panel vans will probably make up much of the early orders. This is to meet demand from last-mile delivery businesses, but also due to the fact that conversions will have to undergo WLTP testing once built, to gain OZEV grant approval, which will delay their arrival with customers.

Maxus Both of the Maxus electric vans were on show, through three local dealers, with the eDeliver 3 boasting a fridge conversion. This included a Thermo King B100 unit powered by the van’s 12V auxiliary battery, having no effect on the traction battery range.

Renault Trucks Companies looking for additional payload will be pleased to see the arrival of the first 3.5-tonne Master Z.E. vans and chassis at Renault Trucks. Initially launched as a 3.1-tonne model, Master Z.E. is also now being offered at the higher grow weight, boosting carrying capacity. The 3.5-tonne models use the same 33kWh battery pack and 57kW drive motor, offering a driving range of up to 75 miles. Master Z.E.

“

The event offered a first chance for many to see the latest vehicles, and even get behind the wheel on a short test route

grabbing much of the attention on the DAF Trucks stand, having been launched the previous week, those looking at future technology were also catered for. DAF showed both its LF Electric and CF Electric truck lines at the show. The LF Electric was shown as a 19-tonne rigid truck, while the CF Electric was offered as a 4x2 tractor.

The CF can also be ordered as a 6x2 rigid chassis.

The LF Electric has a 260kW motor, powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery developing 282kWh. DAF claims a potential range of 173 miles and potential payload of up to 11,700kg, which should suit most urban delivery applications. The CF Electric trucks have a 350kWh battery, with a single charge offering up to 136 miles. The compact tractor is again intended for local urban deliveries, while the 6x2 rigid has been designed for refuse truck use as well as urban delivery.

is offered in eight versions, including three body lengths and two heights as a panel van and in various chassis cab layouts.

The company has also introduced its first electric trucks. Renault is offering the D Z.E range on two axles, up to 18-tonnes, with 200kWh or 300kWh battery packs. Driving through a 185kW motor, this gives the delivery

trucks a potential range of up to 186 miles. The company has also launched the D Wide Z.E. on three axles. Using the 200kWh battery pack, these 26-tonne trucks are primarily intended for refuse collection, offering a range of up to 75 miles.

DAF Trucks While the giant XG+ tractor unit was

Above: Getting to grips with 2Cubed eCargo Left, from top: Renault Trucks extends Master Z.E. offer; both Maxus electric vehicles were on show; DAF LF and CF electric lines made an appearance

EAV For those last-mile delivery companies looking for a smaller vehicle than the latest electric trucks and vans, Oxfordshire firm EAV was offering visitors the chance to get to grips with its 2Cubed eCargo vehicle. Bridging the gap between a cargo bike and a van, the 2Cubed offers a 2.0m3 load box, that can be supplied with a single rear door, barn doors or a roller shutter. You also get adjustable height shelving, automotive specification real lights, including indicators and brake lights.

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 17

• Expert free advice – great for small businesses •• Expert – greatvehicles for small businesses New & free usedadvice refrigerated – sales and fridge servicing •• New & useddesign refrigerated vehicles – sales and fridge servicing Free decal •• Free decalsupplier design to UK frozen food franchises Specialist •• Specialist supplier to UK frozen food franchises Delivery nationwide •• Delivery Range ofnationwide small van bespoke conversions •• Range small vanterm bespoke Mediumofand long rental conversions available from our sister • Medium and long term rental available from our sister company, Pola Van Rental company, Pola Van Rental

REFRIGERATED VAN RENTAL REFRIGERATED VAN RENTAL • Medium and Long Term Rental • Small Freezer Vans for Short Term Rental • Medium and Long Term Rental • Small Freezer Vans for Short Term Rental • Continued to work and supply throughout COVID 19 • Continued to work and supply throughout COVID 19 • Nationwide delivery • BS EN 1509001 accredited company • Nationwide delivery • BS EN 1509001 accredited company

Please contact for further details Please contact for further details

01299 253478 01299 253478

ROAD TO ZERO

Utilities contractor trials eVito

Lightning pick-up leads Ford revolution It may not be coming here, but Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning marks an important turning point in the move to an electric future, says Dan Gilkes

W

hile Ford is now moving rapidly to electrify its car and light commercial vehicle lines, it is certainly not an area in which the US giant has taken the lead over the last decade. That said, if the E-Transit can deliver on the promises that have been made, it has the potential to change the way in which many van users operate.

In the company’s home market of North America, things have moved relatively slowly. The firm’s F-150 pick-up has been the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the US for decades, yet it doesn’t even have a diesel version. America’s love affair with large capacity petrol engines, thanks to relatively cheap fuel supplies, continues.

So, for Ford to launch an electric pick-up, the F-150 Lightning, is a potentially seismic move.

To have any hope of selling in the numbers that its development requires, the F-150 Lightning doesn’t just have to match the performance and productivity of its petrol-powered stablemates, it has to take the business and domestic truck market to a whole new level.

It can’t just succeed on the Toyota Prius and Tesla dominated streets of Californian cities. It has to work in the cornfields of America’s MidWest, in the oil fields of Texas and in the Appalachian and Rocky mountains.

“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining mo-

ment, as we progress towards a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, at the truck’s unveiling in May. “F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, it is the backbone of work across the country and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionising it for a new generation.”

The truck is powered by dual eMotors, for the front and rear axles, to provide four-wheel drive. The standard battery model puts out a healthy 426hp, while the extended battery version delivers a crushing 563hp. In both cases the peak torque output is an incredible 1,051Nm. Of course, the F-150 Lightning is somewhat larger than your standard UK pick-up, offering a maximum payload of 907kg and a towing capacity of up to 4.5-tonnes.

Actual battery capacity hasn’t been revealed yet, but the best guess is somewhere between 115-125kWh. Ford is promising a driving range of up to 230 miles on the standard battery and 300 miles for the extended model. More than that, the company is to offer a range of Pro Power Onboard options, already seen on the E-Transit. This would allow on-site workers to operate a range of electrical tools using up to 9.6kW of power from 21 outlets around the truck. Indeed, continued on p20

Utilities contractor Clancy is trialling its first seven Mercedes-Benz eVito vans. Based at depots in the south and east of England, the eVitos will be used to support water meter replacement teams and to deliver essential parts and materials to sites in London. The vans are all L2 length, five in the Pure specification and two higher-trim Progressive models, with body-coloured bumpers and wheel covers. In total, Clancy took delivery of more than 500 Mercedes vans in 2020.

e-Dispatch added to council's fleet Falkirk Council has added seven Citroën e-Dispatch electric vans to its fleet, as part of a move to a more sustainable future. The XS body vans have been supplied with the smaller 50kWh battery, offering up to 143 miles of range. They were funded with the help of Transport Scotland’s Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund, and the Switched on Fleet Fund schemes, that aim to encourage the adoption of EVs. All of the vans have been plylined and supplied with pipe carrier roof racks through supplying dealer Arnold Clark in Armadale.

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 19

ROAD TO ZERO

DPD doubles EV fleet

DPD has purchased 750 electric vans from Maxus, including 500 eDeliver 9 models and 250 of the smaller eDeliver 3. The deal brings DPD’s EV fleet to almost 1,500 vans in the UK. “The 3.5-tonne van is the workhorse of any delivery and collection fleet, so to get our hands on an EV with this kind of capacity and range is a real game changer for us,” said Olly Craughan, DPD’s head of CSR. “We’ve got EVs in every DPD depot already, but they are largely focused on quite compact routes, usually in city centres, where range isn’t an issue. But this opens up the possibility of clean, green deliveries on a much larger scale.

“Our aim is to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK entirely with zero and low-emission delivery means by 2025.”

continued from p19 if your house is capable of working with the battery system, Ford claims it could even be possible to power a typical home during an electrical blackout for up to three days.

With the driveline mounted below the body, the engine compartment is turned into a 400-litre secure front storage area, what the Americans call a ‘frunk’ (front trunk), increasing carrying capacity.

The trucks will come with twin on-board chargers, capable of working with a range of charging options. A standard 32A home charger will take 14 hours to completely fill the standard model, or 19 hours for the extended, while a 150kW rapid charger will deliver 80% of charge in just 44 minutes, or 41 minutes for the extended model.

The trucks will have the option of onboard weighing systems, to help calculate available driving range. The interior is also dominated by a massive 15.5” touchscreen and a digital dash, with over the air upgrades available to keep software up to date.

As mentioned, the F-150 Lightning is not destined for these shores, it is simply too big for European use.

However, as an indication of Ford’s EV intent, the truck couldn’t be a clearer marker in the sand. We certainly wouldn’t bet against an all-electric Ranger in the future.

The power of three LONG TERM TEST Citroën e-Dispatch

20 VANUSER • JULY 2021

The Citroën e-Dispatch comes with three driving modes.

In Normal, which is the default mode whenever you start up, the motor delivers 80kW of power and 210Nm of torque, which is more than enough for comfortable everyday driving. If you are running fully laden, or towing in a hilly region, you can flick across to Power mode, for the full 100kW, 260Nm driving experience. There is also an Eco mode, which not only lowers the motor output to 60kW and 190Nm, but also cuts cab cooling and heating capacity.

If you go from Normal to Eco mode in town, the van can feel a little flat, with reduced acceleration. However, 60kW is still a healthy output. On a recent cross-country trip, where speeds rarely reached more than 50mph as I followed trucks and caravans on single-carriageway roads, Eco came into its own.

In that sort of driving, where you never use full throttle, the Eco setting was more than up to the task. Add in the regenerative brake function, which slows the van on the approach to bends and junctions, and not only was it more than powerful enough, but it was very relaxing. It also had a marked effect on the available range.

Indeed, so effective is Eco, that I have found myself increasingly flicking across to it whenever I start a journey, to maximise the available mileage. However, you still can’t defy physics and take the van much above 50mph and you

will see that remaining range number start to tumble.

On a recent trip to the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, a 67-mile each way run, I was hopeful that a starting total of 185 miles might be enough to see me get there and back. Despite running in Eco and rarely topping 60mph, the van arrived with around 90 miles left, which on that evidence would not be enough to get me home.

Fortunately, while looking for a plug to slowly top up the battery while I was there, one of the site’s safety team pointed me to a rarely used charging area, where there were five 50kW CCS chargers available. By the time I came to leave I had over 180 miles available again, cancelling any anxiety about using the public charging network.

FLEET MANAGEMENT: LEASING

Leasing pressure A growing shortage of new vans, rising prices for used vehicles and an increasing workload for many businesses as we emerge from multiple lockdowns, is pushing the leasing and rental markets like never before, says Dan Gilkes

T

he demand for vans is rising rapidly and looks set to continue to grow for some time to come. Much of the requirement for additional LCVs has been from the expansion of the home delivery and lastmile markets. While it has always been true to say that pretty much everything that you buy from a supermarket arrived on a truck, these days you could add that almost anything that is delivered to your home or office, will come in the back of a van.

“This is familiar for us at Free2Move Lease, with increased interest in larger vans such as Citroën Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall Movano,” said Robert Handyside, head of marketing at Free2Move Lease.

“Smaller vans continue to be popular, but the home delivery market that has influenced the increased demand, tends to run the larger models.”

“Since lockdown restrictions have eased, we’ve found that there has been a notable shift from large conversions,

22 VANUSER • JULY 2021

to a more standard fit-out, to meet delivery requirements,” said Paul Hyne, Arval UK’s commercial director.

“This is potentially driven by the need for LCV fleets to remain flexible, while the pandemic remains a key consideration in operational demands. The latest SMMT figures show that the LCV market has returned to pre-Covid levels and, in line with that, our own fleet has continued to grow significantly, indicating a strong demand for LCVs.” “Enquiry volumes have increased significantly, mainly for medium and large panel vans,” confirmed Keith Hawes, director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Clive Forsythe, commercial director at Europcar Mobility Group UK added: “As well as a shortage of new vehicles, prices of second-hand vehicles have also increased, creating a perfect storm for businesses that need to expand their fleets.”

This concentrated market de-

mand is pushing some van operators to keep their existing vehicles longer, while they await new deliveries. That can be simply not selling older models where they are purchased, or by extending lease terms for those under some form of rental contract.

“More customers are asking for lease extensions and the funders are putting in place programmes to enable customers to extend for 6-12 months, due to availability,” said Hawes.

“Customers are also looking for short-term leases, to provide interim vehicles until their new vans arrive. However, the rental companies who provide the short-term lease products have little or no availability themselves, as they cannot access new vehicle replacements.”

That’s not the case for all companies, however. Europcar’s Forsyth said: “Through our strong relationships with some leading manufacturers, we have been able to ensure continued access to new vehicles.”

The last-mile delivery sector is not the only driving force behind this rapidly increasing demand. As we’ve reported in VanUser before, a global shortage of computer chips, manufacturing component supply >>

CON N EC TED

FLEET MANAGEMENT: LEASING

“

Customers are also looking for shortterm leases, to provide interim vehicles until their new vans arrive

problems, Covid-enforced factory closures and rapidly rising steel costs are all causing headaches for van builders.

“There is a known, global, semi-conductor component shortage that faces the whole industry,” said Handyside.

“We (Stellantis) have parts supply management and make huge efforts in supply chain and engineering, to manage this day by day. We also manage this carefully with our customers, based on their needs, rather than impose a solution like longer rentals, or extensions.

“We are excited at now having an opportunity at the other end of the market too, with Free2Move Rent, where we can now offer short-term solutions for customers.”

“

We’re working closely with many of our customers on electric LCV adoption

“Customers are looking for a flexible solution. We have seen demand for our short-term and mid-term rental LCV product increase. This is helping to manage availability, while the semiconductor issue remains a consideration for a new vehicle order,” said Hyne.

Electric fleet All of this is happening at a time of global change in the light commercial vehicle market. With a UK ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vans set to come into force in 2030, for many operators that is just two or three vehicle replacement cycles. This in turn is leading a growing number of businesses to look at the rapidly expanding range of electric vehicle options.

“The demand is definitely growing, both in terms of enquiries from existing customers and also from new sectors, where previously EVs have appealed more to public sector organisations, who are environmentally-minded or have requirements for vehicles with limited mileage range,” said Handyside.

“More and more people are realising that an EV van can actually meet their needs and many small businesses don’t actually cover large mileages anyway, so the improved EV ranges are sufficient.”

“The electric van fleet is growing and the demand for products is increasing. We expect the uptake to be significant, as more new models come to market in the coming years,” added Hyne.

“We’re working closely with many of our customers on electric LCV adoption and have seen much more engagement on this subject this year, as evidenced by the level of interest in our recently-published electric LCV real-world testing report.

“There is demand right across the board. Right now, we’re increasingly seeing larger vehicles becoming a need for delivery companies, to support demand developed during the pandemic.

Electric vehicles that have the ability to tow a significant load and to support a complex conversion, will definitely be of interest to customers. This increased interest will be met, as new products come to market.”

“As customers have an increasing need for flexible LCV solutions, we are increasingly investing in our short and mid-term rental vehicle fleet. Electric LCVs are available for customers who wish to try out the technology, before they make a long-term commitment to an electric van,” said Hyne.

LeasePlan calls for local authorities to power up Responding to a recent SMMT report, that suggests at least 2.3m EV charging points will be required by 2030, LeasePlan UK managing director Alphonso Martinez is calling on local authorities to play their part in supporting the charging network.

“Local authorities (LAs) play such a vital role in the roll-out of a convenient and comprehensive EV charging network. They have a unique insight into the rhythms and behaviours of their local population and are well placed to tailor the infrastructure to meet these requirements,” said Martinez.

“There are several significant gaps that 24 VANUSER • JULY 2021

need to be filled in order to serve the wider community, many of which will fall to the LA. For example, in inner-city areas where people are more likely to live in terraced housing or apartments without access to driveways, on-street charging becomes necessary.

Gatekeeper “Ownership of residential streets normally falls to the LA, as with municipal car parks, therefore in most cases they are the gatekeeper to new public infrastructure. Government funding, such as the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme is available to LAs and

it’s crucial that they take advantage of this.

“Of course, LA projects are just one part of the puzzle. Government must hold up its end of the deal, by continuing its support, through incentives such as plug-in grants and subsidies. Withdrawal of this vital funding would only serve to undermine its messaging around decarbonisation and build back green post-pandemic.

“With effective and readily available consultancy resource from the government, LAs can manage the roll-out with greater confidence and support private companies and the public to do their part.”

Custom vehicle conversions

Additional cab seats for HGV

Ply lining to all panel vans

Customised cab-in-van conversions

Folding seats for all panel vans

Folding seats for CDV

Convertible bulkhead solutions for the new Land Rover Discovery

We can provide: • Commercial 4x4 conversions • Additional cab seating for HGVs • Double cab-in-van conversions • Custom ply linings • Work benches • Lighting • IVA tested seating for commercial vehicles • Wheelchair accessible vehicles • Towbars • Windows • Cab and passenger saloon heating and many other specialised conversions.

STOP PRESS!

New Defender commercial conversion coming soon!

www.atlantechs.co.uk

Phone: 01327 34 24 84 Email: sales@atlantechs.co.uk 5-6 Faraday Close, Drayton Fields Industrial Est, Daventry, Northants NN11 8RD

The DVSA recently revealed that 88.5% of LCVs stopped at the roadside were overloaded.

With plans to pull over more LCV’s on the roadside and to potentially enforce HGVlike legislation on the LCV market, isn’t about time you checked your minibus or van’s laden weights, especially the individual axle weights? SvTech has discovered many more vans have overloaded rear axles than previously thought. Any overload could invalidate your insurance.

SvTech can help with uprating your LCV to give you more payload, keeping you safe and legal. Most makes and models catered for. Call us to discuss your needs and try using our free Load Distribution program – www.svtech.co.uk/lda If you need to Downplate your LCV for LEZ purposes, we can help with that too.

SvTech Ltd, Chandler House, Talbot Rd, Leyland, Lancs PR25 2ZF 01772 621800 www.svtech.co.uk

26 VANUSER • JULY 2021

FLEET MANAGEMENT: RACKING & STORAGE

Made to measure UK racking and conversion specialist Bri-Stor continues to expand to meet the needs of a diverse range of customers, says Dan Gilkes

V

ehicle conversion is a creative as well as a technical business, taking a customer’s idea or individual requirement and turning it into a safe, durable and productive reality. From dedicated racking designs, to secondary power provision, van converters need to have a wide range of skills at their disposal to meet customer needs. However, few companies have been asked to create a mobile barber’s shop before.

For Staffordshire conversion specialist Bri-Stor Systems, not only was that a genuine request, but visitors to this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC will be able to experience the finished vehicle in use. Commissioned by mobile barbering company Trim-It, and featured on a recent Channel 4 documentary, Bri-Stor is building up to 100 of the Citroën Relay barber vans, for use around the country.

Bri-Stor offers a complete conver-

sion service, from a clean sheet of paper design, through prototyping and crash testing, to the finished vehicle. This includes taking vehicles direct from the manufacturer and carrying out pre-delivery inspections and DVLA registration, to allow the finished van to go directly to the end user.

To achieve this, there are three companies within the group, all working together on a busy 14ha site near the village of Hixon, Staffordshire. Alpha Manufacturing is a precision sheet metal business, operating in a range of industries. Alpha produces all of the cut

“

Bri-Stor completes around 8,000 vehicle conversions each year

and folded sheet material for Bri-Stor in-house, ensuring total quality control and on-time delivery.

From Alpha, the racking components move to Atlas Powder Coating, which provides the high-quality automotive finish required to ensure the durability and corrosion resistance that customers demand. All racking components are powder coated in a choice of five main colours, though the company can provide any RAL colour if required. Bri-Stor also has a hand-painting booth and a Line-X coating bay, for individual builds.

The company boasts an in-house graphics department too, called Hex Signs & Graphics, capable of meeting all of the branding, safety signage, livery and wrapping needs of its customers.

Fleet customers In business for more than 38 years, Bri-Stor completes around 8,000 vehicle conversions each year. The company managed to keep its doors open for all but three weeks in 2020, maintaining its entire workforce, while implementing Covid-compliant measures.

Much of its work is with major fleets; Bri-Stor is currently providing racking and livery for 3,000 Vivaro-e vans for British Gas, for example. Electric vehicles have started coming through the facility in growing numbers and 96% continued on p29 JULY 2021 • VANUSER 27

contacts directory REFRIGERATION

VAN AUCTIONS

SAFETY STEPS

vanuser Essential reading for LCV operators – online and in print Subscribing is free.

To make sure of your regular copy – and to receive weekly news updates – go to vanuser.co.uk/subscribe

28 VANUSER • JULY 2021

vanuser JULY 2021

THE MAGAZIN

E FOR LCV FLE

DUCATO UP Tech offer ex

News Driver shortag threatens sup e plie

s

Launch Updated Dai ly features Ale xa assistance

ET OPERAT

DATE

tended

Showtime First ITT Hub opens with new models

Fleet management Leasing und er pressure

ORS

FLEET MANAGEMENT: RACKING & STORAGE

continued from p27 of Bri-Stor’s staff have now completed the necessary training to work on EVs safely.

The company also works for the AA, Network Rail, Murphy, the RAC, Openreach and many others. It even has a de-fleet capability for some of its larger customers, along with kitting-out and handover facilities, that can include putting tools into the new vans ready for the engineer to simply drive away.

That said, smaller fleets and individual customers are equally welcome and they get exactly the same level of service. Indeed, with individual requirements they benefit from the expertise that is required for larger fleet customers, just in lower numbers.

“We do get a lot of big fleets, but we have smaller customers too,” said sales manager Jack Draper.

“We’re trying to branch out more, to keep our big fleet work, but to get more of the SME market too. We can do smaller volumes and all customers are treated exactly the same.”

Digital portal One feature that fleets of all sizes have welcomed is Bri-Stor’s digital customer portal. Customers can log on through Bri-Stor’s website to a digital section that is dedicated solely to their vehicles. The page provides vehicle docu-

mentation for every conversion, including parts supplied to the vehicle and replacement graphic designs for each van.

There are driver guides available and the portal provides ‘how-to’ and handover videos for drivers that can’t take delivery of the vehicle in person.

Bri-Stor also puts easy-to-find QR codes within each vehicle, that take the driver to the videos directly through a smartphone.

“Almost all of our customers use the portal, everything is done online these days,” said marketing executive, Victoria Taylor.

“

We’re trying to branch out more, to keep our big fleet work, but to get more of the SME market too.

Continued investment One important thing that is not done remotely, is investing in the business, both in terms of its facilities and in its staff. Even during the last year, Bri-Stor will have re-invested around £2 million in the manufacturing business and the company is considering expanding the site further, to make space for more than its current limit of around 2,000 vans.

More importantly, the company is investing in people. With a full apprentice

training centre on site, Bri-Stor takes on around 15 apprentices a year and manages to retain 92% of those skilled workers once fully trained. Apprentices are not just employed in the workshops though, the company will also put 11 higher apprentices onto university and college courses this year in IT, accounts, purchasing, marketing and engineering disciplines. It’s little wonder that the company has staff that have been with the firm for more than 30 years.

Challenges ahead Whatever the investment that is being made internally, Bri-Stor cannot help but be affected by external influences.

As with every other sector of the LCV business, actually getting hold of vans is becoming increasingly difficult, as manufacturers struggle to keep up with demand. Bri-Stor has already seen some fleets push conversion work back, due to lack of vehicles, which will have an effect on its production figures this year.

“The first quarter of next year has already exploded, if we can get the vehicles,” said Draper.

Yet, the forward-looking company is already using this opportunity to look at new products and services. Expect to see a number of interesting initiatives on Bri-Stor’s stand at this year’s CV Show in September. You might even be able to get a haircut while you are there.

JULY 2021 • VANUSER 29

ROAD TEST DAILY 4X4 DRIVE

TOTAL TRACTION Iveco’s Daily 4x4 remains one of the most capable vehicles around, in both all-road and off-road specifications, says Dan Gilkes

W

hen it comes to carrying people, material and tools across difficult terrain, there are few large vans that are more capable than Iveco’s Daily 4x4. The latest version is offered in two slightly different specifications, known as the all-road and the off-road trims. Both are offered with the firm’s 3.0-litre diesel engine, developing 180hp, driving through a choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The vans all use a transfer case with a low ratio offering, in effect doubling the number of gears available. There are front, centre and rear differential locks, providing the vans and chassis cabs with enviable driving ability on rough ground.

The all-road models are intended for those customers that complete much of their annual mileage on the road, but who need some offroad capability when they arrive on site. The off-road specification is aimed more at customers who spend most of their time off-road, delivering increased rough-terrain capabilities.

With that in mind, the off-road models come with single rear wheels, in 3.5, 5.5 and 7.0-tonne maximum weights. The 3.5-tonne model is only offered as a single-cab chassis, not as a panel van, though there are two wheelbases available. The reason for the limited offer at 3.5-tonnes is weight, as the additional driveline components reduce the potential payload of the 3.5-tonne chassis cab to just 639-767kg.

Move up to the 5.5 or 7.0-tonne models and there are three lengths of chassis cab and three lengths of panel van available, with three roof heights. That means internal load volumes of 9.0-18m3 are on offer. The heavier models can also be ordered as crew cabs.

For the all-road models, there is one length of 3.5-tonne chassis cab on offer, or three 5.5 and 7.0-tonne models. When it comes to panel vans, there is a single long wheelbase available, in either 5.5 or 7.0-tonne gross weights. Those prepared to run at 5.5-tonnes can expect to see payloads of 2.6-2.7 tonnes, while the 7.0-tonne vans and chassis can deliver over 4.0-tonnes of load-carrying ability, making them an attractive option to a full all-wheel drive truck 30 VANUSER • JULY 2021

Behind the wheel VanUser had the opportunity to try an all-road 7.0-tonne van in L3H2 specification and an off-road short-wheelbase 7.0-tonne dropside, on a technical, all-terrain course at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. While the longer wheelbase and towing equipment of the all-road van meant that it couldn’t tackle some of the more severe ground conditions, neither vehicle had any problem with the course.

The all-road van was equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes equally light work of all-terrain driving as it does on the highway. The shorter off-road truck had the six-speed manual, which with the low range, provides a choice of 12 forward gears to tackle climbs and ascents. On dry, sandy ground, it was pretty much unstoppable. for utilities, local authorities, emergency services and forestry contractors.

One unusual option on the Daily is Fording Adaptation. This allows the driver to turn off the engine cooling fan, using a button on the dash, when driving through deep water. The Daily 4x4 can cope with up to 650mm of water depth before needing a snorkel attachment for the air cleaner. Fording Adaptation prevents any damage to the fan, as it is dragged through the water. A loud, persistent alarm sounds in the cab when the switch is activated, so there is little danger of leaving it engaged and causing overheating.

There are a host of other options available, to tailor the vans to an individual operator’s needs, including independent cab heating, power take-off systems, a front winch mounting and various on and off-road tyres to suit varied terrain.

Sales volumes of the 4x4 are relatively low, with around 50 Daily 4x4s finding owners in the UK last year. However, Daily business line director, Mike Cutts, is confident that the latest vehicles will build on that number. The 4x4 models will adopt the model year 2022 updates, already seen on the new two-wheel drive Daily, early next year.

LOAD SPACE? TIGHT SPACE? OR BOTH? THE TRUCK WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE TO COMPROMISE. manual or automatic gearbox option compact footprint and reduced turning circle

Trade Van Driver 2021 DS AWAR

easier manoeuvrability

up to 3.5 tonne towing capacity*

Isuzu 3.5t Euro 6

Compact footprint, same powerful performance and payload.

Due to Isuzu’s forward cab design we are able to fit equivalent body length to that of European manufacturers but reduce the overall length of the vehicle. Tight spaces and narrow roads complement our range of 3.5 tonne products.

01707 282944 / isuzutruck.co.uk *Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to specification. Images shown are for illustration purposes only.

fuel efficient LEZ friendly engine

Gearmate’s modular van racking and storage systems provide a versatile solution for the safe and secure storage of your gear. www.gearmate.co.uk

sales@gearmate.co.uk

01789 595200