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NEWS
Following hot on the heels of the all-electric E-Transit, Ford Pro will introduce the one-tonne E-Transit Custom in two years’ time,
The newest addition to Ford Pro’s electrified line-up will be a key component in Ford’s bold commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035.
E-Transit Custom’s attributes include a targeted driving range of up to 380 km, DC fast-charging, and full towing capability – plus new styling.
“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant
Ford Pro reveals all-new, all-electric, E-Transit Custom
realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by our unique Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivity-boosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.”
The all-electric E-Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2023. All Transit Custom variants will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – at its Kocaeli site, the home of European Transit manufacturing.
Fiat Professional moves on with new Doblò & E-Doblò
The fifth generation of the Fiat Dobló light commercial has been launched with a choice of conventional combustion and zero-emission powertrains.
With the new E-Doblò, the Italian brand, now under the umbrella of the Stellantis Group continues its electrification strategy. By 2024 Fiat aims to go fully electric on every new model in Europe and to offer an all-electric range from 2027.
E-Doblò becomes the third electric vehicle to be offered by Fiat Professional, after E-Ducato and E-Scudo.
Based on the Groupe PSA Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo, new Doblò will be available in two lengths with two different configurations (Van & Crew Cab).
Available in both long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase versions, the long-wheelbase version reaches a maximum volume of 4.4 m3. In the full-electric version the E-Doblò offers top-class payload – up to 800 kg on both wheelbases – allowing to load up to 2 euro-pallets; while in the ICE version, Doblò can reach up to one tonne of load capacity.
Together with the electric version, two diesel versions are available: 1.5 litres in 100 hp with manual transmission; 1.5 litres in a 130 hp with both manual and 8-speed automatic transmission. And, lastly, there is a 1.2 petrol-engine in 110 hp.
In the full-electric version the E-Doblò offers top-class payload – up to 800 kg on both wheelbases – allowing to load up to 2 euro-pallets; while in the ICE version, Doblò can reach up to one tonne of load capacity.
The new E-Doblò is equipped with a 100-kW electric motor and a 50kWh battery that allows more than 280 km, in the WLTP cycle. Thanks to the new drivetrain, the new E-Doblò reaches a top speed of 120 km/h and up to 260 Nm of maximum torque. Plus, the zero-emissions version offers best-in-class charging capability, thanks to the “Rapid Charge Mode” up to 100 kW, which allows to charge in direct current 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes.
The driver can choose between different modes: Normal, Eco and Power. Each mode modifies the vehicle’s driving response, optimising the vehicle performance: “Normal” is recommended for driving in regular traffic; “Eco” improves its fuel economy and “Power” improves the peak power of the vehicle.
The introduction of the battery pack did not cause any structural changes: the E-Doblò is available in the same LCV dimensions, features and configurations as those with thermal combustion engines.
The all-new Doblò and E-Doblò will be manufactured in the Stellantis plant in Vigo, Spain and will take advantage of the award-winning existing and successful K9 program that serves other Stellantis brands, such as the aforementioned Peugeot and Citroën models as well as the Opel and Vauxhall Combo, together with the supply deal with Toyota Motors Europe with the Proace City.
According to Andrew Limbert, Product & Planning Manager at Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Division, vans are more than boxes on wheels that carry freight and other things. “They solve problems, deliver goods, keep people mobile, support entrepreneurship, save lives etc.,” he said, at a recent press briefing to the International Van of the Year jury. “LCVs are National and Local Heroes,” he added. “They are at the forefront of industry and change, meeting current and future trends, such as automation, connectivity, shared mobility, electrification, as well as keeping ahead of environmental demands.”
Andrew predicts that the ongoing boom in e-commerce will continue to drive growth in van sales, and by 2025 will increase sales by 7.7% over the 2m units sold across the EU in 2021. Two of the main LCV segments are on par with each other in the overall market, with medium size vans commanding 36% and the large versions on 38%, while the compact types have a 27% share. At this point in time, all segments offer electric powered variants alongside their diesel and petrol counterparts.
Which brings Nissan into focus, with the brand putting considerable investment into offering a new range of vans in these main segments, with an all ‘Star’ line-up. Enter the Townstar, Primastar and Interstar, two of them familiar badge names from the past, while a new name replaces the NV200 range.
With the Townstar, Nissan returns to
Nissan ‘Star’ vans to reach for the Business Skies
the compact segment it once had a presence in with the Kubistar. Like that model, the Townstar is based on the Renault Kangoo. The Primastar and Interstar replace the NV300 and NV400 respectively, and are also based on the latest Renault product lines, namely the Trafic and Master. This time around, a broader model range will be marketed, and some versions will be electrified initially.
New Townstar is starting with a solid foundation as the outgoing NV200 and the electric eNV200 were solid performers, with the latter gaining a 30% market share in the zero emission segment. Both petrol and electric versions of the Townstar will be on sale, and with two wheelbase lengths available, will appeal to a wider audience than before. Townstar EV, with its 90 kW/122hp motor and 45 kWh battery in standard 3.3 m3, L1 wheelbase form, can carry 600kg, tow 1,500 kg and run potentially for 300km, while the L2 LWB with 4.9m3 has the same range distance and towing capacity and has an 800kg payload. Both can house two loaded europallets inside. A wider side sliding door allows for a 5-seat crew cab configuration.
Helping to give the Townstar a unique identity to its French supply partner’s product, a new Kumiko pattern grille sports the new Nissan emblem and LED lights. To endorse its Japanese DNA, some of the styling traits come from the new Ariya car launched by the brand recently. The liquid cooled 80 kW battery pack can be DC quick charged as well as charged overnight on the AC 22 kW system.
Its technical highlights include a 360 degree camera system, connectivity though the Nissan Connect App, and multimedia interface via an 8” touch screen. Pre-cooling and heating can be done remotely through the smart phone App, while the heated seats and heated steering wheel add to driver comfort.
With the Star renaming of the model line-up, Andrew is confident that customers and dealers will re-engage with each other, noting that the product offering is now stronger that ever. He mentioned that there are still some of the previous Primastar and Interstar vans out there in the marketplace, and that in itself is a positive reflection of the brand.
“They are a good starting point, with good recognition from the past and the rebrand will once again bring character and personality to the model range.”
Although there isn’t a diesel version, Andrew does not believe this places the brand at a disadvantage. By 2030, all Nissans will be electric, with the vans range moving to emission free by 2025.
Backing up this package is Nissan’s long standing 5-year/160,000km warranty and 8-years on the electric battery life.
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