Van User - October 2022

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

The European van, truck and bus industries were certainly pleased to see a return to business for international shows this month, with huge numbers of visitors attending the IAA event in Hannover. They had no reason to be disappointed by the exhibitors either, with a host of new and updated vans and trucks on show for the first time.

The theme was of course very much electric drive. From Ford’s E-Transit Custom and Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo, to totally new models like Renault’s Trafic E-Tech and Iveco’s eDaily, there is clearly only one direction of travel among manufacturers. We’ve already driven the VW and we will have our first outing in the new Iveco later this month, but we’ll have to wait a little longer for the Renault and the Ford. Likewise, Maxus’ electric pick-up, which we hope to drive in the New Year.

It wasn’t just the van manufacturers that were dusting off the battery covers though. Truck builders like Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Scania and DAF were also keen to show the advances that they are making with battery-powered vehicles. While many still expect hydrogen to play a major role in long-distance haulage in the future, advances in battery technology are already making electric heavy trucks a real possibility.

Of course, all of that new technology is only any use if customers can actually buy new vehicles. Unfortunately, UK commercial vehicle registrations continued to drop through the summer months, though not for any lack of demand. Component shortages still plague new vehicle deliveries and the struggle to meet demand is playing havoc with the new van market.

Hopefully, the coming months will start to see an easing of supply, with manufacturers able to increase output levels and shorten lead times. Then perhaps, we’ll be able to truly assess demand for the new models and technologies that are grabbing the headlines at the shows.

SHOW REVIEW

FLEET MANAGEMENT

ROAD TO ZERO

Speedy opts for additional Isuzu’s

Power tool and construction equipment rental specialist Speedy Hire has added 39 Isuzu trucks to its fleet. With gross weights of 7.5-tonnes, the deal includes 22 trucks with beavertail plant bodies and 17 with a combination panel side/curtain side body. The vehicles have been supplied on a fiveyear deal through contract hire company Prohire.

“We have been operating Isuzu trucks since 2013 and currently we have 45 within the fleet,” said managing director Chris Dempsey.

“Payload is critical to our operation and the Isuzus provide us with the perfect solution at this GVW, together with excellent back-up from our local dealer Warrington Vehicle Centre.”

Speeding remains biggest worry for fleets

New data from FleetCheck shows that speeding accounts for more than four out of five driving offences in company vehicles. An incredible 82% of recorded offences related to excess speed, followed by mobile phone use (2.7%), no third party insurance (2.6%), failure to give information about the driver (2.5%) and jumping traffic lights (2%).

“Drilling down into those 82% of speeding offences, three out of four are for exceeding the

limit on public roads, rather than motorways, so the problem is very much concentrated on everyday driving,” said Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck.

“Employers should be encouraging and training drivers to slow down and even potentially penalising them when they don’t. Driving over the limit is not just dangerous, but uses more fuel and causes more wear and tear. It’s bad from every angle.”

Logistics UK announces van winners

Industry organisation Logistics UK has announced its Van Awards 2022 winners, recognising companies and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the industry over the last 12 months. The awards were supported by the AA, Bott, Brigade Electronics, Lex Autolease, Quartix, TVL and WTW.

Hero of the Year, Nathan White, was commended for his outstanding act of bravery and selflessness at the scene of an accident. Having seen a serious collision take place in the face of oncoming motorway traffic, he left his vehicle and rescued a stricken driver, pulling them to safety moments before another vehicle crashed into their overturned vehicle.

All award winners are automatically shortlisted for the Van Business of the Year category at the organisation’s Logistics Awards 2022, which will take place in December.

of the Year,

White

Category winners included:

• Keeping Your Show on the Road

Driveright

• Winning at Wellbeing

Clancy Group

Using Technology for Good

ex Vehicle Hire

Sustainable Van Operator of the Year

Van Safety and Compliance

Diversity and Inclusion

Murphy & Sons

Hero of the Year

White, lead driver

Sciensus

Fleets preparing for 2030 government deadline

Almost six out of 10 UK businesses (57%) have started preparations for the government’s 2030 deadline to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, according to the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer research. When asked how prepared they were to operate zero emission vehicles in 2030, 24% of respondents said that they had plans in place and expected to have a zero emission fleet by that time. A further 23% indicated that the planning had been done and that they may have achieved a zero emission fleet, while 10% said they would definitely be carbon free at that time.

However, 42% of those companies contacted by Arval admitted that they had yet to undertake any preparation work, as there was plenty of time before the government ban came into place.

“In some respects, 2030 still feels like some time away,” said Shaun Sadler, head of Arval Mo-

Scudo production starts in Luton

bility Observatory.

”But for the majority of businesses that employ a four-year vehicle replacement pattern, it is only two cycles. For those van operators who tend to keep their vehicles longer, it is even less. Arval in the UK is already working with many fleets who are aiming to fully electrify their car fleets well ahead of the 2030 deadline. The process is likely to be more protracted among van fleets, the adoption of electric light commercial vehicles requires a higher degree of operational adaptation while new vehicles have been slower to come to market.

“Those business that don’t have transition strategies in place, are not doing anything wrong in strategic terms. However, they may find that factors such as taxation policies, clean air zone restrictions and even vehicle availability, may effectively force them into transitioning well before 2030.”

Stellantis has started production of the Fiat Professional Scudo mid-weight van at its plant in Luton, traditionally home to Vauxhall’s Vivaro. Scudo models will be built at the plant alongside Vivaro, Citroen’s Dispatch and Peugeot’s Expert vans. This is the first time that Fiat vehicles have been produced in the UK and the vans will be assembled in both right and left-hand drive, for domestic and export markets.

Scudo will also be built alongside its Stellantis stablemates at the firm’s Hordain plant in France, where the battery electric e-Scudo is produced for all markets.

Yodel expands warehousing

Independent parcel carrier Yodel is to open a new distribution depot in Huyton, Merseyside, to meet growing demand for home delivery. The 15,000m2 facility will open in the summer of 2023, building on the firm’s presence in the North West, as e-commerce continues to push expansion. Yodel estimates that it will handle over 200m parcels in 2022.

The new site is being built to a net zero carbon standard, with solar panels and EV charging points. It is on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the minimising of pollution and protecting the surrounding habitat during construction. UK commercial vehicle production rose by 92.9% in August, the eighth consecutive month of growth and the best August total since 2012. Overseas demand was up by 78.4% and year-to-date CV production is up by more than 50%. One reason for this growth was the availability of components, as August last year was particularly hard hit by semiconductor shortages.

UK’s CV output still growing

“Despite the toughest operating conditions in living memory, the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturing output continues to grow, fuelled by strong demand and supported by easing disruption,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“However, spiralling energy costs pose a long-term threat to the sector and its efforts to deliver zero emission transport. Government measures will provide short-term respite, but we need long-term action that will restore stability and boost our international competitiveness.”

Ford unveils E-Transit Custom in second step of Ford Pro launch

Ford is on something of a roll when it comes to electric vans, despite its relatively late arrival in the market. With the E-Transit successfully introduced earlier this year, the company has already taken the wraps off the smaller E-Transit Custom, though production won’t actually start until Autumn 2023.

Sales of the larger 2-tonne model have certainly started strongly, with more than 10,000 orders in Europe and a further 4,000 E-Transits sold in the USA so far. Unsurprisingly, the bigger van will donate much of its driveline technology to the smaller Custom, including a rear-axle drive motor. This is available with 135hp or 217hp, with both variants delivering 415Nm of torque.

The power to drive the van is provided by a 74kWh battery pack that is shared with the firm’s US-market F150 Lightning pick-up. The battery

cells pack up to 12% more energy density than the battery pack in the larger E-Transit, resulting in a potential range of up to 236 miles. Given that Ford’s research shows that the majority of 1-tonne van users do no more than 55 miles a day, that should be more than enough for most users.

That said, you don’t have to restrict the battery output to turning the rear wheels. Like the bigger electric model, the E-Transit Custom comes with Ford’s ProPower Onboard system, providing up to 2.3kW of power for electric tool charging and to power conversions.

When it comes to charging, the van has an 11kW AC charging input and a 125kW DC rapid charging capability, that can achieve a 15-80% top-up in 41 minutes. By front-loading the charging process, this includes what Ford is calling a ‘Splash and Dash’ capability, that will take on 24 miles of range in just 5 minutes with a rapid charger.

Despite its familiar appearance, the Custom is a completely new van, that will share much of its structure and power system with a mid-weight Volkswagen in time. It will also be offered with both diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid driveline when launched. As an EV though, the van offers a load volume of 5.8-9.0m3, through a choice of wheelbases and roof heights. You’ll also be able to specify double-cab-in-van models and kombi style people carriers.

The van has an 11kW AC charging input and a 125kW DC rapid charging capability

The lower roof height models should be able to access a multi-storey car park, with a sub-2m overall height. Ford has also come up with an L-shaped bulkhead, that will allow operators to use two of the three rear seats in a double cab, with a full length load section alongside.

When it comes to carrying capacity, Ford is promising payloads of up to 1,100kg and a 2-tonne towing limit. With the rear-driven chassis, the electric van rides on independent rear suspension, contributing to its low floor level. This will also help to deliver a comfortable ride and good handling. Expect to see a full suite of ADAS electronic driver assistance systems.

While the exterior has a familiar, if updated look, with standard LED lighting and a light bar across the front grille, the interior is more of a departure from the past, with a 13” landscape touchscreen dominating the centre of the dash on all models. The transmission control moves to the steering column and there is an electronic handbrake, all of which provides clear access across the cab and somewhere for the centre passenger to put their legs. This is helped by front wheels that are set further forward than the current Custom, reducing intrusion for wheel arches. There

is even a roof-mounted airbag for the passengers, providing a full glovebox big enough for a laptop or an A4 file.

If you need to work while in the cab, there is a tilting outer ring to the rather squared-off steering wheel, that allows the driver to tilt the rim to an almost horizontal position while parked. With a cover on top, this provides an almost flat surface for paperwork or laptop use.

All of the vans will come with Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system and a 5G modem for rapid connectivity. Other tech includes a Driver Focus Mode for the heating and air conditioning, that knows when the driver is travelling alone and directs airflow only to occupied seats. There is also the option of a

When it comes to carrying capacity, Ford is promising payloads of up to 1,100kg and a 2-tonne towing limit.

Delivery Assist system, for multi-drop operators. When enabled, this activates the hazard lights as the driver shifts to Park, closes any open windows and locks the door once the driver has left the van. When the driver returns, they can keylessly open the vehicle and start, with the hazards automatically cancelling and any windows returning to previously open positions.

As with the larger E-Transit, the new Custom will benefit from the recent introduction of Ford Pro, which aims to offer customers vehicles, finance, service solutions, charging capability and the necessary software, from a single source. This will include over-the-air updates to electrical systems within the vans, called Ford Power-Up updates, that will improve vehicle performance, add new functionality and update existing features.

The E-Transit Custom will be built alongside the larger E-Transit at Ford’s Yenikoy site in Turkey, with production starting in the Autumn of 2023. There will be further updates to specification and pricing prior to launch.

“

IAA 2022

GOES ELECTRIC

The European truck and van business came back to Hannover with a bang at the IAA 2022 exhibition in September. As manufacturers and customers gathered for the first time in four years, the focus was very much on electrification, with several new vans on show.

Dan Gilkes toured the halls.

IVECO

Iveco has taken the wraps of its second-gen eration eDaily. Available with gross weights of 3.5-tonnes, 4.25-tonnes and 7.2-tonnes, the eDaily will be offered with one, two or three 37kWh battery packs, allowing customers to choose between driving range and payload. The vans drive through a 140kW motor, that deliv ers 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Ive co is promising up to 250 miles of urban driv ing range, for the most efficient combinations.

Though familiar in the cab, the operator will now have a choice of Eco, Normal and Power driving modes, with three regenerative brak ing settings, ranging from one-pedal driving to coasting. There is also an additional power

button, that will provide a short boost of en ergy for overtaking or for starting off under load in hilly terrain.

The eDaily’s batteries will be covered by an eight year/155,000-mile warranty, guarantee ing at least 80% performance. However, the vans will also be offered with an ePTO power take-off system that, in some heavy use cases, will result in a slightly reduced battery war ranty. The vans will have a maximum 80kW DC rapid charge input, delivering up to 100km of driving range in 30 minutes.

Iveco aims to mirror its diesel range with the new eDaily, so there will be huge line-up of body sizes and chassis cabs on offer, once the full range is available. Bodied panel vans

will have load volumes of up to 20m3 and the heaviest models will boast up to 4.6-tonnes of payload and a 3.5-tonne towing capability.

Production is set to start in March 2023, with customer deliveries from June. However, the order books will open this November and we’ll be taking a first drive in time for the next issue. The company is hoping to make a far greater impact with this second-generation van. European temperature-controlled delivery business Petit Forestier has already ordered 2,000 eDaily chassis, to be delivered by 2026, with the first 200 in 2023.

“We see our eDaily volumes doubling every year up to 2030,” said Mike Cutts, Iveco’s business line director.

Iveco has also announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyundai, to develop a hydrogen fuel cell Daily. Equipped with Hyundai’s 90kW fuel cell and one of Iveco’s battery packs, the 7.2-tonne concept chassis has up to six hydrogen tanks containing 12kg of gas. This would be enough to provide 220 miles of driving range, with a refuelling time of just 15 minutes, plus a payload of up to 3-tonnes. Iveco will begin trials of the fuel cell vehicle with selected customers late next year.

FUSO

Daimler Trucks’ Fuso division has launched a new eCanter range of light trucks. Where the original eCanter was offered as a single

7.5-tonne model, the new line has no less that 42 variants available. There are six wheelbases on offer and gross weights now run from 4.25-tonnes to 8.55-tonnes. That lighter model could prove crucial, as it will allow car drivers to get behind the wheel, making the electric trucks more accessible to a wider range of customers.

The trucks are powered by a 150hp electric motor in 4.25-6 tonne models and with a 180hp motor in heavier variants. Up to 430Nm of torque is available. There are three battery packs, using lithium iron phosphate cell technology. The smallest pack offers 41kWh, for 44 miles of driving range. This rises to 83kWh and 86 miles for the medium pack and 124kWh

and 124 miles of range.

Both AC and rapid DC charging are offered, with the faster system capable of taking up to 104kW. This would make it possible to recharge the smallest battery to 90% in just 36 minutes, while the largest pack would take 75 minutes to reach the same level of charge.

There are two cabs on offer, a standard 1.7m wide version and a 2m Comfort cab. Where the original eCanter was only available with a relatively short 3.4m wheelbase, the new model can be had with a choice of six wheelbases, from 2.5-4.7m.

Though familiar in appearance, the eCanter now boasts LED headlights, with intelligent high beam, offering up to 30% more light-

ing performance than the previous truck. The eCanter will also come with an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System as standard, along with Active Side Guard, for greater safety when turning left at a junction.

Sales will open in January of next year, with production starting in April.

MAXUS

Maxus is to rapidly expand its commercial vehicle offer with the addition of a range of models. This could include a 7.5-tonne full electric truck, called the EH300, that is currently being considered for right hand drive. The decision may depend on the possible return of Grandfather Rights in the UK, which would allow those with a car licence to drive up to 7.5-tonne vehicles.

The truck is powered by a 127kWh battery, which is said to offer a driving range of up to 132 miles. The 110kW motor delivers up to 1,200Nm of torque. Maximum DC charging input is 102kW, providing a full charge in 1.5 hours. AC charging capacity is 22kW, for an 11-hour charge.

While eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9 electric van models now account for 36% of Maxus UK sales, the company’s T90EV electric pick-up already has more than 2,500 orders, with the

first customer trucks expected to arrive before the end of the year. A four-wheel drive version of the truck will be offered by Q3 of 2024.

Maxus will add to this line-up over the coming years with an eDeliver 7 expected by the end of 2023. Sitting between the other two electric vans, the eDeliver 7 will be offered in two wheelbases and two roof heights, to provide load volumes of 5.7-8.5m3. An additional model, currently known only as MILA, will also sit in the mid-weight range. Designed to run alongside eDeliver 3, but on a new plat-

form that will also form the base of an SUV, the MILA vehicle will have a 64kWh battery pack and load volumes of 6-8m3. It is expected to be launched in March 2024.

“All of the new platforms coming through now will be electric,” said Mark Barrett, general manager of Maxus importer Harris Group.

Though Maxus now has 50 dealers across the UK, he is still looking for a further 10 outlets to cover additional areas. If the 7.5-tonne truck is added to the range, it would be sold through the firm’s heavy truck outlets.

>>

RENAULT

Renault has plugged the gap in its E-Tech e-LCV range, with the launch of the battery electric Trafic E-Tech. Ten years after the company entered the electric van market with the first Kangoo Z.E. and five years since that van was joined by the Master Z.E. the newest E-Tech model promises a driving range of 149 miles, thanks to a 52kWh battery pack. The van will be offered with AC charging up to 22kW and a 50kW DC rapid charging capability will be available as an option.

A 90kW motor drives the vehicle, which retains a payload of up to 1.1-tonne and a 750kg towing capability. The Trafic E-Tech will be offered in the usual choice of wheelbases and roof heights, to deliver load volumes of 5.8-8.9m3

FORD

Hot on the heels of the E-Transit Custom, unveiled earlier in the month, Ford took the wraps off the diesel and Plug-in hybrid versions of its next mid-weight model. The refreshed diesel line-up will include engines from 110-170hp, with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time on Custom, an all-wheel drive system. The six-speed manual gearbox will be offered with an optional mechanical limited slip differential, for enhanced traction.The automatic transmission will have a steering-column mounted shift lever, so will not affect the walk-through capability of the revised van’s cab.

The PHEV drops the previous generation’s

1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, in favour of the Kuga PHEV passenger car’s driveline. This includes a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and an 11.8kWh battery, capable of an electric-only driving range of up to 35 miles. As with the full electric Custom, the PHEV will offer up to 2.3kW of ProPower Onboard electricity to power tools.

Ford has also created an upfit integration system for body builders and converters, that allows them to tap into the electrical system on the e-Transit Custom. This will also allow drivers to operate after-market electrical items through the van’s SYNC4 touchscreen.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo may not be available in UK dealers yet, but converters have already started work on the compact electric van. VW had on show ID. Buzz vans with a 6m3 box body, a refrigerated body and a concept paramedic vehicle. Elsewhere in the halls converters had gone further, with a dropside and even a tipper on display.

Despite not being available to many yet, VW has already taken more than 13,700 orders for ID. Buzz, of which 50% have been the Cargo LCV version. Parcel deliveries, service engineers and a host of other industry sectors all seem drawn to the van’s retro futuristic look.

Elsewhere on the stand, customers had the first look at the latest Amarok pick-up. The company reports that it has a big Amarok community waiting for the new truck and that it

has invested heavily to give the new model a VW feel, that will be different to the Ford Ranger with which it shares a base.

Elsewhere in the line-up, CEO Carsten Intra confirmed that the next generation Transporter, due in 2024, will share much of its underpinnings with the latest Ford Transit Custom. However, he said that the next generation Crafter, due for launch in 2026, will not be paired with Ford’s biggest van. The successor to Caddy, which currently donates much of its structure and driveline to Ford’s Transit Connect Tourneo, will also not be a Ford model, but will be smaller than the current Caddy, as it overlaps with ID. Buzz Cargo.

WEBFLEET

Bridgestone has launched Fleetcare Go Plan, a tyre and vehicle maintenance system for small to medium fleets. The system includes Bridgestone tyres and an intelligent vehicle maintenance interface powered by Webfleet telematics, now part of Bridgestone. Building on the success of Fleetcare, which is designed for larger fleets, Fleetcare Go Plan controls costs through a subscription plan with usebased pricing and predictable monthly payments.

It provides subscribers with a personalised Fleet Portal, that allows them to see fleet status, services delivered, invoices received and contract progress. It also delivers recalculated bills every six months, based on actual mileage and maintenance of the vans.

“We believe that by providing actionable and data-driven insights that enable our customers and partners to improve their fleet and mobility performance, we become part of the change we want to see towards a sustainable world,” said Jan Maarten de Vries, CEO of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

“Fleet management is essential for lighter vehicles, to reduce fuel costs in particular. With the transition to EV, there is a clear requirement for fleet management services.”

THERMO KING

Temperature-control specialist Thermo King has launched the VX-series of nose and roof-mounted compressor-driven transport cooling units, that are said to be half the weight of the previous generation. That results in an additional 80kg of potential payload for customers, for the same cooling performance. The VX models have hermetic compressor technology, that Thermo King claims increases overall efficiency, while lowering noise and vibration levels.

The company has also announced the E-series of refrigeration units, designed specifically for electric LCVs of 3.5-7.5 tonnes. Powered by the vehicle’s traction battery, the E-series units have custom-designed inverter technology and a variable speed hermetic refrigeration compressor.

Work all day… then go & play

PART 2: CREW CABS

Surge in the demand of crew cabs means vans can double-up as a business and leisure vehicle, says Steve MacDonald , of SMUK.

Ford continues to dominate new van sales, building three out of five of the most popular LCVs sold in the UK, with the Transit Custom taking the top spot with 24,000 registered vehicles. All whilst the UK van market suffered its seventh consecutive month of decline, due largely to the ongoing supply chain shortages.

However, whilst it’s a tale of two halves like any commercial sector, markets tend to find a solution and none more so than the van industry. Enter the van conversion market, which has seen its best year ever, converting panel vans into welfare units, trade vans and interestingly, a huge rise in crew cabs.

“Crew cabs have almost overnight become popular, I guess due to the global shortage we are experiencing and the fact that they can double-up as a business and leisure vehicle,” said Steve MacDonald, managing director of SM UK.

So, what is it about the crew cab that has created such high demand?

The crew cab van is not just a business or contractor’s vehicle, or a four-wheeled symbol of tax efficiency. It can be the family run-about, the work-ready vehicle and the perfect status symbol that sits in the drive! Whilst towing capacity, engine output, payload and storage all remain key considerations when purchasing such a vehicle, it would be unreasonable to suggest that the passenger interior is not of equal importance.

In a progressively brand-conscious society where even tradespeople want to look smart, the need for the aesthetics to inspire or wow the customer is becoming increasingly paramount, none more so than at Leeds-based SM UK.

MacDonald said: “We live in an age where brands form a huge part of our everyday lives, certainly at a consumer level: Gucci, Rolex, Chanel, you name it. The people who drive our

vans purchase many of these quality names.

“It therefore, seems credible, that if they have rising standards at a consumer level, clearly some of that thinking is now translating into their working lives?”

This is the reason that SM UK is now converting panel vans such as Ford’s Transit Custom, creating effectively a new, market-leading crew cab that has already turned a few heads on the high street, including main dealers, hire companies, private business owners and resellers of used vehicles.

Carl Parking, procurement manager from LC Vehicle Hire said: “What SM UK has done to the crew cab is beyond what I expected, this is high-end luxury and I will probably place an order in the New Year, vans permitting.”

Gone are the bog-standard seats, the design-shy bulkheads and plain interiors. SM UK has now added stylish seats, carpets, lux-

ury trims, lighting and more than a hint of up-market styling.

“SM UK are delivering vans that will wow our customers,” said Parkin.

But, in truth, the Ford Transit has rapidly become a valuable partner to SM UK’s ambitious plans.

It’s not just about seating!

With the seating comes a crash tested bulkhead, including an interior window that allows for the cargo to be stored safely whilst you do the school run. In addition, the SM UK crew cab conversion offers lots of practical storage pockets in the sidewall to store small objects, the robust floor ensures protection of the base vehicle, and the functional tie-down rails allow the transport of larger items, utilising every space of the van to its full potential. Cargo can, for example, be secured safely under the seats. This is what sets SM UK apart from other suppliers in L1 conversions. And of course it’s more than possible to fit racking such as the sleek SR5 from Sortimo or the robust System Edstrom in the rear for tools and other consumables.

The Ford Custom crew cab conversion from SM UK is ground-breaking… mixing business with leisure at a level that would make the best of us slightly envious.

To book a free Van Audit, e-mail:

UNIQUE BENEFITS

Ford Transit Custom Crew Cab

Maximum comfort

Transit Custom

a Crew Cab offers up to three additional

maximum comfort for your passengers.

Maximum load area

to the clever design of the Crew Cab, the loss of cargo

is minimal and offers the perfect area for storage and

such as the sleek SR5 SORTIMO or robust

Practical interior

can easily store small items in the handy

the seats.

Optimal safety

The Crew Cab meets the European safety requirements and

been crash tested and meets type approval. All seats are

3-point safety belts and functional headrests.

Unique luxury seating

two choices of ‘Trim’ levels: Standard and Comfort.

A premium crew can conversion

are the bog-standard seats, the design shy bulkheads

plain interiors. SMUK has now added stylish seats, carpets,

trims, lighting and more than a hint of up marketing styling.

Long objects

practical loading space under the bench allows to

long item.

VAN LINERS, SPRAY LINERS, PROTECTIVE COATINGS

Europe Ltd. has an enviable 22 year track record by being recognised as the first company

introduce a versatile spray-on truck-bed liner to the UK market back in

It

be the most successful, longest established, independent and privately owned company offering the best low cost 'start up', nonfranchise spray liner system

in the UK and many countries in Europe.

Europe Ltd.

now applied by over 140 authorised Dealers/Application Centres across 12 countries by many vehicle bodyshops and renowned, bespoke coach building and vehicle conversion companies.

to ever increasing legislation, many panel vans require load area cleaning and washing capabilities to meet specific vehicle hygiene requirements.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Brigade Van range aims to increase driver safety

Brigade Electronics has launched a vehicle safety product range called Brigade Van, designed to address the challenges faced by van operators. The company claims that, according to the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport (PACTS), vans have the highest rate of ‘other road user’ deaths per mile travelled. One in three of all road fatalities and more than one in five casualties occur while driving for work.

Brigade Van has been developed to provide van operators with a range of vehicle safety solutions, to reduce the risk of collisions, eliminate blind spots, cut insurance premiums, encourage driver best practise and act as a deterrent to theft, vandalism and insurance scams.

“We have been working closely with Logistics UK and its Van Excellence Standard to highlight the need for safety technology for vans,” said Robert Timms, Brigade Van product manager.

“Since January 2021, changes to the Van Excellence Code have required all new vans entering fleets to be fitted with safety equipment, such as reversing alarms, sensors and cameras, to prevent collisions and protect vulnerable road users. This brings vans in line with larger

commercial vehicles, particularly in the freight, haulage and construction industries, that have been adhering to voluntary schemes, including Truck Excellence, FORS and CLOCS for more than a decade.”

Brigade is now encouraging other van users to adopt these vital safety features across their vehicle fleets. The Brigade Van portfolio includes a camera monitor system, with forward and rearward facing cameras that provide real-time images of vehicles and people in the vehicle’s blind spots. These images are fed to a mirror monitor, that clips onto the van’s rear-view mirror, making it easy to install.

The camera system can also be integrated with Brigade Van’s MDR digital video recorder and dash cams, creating a vehicle CCTV system that records and saves footage, providing evidence in the event of an accident.

“The results achieved by Logistics UK following the updates to the Van Excellence Code in 2021 have made a significant impact on ensuring van fleets are the safest they have ever been and we are delighted with how the scheme continues to go from strength to strength,” said Timms.

Ring launches Blue Light switchgear

Electrical management specialist Ring Carnation has created a range of configurable keypads, specifically designed to cope with the needs of Blue Light operators. The keypads allow a bespoke set of functions to be set for commercial vehicles and emergency fleets.

“Our power management portfolio serves the mission-critical, blue light vehicle sector and the latest range of customisable, configurable keypads enable key functions with enhanced usability,” said Richard Morley, director at Ring.

Designed to be used with the company’s genysis range of switches and power management systems, the configurable keypad has various options to meet individual fleet requirements, such as keypad layout, button size and installer-insertable key legends. The pad can also be specified with a large 999 button on the control panel or a toggle switch. With integrated LCD screen and rocker switch options, the keypad fits into a standard DIN slot for easy installation.

London remains hotspot as tool theft soars

More than one third of van drivers in the UK have had tools stolen from their vehicles, up from a quarter in the previous year. A study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles put the average value of tools taken from an LCV at around £2,500, with the theft leaving tradespeople unable to work for up to six days.

Three-quarters of van drivers admitted leaving tools in their vehicles overnight, which has created an opportunity for thieves. However, only half of all drivers have taken any extra precautions, such as additional locks, alarms and tracking equipment.

London remains the biggest tool theft hot-

spot, though the actual rate of drivers suffering theft in the capital dropped from 55% to 47% last year. In Scotland that was 45%, followed by the North West at 41% and the North East at 40%. The South East is currently the area where drivers are least likely to suffer tool theft from their vans.

What can be done today, to be ready for tomorrow? ELECTRIC VEHICLES

At Bott Ltd, we recognise the importance of being prepared and agile enough to satisfy evolving customer needs. This includes ensuring new procedures are in place for the safe and effective handling of AFVs from arrival on site through conversion, to handover. We have had to adapt and grow to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the conversion industry.

The move towards alternatively-fuelled commercial vehicles (AFVs) / electrical vehicles (EVs) is accelerating and we’re positioned at the forefront of this greener future. In 2019, 0.1% of the vehicles we converted were AFVs/EVs. This grew to 4% in 2020 and by 2021 it was 11%. Things are expanding further in 2022, where we’ll be closer to a 17% AFV/EV conversion rate.

A significant investment has recently been made in a new flexible workspace at our bott conversion base in Ashby de la Zouch. Our site extension can now accommodate up to 25 additional vehicles and has a dedicated conversion space for EV/AF vehicles. The impressive site has been fitted with over 20 flexible charging points allowing vehicles to be held and delivered with an optimal state of charge.

Our Ashby HQ is now home to a superb EV/AF training and awareness showroom designed to increase customer knowledge on the transition from ICE to EV/AF vehicles. In addition, the investment has seen the arrival of a new

drive on weighbridge for accurate axle and payload weight recording.

Over 100 of our staff members are now trained in the safe handling of AFVs at a minimum level of IMI level 2 and our inhouse CAD design team are now increasingly experienced in adapting conversion designs to optimise EV in-service usage.

There are many things to think about when converting to AF/EV vehicles. We liaise with our customers on aspects we jointly need to consider; these can be based on manufacturer guidelines, end user duty-cycle and regulatory requirements.

We love to take a consultative approach and it’s important that we do what’s right for you and your business. We are right by your side to advise, support & assist along the way.

Are you starting to think about what can be done today to be ready for tomorrow? Contact us now at: v-sales@bottltd.co.uk or call us on 01530 410 600.

Are you ready?

Like most businesses operating a fleet of vehicles, you’re probably starting to think about your transition to EV.

We acknowledge the key differences between ICE, EV & AFV and can work with you to find the perfect solution for both you and your business needs.

SORTING STORAGE

In-vehicle racking and storage is becoming an increasingly essential part of the build specification for many van fleets. Simply stacking parcels, tools or materials into the back of a van can be both dangerous and inefficient. Having a secure location, that can be easily accessed, can save time and money, while boosting safety for van occupants.

There is certainly no shortage of carefully designed and crash-tested racking systems available. No matter what the load, van operators should be able to find a safe method of carrying goods and tools, while racking manufacturers can easily demonstrate the efficiency benefits of a well-planned storage system.

If a plumber or an electrician spends five minutes at every site searching through the van for tools or spare parts, that is lost time that can soon add up. If they make six visits each day for instance, that could be as much as 30 min-

utes of working time lost, or 2.5 hours over a five-day week. Professional manufacturers, such as Bott, Sortimo, System Edstrom, Modul-System, Bri-Stor, Big Dug and Van Guard, offer a range of racking solutions, to meet the needs of various trades and van operators. A simple, modular format makes it easy to change the design to suit different trades, while options include shelv-

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Searching through the van for tools or spare parts, that is lost time that can soon add up.

ing dividers, non-slip matting, plastic bins and unit height extensions, to allow fleets to customise the system to suit. Internal racking can also be combined with a wide range of roof bars, roof racks and pipe carriers, for a total carrying solution.

It is also possible to specify bedlength drawers, that can be rolled out to provide access to tools and equipment. These can be provided with integrated storage bins for smaller items such as fasteners and tools.

While there are benefits to employing a racking specialist, to design a system that will work for a specific application, it is also possible to fit your own racking in many cases, using pre-designed no-drill kits. Manufacturers offer modular systems that have been fully safety tested, but that can be installed independently using a van’s built-in fixing points. That means that there is no need to drill into a vecontinued on p23

A professional racking system can promote efficient operation and improve vehicle safety.

hicle’s body or chassis.

Of course, a professional installer can usually supply more than just the racking. Most providers can handle far more comprehensive vehicle conver sion work, including signwriting, inte rior coatings and providing in-vehicle power systems. This may be a particu larly important consideration if you are working with an electric LCV, where drilling through cables can be a poten tially hazardous business.

Indeed, visitors to this year’s CV Show in Birmingham will have seen the majority of racking companies bas ing their displays on the latest electric vans and chassis, as they look at ways in which they can integrate switchgear and electrical systems around the high er voltage batteries on offer in an e-LCV. Vans like Ford’s E-Transit, which of fers the ProPower Onboard system, can be supplied with electrical outlets for charging tools and other components. Some other vans, may need additional

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lower voltage battery power on board to run van conversions.

For those new to the market, the eas iest route to racking may be to talk with your supplying van dealer. The majority of manufacturers and dealers will have pre-approved converters and racking providers and they should be able to ei ther put you in touch with an install er or carry out the work themselves.

As advantage of this approach is that it should then be possible to in clude any additional equipment as part of the van purchase or finance deal. This allows you to spread the cost and en sure that the racking conforms to the van manufacturer’s installation spec ification.

From relatively simple shelving lay outs, to complex drawer and specific tool cabinet designs, there is a racking or storage solution to suit almost every application. They may not look like a low-cost solution initially, but as a to tal cost of ownership proposition, rack ing should more than pay for itself over the life of the van. It makes life easier for the end user, offers increased safe ty and security and, if well chosen, can often be re-used in the next generation van when it arrives, offering an addi tional return on investment.

TOP TIPS

Many companies have recognised the benefits of a storage system, but for those that are new to the racking business, these are some of the factors that are worth consideration.

• Planning: What do you need to carry, would it be better on shelves or in drawers, do you need specific storage systems within the main shelving, such as plastic drawers for smaller components, or tool boxes for power tools?

• Weight: Payload is a major consideration, can you work with steel racking or do you need a lighter weight aluminium or composite racking system, to keep overall weight to a minimum and boost carrying capability?

• Capacity: Are there weight limitations to the racking itself? Manufacturers will publish the capacity of shelving, drawers and locker systems. Will they cope with your heavier tools or materials?

• Installation: Can you fit the racking in-house, or would it be better to have a professional installation business that can plan, assemble and install the system, add vehicle electrics, signwriting and graphics and internal lighting?

• Safety: A safe installation is not just about crash testing of components. The way the racking weight is distributed within the van can also affect vehicle stability.

• Flexibility: Not every user will carry the same tools and spare parts every day. Is it possible to alter the layout if required? Will you need to re-use the racking in another vehicle later in its service life?

The majority of manufacturers and dealers will have pre-approved converters and racking providers

Bradford joins Clean Air Zone network

The Bradford Clean Air Zone went live on September 26, with some van drivers facing a £9 per day charge to comply. As a C+ CAZ, passenger cars are exempt from charges within Bradford. However, businesses and individuals driving a variety of commercial vehicles will need to ensure that their vans meet the zone requirements.

Trucks, vans, motorhomes and campers with Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol engines or cleaner will not have to pay the daily charge. Older vans will however be forced to pay the fee to enter the city. There are exemptions available to local businesses, including the self-employed and owner drivers, but rental company Europcar is urging businesses to check their vehicle compliance.

“Unexpected fines can mount up quickly and reduce the profitability of a job if drivers or their managers are not aware of the incoming regulations for any commercial vehicle not compliant,” said Keith Shorter, director at Europcar Vans and Trucks.

“With more and more clean air zones around the country, the big challenge for many businesses right now is upgrading their fleet in the face of limited new vehicle supply, as well as factoring in the additional expense at a time when operating costs are increasing.

“To support Bradford City’s bid to reduce air pollution and help local busi-

nesses and van drivers make positive changes to the way they travel around the city, we are offering a range of sustainable and flexible mobility options from our local branches. We also offer a wide range of customisation options available as part of our long-term rental services, including bespoke livery, from Chapter 8 to fully branded wrapping, as well as telematics, dashcams, tow bars, racking and semi-cap options.”

Electric delivery scooter arrives

Urban last-mile delivery companies have a new option as London firm EVMI Solutions brings the Japanese-built AA-cargo to the UK. Built by Aidea, the AA-cargo is a three-wheeled electric delivery scooter, capable of carrying up to 100kg of load in a 450-litre cargo box on the rear. Grocery delivery business Ocado has been using four of the AA-cargo scooters from a branch in North London.

Drive is provided to the two rear wheels and the whole chassis tilts, much like a bike, while the rear wheels remain upright. This gives the AA-cargo the agility of a scooter, with a much greater carrying capacity. It is powered by one or two 48V lithium-ion battery packs, delivering a 3.85kWh capacity.

You can choose between a 0.6kW output, for a 28mph top speed, or a 1.0kW output, which reaches up to 44mph. The lower powered model has a range of 60 miles, while the higher-powered version can travel up to 50 miles. Charging times is around 3 hours and the scooter can use both a Type 2 vehicle charger or a three-pin domestic plug.

The base scooter costs £10,000 including one battery, with an additional battery pack costing £2,500. The cargo box is around £1,000 and this can be insulated for temperature-controlled deliveries. Though registered, taxed and insured, the AA-cargo can be ridden by anyone with a CBT basic training certificate on L plates.

Five-year cover for electric Ducato buyers

Fiat Professional is to offer a fiveyear warranty, with roadside assistance and a service package, as standard on the E-Ducato electric van. The company estimates that the 555 offer will save buyers around £1,392 over the five-year period. The 555 deal includes a free service, covering parts, lubricants and labour, every 30,000 miles or two years.

The van will come with the standard three-year warranty, plus an additional complimentary twoyear extension, up to a maximum of 125,000 miles. Drivers will be able

to access roadside help 24 hours a day and if that is unsuccessful, the package also covers hotel and travel expenses, with a courtesy vehicle provided.

“Our job is to make sure van drivers can do their job without added stress,” said Richard Chamberlain, LCV director at Fiat Professional in the UK.

“That’s why we offer five years’ warranty, roadside assistance and servicing. It’s a difficult time out there, with rising cost of living, therefore, it’s important we go that bit further for our customers.”

Information key to used e-LCV success

The Vehicle Remarketing Associ ation has told member compa nies that a well-informed nar rative will be crucial to promote the sale of used e-LCVs. Speaking at a re cent VRA meeting, Roger Knight, head of van sales at Mercedes-Benz dealer eStar Truck and Van, said: “Our key learning is that retailing used EVs is not like retailing used diesel vans. You are not selling a vehicle, you’re selling a whole proposition, where you need to bring everyone onside. That means not just the person buying the electric vans, but the driver and even your own sales team.

“A driver who doesn’t recognise the advantage of their EV can mean that

electrification of any fleet can slow down or stop, even if there is massive corporate will.”

“It’s going to be important to build a narrative around electric vans for used buyers, that promotes their ad vantages and creates understanding around any perceived limitations,” said Paul Kirby, director of EV Essentials.

“That means emphasising poten tial total cost of ownership benefits, underlining accessibility to Clean Air Zones and recognising that their pri orities for electric vans will be differ ent from the original buyers. There will be much less concern around environ mental advantages and more interest in payload and speed of charging.”

Orders now open for Citroen’s Ami Cargo

Citroen’s ultra-compact Ami Cargo is open for customer orders, with prices starting from £7,995. The urban deliv ery vehicle boasts a payload of 140kg and a maximum load volume of 400 li tres. It is powered by a 5.5kWh battery that delivers up to 46 miles of driving range, with a top speed of 28mph. Re charge time is just three hours.

Available in left-hand drive only, the Ami and Ami Cargo are only availa ble through the Ami Showroom web site, with the entire purchase taking place online. Citroen has however part nered with ubitricity, to make it easier for those without off-road parking to find regular charging. The first 2,000

UK orders will receive three months of free charging across ubitricity’s net work of more than 5,400 lamp post charge points.Buyers will be able to purchase a service package for their Ami, offering two to five years of cover. Each pack includes a 10,000 mile per year limit, with a maximum of 50,000 miles over the five years.

“Ami 100% electric represents gen uine innovation in urban transport,” said Eurig Druce, managing director of Citroen UK.

“”It is an example of Citroen at its best, affordable electric mobility for all and I can’t wait to see customers out in them on UK roads.”

Campus transport for the road

Utility vehicle company Carryway is offering a range of compact electric light commercials from Polish manu facturer Melex. Available in three load bed lengths and with a range of cargo boxes, cages and platforms, the Me lex 3 Series Cargo offers a 675kg payload and a maxi mum load volume of 3.6m3

The light trucks come with a choice of batteries, de livering up to 37 miles of driving range, so they are very much intended for campus of local urban use. Those bat tery options include lower cost lead acid batteries if de sired, though lithium-ion has become a more popular choice with business users.

If you are looking for the ultimate off-road pick-up, the team at Arctic Trucks should be able to help, says Dan Gilkes.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

The majority of modern pickups are more than capable of handling a typical farm track, construction site access, or a quarry haul road. The combination of sophisticated four-wheel drive and a range of increasingly complex electronic systems, makes it possible for even those with little or no off-road training to reach point B from point A.

For some though, that is not enough. While few will be attempting to reach the North Pole, something that has been achieved in an Arctic Trucks converted pick-up, there are those that require a bit more off-road capability than a standard truck can provide. A possible answer is the D-Max AT35.

Powertrain

Despite its high-riding, aggressively-tyred stance, the D-Max AT35 uses the standard pick-up’s 1.9-litre diesel engine, producing the same 164hp as lesser models. This is backed up by a reasonable 360Nm of torque, enough to pull the truck through the worst off-

road conditions, though a little way off most of its competitors.

You can choose between the standard truck’s six-speed manual gearbox or the six-speed auto, which adds £1,500 to the OTR price. Having the standard driveline does allow Isuzu to continue to offer its 5-year/125,000-mile warranty, which would be reassuring.

There are of course some changes under the skin, as well as those wider arches, to cope with the 35” all-terrain tyres that ride on 17” black alloys. The suspension system is overhauled, with elevated Bilstein springs and dampers contributing to a front and rear lift of 50mm over the standard truck.

The big truck retains its shift-on thefly 4WD driveline, rear differential lock, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent systems, all of which contribute to its excellent off-road capability. With ground clearance increased to 266mm at the front and 290mm at the rear, in combination with an improved approach angle of 350 and a departure angle of 290, the AT35 is incredibly capable on the rough.

Load carrying capacity

Isuzu has worked hard to keep the D-Max within commercial vehicle parameters, so you can still carry over 1-tonne in the back, allowing customers to reclaim VAT on the purchase. The AT35 loses none of the standard pickup’s 3.5-tonne towing capability either, while the bed remains the same size, if a little harder to access without a set of steps.

This compares well to Ford’s Ranger Raptor, the AT35’s only real big-tyred competitor, which sees payload drop to 620kg and towing capability reduced to 2.5-tonnes thanks to its coil spring suspension.

In the cab

The AT35 starts life as a high-specification V-Cross model, so wants for very little in the cab. You get Arctic Trucks-embossed heated leather seating, with electric adjustment and lumbar support. There is a 9” multifunction screen in the dash, offering smartphone compatibility, which is required if you want to run sat-nav. It does come with Blue-

CLIMBER

vention System, that physically grabs the wheel out of your hands if you fail to indicate before changing lanes. I’m not usually bothered about these systems, but this one had to be turned off. Unfortunately, this can only be done when the truck is stationary and it comes on again every time you restart.

On the road

tooth and USB charging ports front and rear though.

The D-Max already had one of the best ADAS line-ups in the business and the AT35 continues that trend, with adaptive cruise control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, an Intelligent Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Monitor and more.

It also comes with a rather aggressive Lane Departure Warning and Pre-

Those big all-terrain tyres and the raised suspension do of course make an impact on the road, though not as much as you might expect. The AT35 is happy to cruise on dual carriageways, with little more than a bit of extra tyre noise to show what is going on below, though you are always aware of the extra bulk involved. The big tyres can get caught in rutted asphalt too, such as that found on stretches of the A14, where there is plenty of truck traffic.

It handles reasonably well though on back roads, without too much roll, at least when unladen. All D-Max models have fairly relaxed acceleration and the AT35 is no different, but you could easily live with it day to day, if you weren’t

Conclusion

You might look at the AT35 and automatically think that it must line up against Ford’s Ranger Raptor. Both are specially built, raised-up, expensive, with enviable off-road credentials. However, while the pricing is similarly eye-watering, they are in fact very different trucks.

The big Ford actually makes an excellent long-distance cruiser, despite being able to handle some fast off-road travel too. The Isuzu by contrast is made for more serious, potentially slower, offroad access, where maintaining grip and traction are the main focus.

Neither one will suit the majority of truck buyers, even ignoring the pricing.

The D-Max should be applauded however, for losing little of its versatility and carrying capacity against its standard stablemates. If you really need the AT35’s extreme off-road capabilities, it certainly seems to fit the bill.

Isuzu has worked hard to keep the D-Max within commercial vehicle parameters

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Toyota Corolla Commercial

There are van users for whom every cubic mm of loadspace, every possi ble gram of payload, is the most im portant factor in a vehicle purchase. Some delivery businesses even request the re moval of the passenger seat, to eke out every last bit of load carrying ability.

It’s probably fair to say though, that anyone opting for a car-derived van is not going to be searching for that ultimate load carrying com partment. That’s not to say that load hauling ability isn’t important, it’s a commercial vehi cle after all, just that those factors may have slipped down the list of priorities somewhat.

Load advantage

Traditionally, car-derived models have been based on small, three-door hatchbacks, such as Ford’s Fiesta or the Vauxhall Corsa, so the Corolla Commercial, being based on an estate car in a class above those super minis, should start with a load-lugging advantage. Indeed, at 1.32m3, the Toyota has a load volume well above the 0.96m3 that we found in the last Fi esta Van that we tested. Likewise, the load

length of 1,558mm is well beyond the little Ford’s 1,283mm reach.

Of course, even a short wheel base Proace City high cube van can handle a massive 3.3m3 by comparison, rising to 3.8m3 if you have the Smart Cargo loadthrough bulkhead. It can also han dle a 1.8m load length, which ris es to a massive 3.1m if you load through into the passenger foot well. It’s probably best to ignore the potential 1-tonne payload too, which is more than double the Co rolla’s 425kg potential.

But that is missing the point. If those customers wanted a high cube van, that’s what they would have bought. What they actually required, was something that didn’t look too much like a commercial ve hicle, that offered good access to its well-pro portioned load area and that drove like a car.

Easy access

The load area on the Toyota is certainly eas ily accessible. Often with a three-door body shell it can be a bit of a reach to the bulkhead from the rear hatch. No such problems for the Corolla, as twin rear side doors give easy ac cess to the entire load box. Service engineers in particular may find this a useful feature, as you can have racking and regularly used tools inside each side door, with a more gen eral load area to the rear.

There is even an additional, concealed stor age area under the rear section of the floor, in

what would have been the spare wheel well, that could prove useful if you need to keep smaller items out of sight.

Genuine alternative

So, the Toyota Corolla Commercial is not the ultimate load hauler. No surprise there. It is however a very capable car derived van, one that mixes its many capabilities well, to offer companies a genuine alternative in a fairly rigidly fixed marketplace.

Of course, the Corolla is not Toyota’s first car derived van, it also markets long and short wheelbase versions of the Land Cruiser 4x4, as an equally capable commercial for those that need to access the inaccessible. Together, they extend Toyota’s reach in the LCV market be yond that of many of the company’s more es tablished van competitors.