fleet van spring 2011

Volume 8. No 1. SPRING 11

• Arctic Van Test 2011 - Finland

• Buyer's Guide 2011

Just take a test drive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Commercial Dealer

THE OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR & INTERNATIONAL PICK-UP AWARDS

toyota.ie

Auris Van from €13,228 ex VAT.* Model shown is the 1.4 D-4D Terra- RRP €15,995. Excludes delivery and related charges. Comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever occurs fi rst, and 3 years Toyota Eurocare emergency roadside assistance. Toyota Ireland is a 100% Irish owned company.

Auris Van from€13,228ex VAT.*

Starting with a new, sharper look and continuing into a whole range of details and technologies, Auris is a very comfortable car. In a van.

And its cleverly designed interior makes it ideal for small businesses. Auris Van off ers special value for 2011. It’s reduced by a whole €5,585.

That’s one incredible discount.

And it’s a Toyota.Toyota commercial vehicles. Nothing to prove.

3669 TY A i V Fl tT t 297 210 i dd 1 16/03/2011 14 30 42

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2011 27

www.fl eet.ie

contents SPRING 2011

2

Are you Involved in Logistics & Transport?

Are you A Member of The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport Ireland?

If you are a professional involved in any form of Logistics & Transport, or a

student studying in these areas, You Really should be a Member, if you value your career,

and your career development, it’s just too good an opportunity to miss!!!

Courses:

Certifi cate in Logistics (Distance Learning Programme)

Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

28 NEWS

Exclusive: Win a Mercedes-Benz Vito! • Tallaght Fiat’s successful ‘Be Road

Safe’ campaign • New Pick-Up from SsangYong • GM & Renault to

continue partnership • Big interest in Ford’s electric Transit Connect

• Overload . . . at what cost? • Recent Mercedes-Benz sales

30 BUYER’S GUIDE 2011

What’s new for Model Year 2011 from the LCV/Commercial SUV brands

plus Renault Maxi-mizes Kangoo range

34 COACHWORKS

Quinn’s of Athenry keep the bellows blowing!

37 TEST

The Nissan Vanette NV200 is our Long Term Test van

38 INTERVIEW

with Paul Burke, Volkswagen Commercials

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NEWS 1

It’s back – Mercedes-Benz Vito Giveaway Returns!

Back by popular demand – ‘Win a Mercedes-Benz Vito’ Prize Draw jointly promoted by Mercedes-

Benz Commercial Vehicles Ireland and Fleet Transport Magazine’s Fleet Van & Utility supplement returns with much fanfare. 2011 marks a signifi cant milestone for Mercedes-Benz as the triple-pointed star brand celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. And on top of that historical occasion, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito is the reigning Continental Irish Van of the Year.

As per the two successful ‘Win a Mercedes-Benz Vito’ free-to-enter competitions run in 2007 and 2008, what’s up for grabs is a

brand new Mercedes-Benz Vito CDI LWB model worth €23,895.00 (incl taxes).

All one has to do is fi ll in the following to arrange a Test Drive at your local Mercedes-Benz Dealer and answer a simple True or False question.

On announcing the 2011 ‘Win a Mercedes-Benz Vito’ competition, Fergus Conheady, Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz Commercials Ireland pictured with Fleet's Jarlath Sweeney, said that his Dealer Network are pleased to see the return of this popular give away aft er an absence of three years. “Already, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito has received the top honour from the Irish Van of the Year Jury and I’m sure the award will support the Vito’s success in the Irish markets. And what bett er way to get the ball rolling is to re-introduce our 'Win-a-Mercedes-Benz Vito’ competition?• See enclosed Entry Form for details.

Michael Kerslake, Dealer Principal of Tallaght Fiat was surprised at how

few local children wore any kind of refl ective clothing during the dark winter months and decided to do something about it. Th e safety packs he compiled, which were distributed free of charge to local schools, not only contain a high-visibility jacket and a refl ective armband, they also come with a copy of the ‘Safe Cross Code’ and the full support of the Road Safety Authority.

Th e recently established Fiat Dealer on the Airton Road, Tallaght distributed 5,000 Road Safety Packs to schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin and Walkinstown areas.

Adrian Walsh, MD of Fiat Group Automobiles Ireland, voiced his enthusiasm for the campaign, saying, “I am delighted with the initiative taken by Tallaght Fiat in launching this campaign. It’s great for the local community and will hopefully go a long way towards improving road safety in the area, while also building awareness and goodwill for the business.”

To underline Tallaght Fiat’s commitment to the ‘Be Road Safe’ campaign, each participating school will also be entered into a draw to win €1,000 towards their school fund.

As an evolution of the Actyon Sports Pick-Up, SsangYong revealed the SUT 1 concept at the Geneva Motor Show and from its positive reaction will go into production later this year. It will

be powered by a new in-house developed Euro5 2.0 litre diesel available with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes and two or four wheel drive transmissions.

With a maximum power of 155 PS and a maximum torque of 360 Nm at 1500-2800 rpm, its low end torque of 190 Nm can challenge the best in class. In real-wheel-drive form with a manual transmission, it produces 193 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

According to the information received, the SUT 1 concept made in Korea adds a modern style to the original Pick-Up design. With its spacious interior and sharp lines, this dynamic, robust and trendy sports utility truck is perfect for both leisure and business activities.

Win a Mercedes-Benz Vito in association with Fleet Transport’s Fleet Van & Utility Magazine

Tallaght Fiat initiates schools ‘Be Road Safe’ Campaign

SUT 1 Pick-Up from Ssang Yong GM Opel/Vauxhall & Renault continue LCV co-operation

28 FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2011

Following the joint announcement between General Motors (Opel/Vauxhall) and Renault last September when both companies agreed to continue their successful co-operation in the Light Commercial

Vehicle segment, production locations for the next generation models have been revealed. As and from 2013, the next generation Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro will be built at GMs plant in Luton, UK while in Sandouville, France production of the new Renault Trafi c model as well as the next high roof (H2) version of the Vivaro is expected to reach 100,000 units per year once all versions have been launched.

Th e current Vivaro and Trafi c models were fi rst produced in 2001, and by the end of 2010 Opel Vauxhall and Renault had built over 1.25 million Trafi c and Vivaro. While the sister models are being jointly developed and produced in Opel/Vauxhall and Renault-Nissan plants, they are independently marketed and sold through the respective brand distribution channels.

Further to our exclusive fi rst drive in the Ford Transit Connect Electric (as featured in last November’s

edition of Fleet Transport) the ‘blue oval’ offi cially showcased the production version of same at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Transit Connect Electric will off er European operators the opportunity to eliminate fuels bills in their small vans and help to lower overall running costs.

“By providing a variety of electrified vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company. “Th is strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of developing

great products, building a strong business and contributing to a bett er world.”

Developed in conjunction with Ford’s US-based electric vehicles partner Azure Dynamics, it has a proprietary Force Drive batt ery electric drive train powered by an advanced batt ery pack designed by Johnson Controls-Saft .

With 28kW of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 75mph (120km/h) and a range of up to 130km/80 miles. Its lithium-ion batt ery pack is charged via a standard power outlet – an onboard converter then charges the batt ery pack. Fully charging the batt eries using standard European 220/240-volt outlets takes up to 10 hours.

Zero Emissions Ford Transit Connect

Van owners and drivers that continue to overload their goods vehicles are not only a safety hazard but with fuel costs

continuing to rise are also increasing their running costs. Th is warning has been issued by tyre safe organisations, TyreSafe following a report by VOSA that overloading on light goods vehicles are on the increase. “Unless operators compensate for carrying loads by increasing their tyre pressures to the recommended levels, their tyres will wear out quicker, their fuel consumption will increase and their safety may be compromised,” stated the TyreSafe Chairman, Stuart Jackson.

“Overloading in itself is a serious safety hazard which operators must address, but even if they are carrying legal loads, they should ensure their tyres are adjusted and infl ated to the correct pressure,” explains Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe. “If tyres do not contain enough air for the load being carried, they are much more likely to experience a rapid defl ation which can result in a terrifying accident. Th ere are also other signifi cant downsides such as longer stopping distances, reduced stability, increased tyre wear and higher fuel consumption.”

Th e eff ects of overloading and under-infl ation are very similar. Excessive heat builds up inside the tyre, which signifi cantly increases the likelihood of experiencing a dangerous blowout, particularly on high speed motorway journeys.

When under-infl ated, the tyre’s contact patch with the road surface is reduced to two smaller areas towards the outer edges of the tread. With the full vehicle load placed on these two areas, the tread wears at a much higher rate forcing replacement

much earlier than would be otherwise needed. By running tyres at just 80 percent of the recommended pressure, operators can expect tyre life to be reduced to around 75 percent. If the pressure falls to 60 percent, they can expect to achieve just 35 percent of the potential mileage from the tyre.

When van tyres are infl ated to the correct pressure for the load being carried, they help the vehicle to travel further on each tank of fuel and reduce the amount of CO2 emissions produced. Calculations from one TyreSafe member show that when tyres are under-infl ated by just 20 percent (around 6psi), 3 percent more fuel is used.

Th e correct pressures for both the laden and unladen state of the vehicle can be found in the vehicle manufacturers’ handbook, inside the fuel fi ller cap or on a plate located on the front door sills.

Western Hygiene, the well-established supplier of hygiene and cleaning products has on this occasion

stuck with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for its

nationwide deliveries. Th e ISO-accredited Tuam based company recently traded in two 2007 registered Sprinter 415 models in exchange for two new Sprinter 416 extra long panel vans.

Specifi ed with automated transmission, the two new vehicles were purchased from newly appointed Mercedes-Benz Light Commercial Dealer for Galway, Cunningham Higgins.

Meanwhile leading wind turbine and energy company Enercon has purchased two fully kitt ed-out Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 MWB vans purchased from Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Ireland.

Th e new panel vans will be based in Tralee and provide installation and maintenance services to Enercon’s wind farms countrywide.

Overload at a cost

Western Hygiene sticks with Sprinters • Enercon turns too!

NEWS 11



BUYER'S GUIDE 2011

W ith the Light Commercial Sector showing some signs of recovery last year the majority of importers/distributors see

now that the only way is up and judging by some of the aggressive marketing that’s out there, punters are in for good value. Renault Ireland introduced a scrapage scheme on vans with instant success. Th e French brand’s market share jumped from mid-fi eld to the top three with 14.3% of new registrations in February. Eric Bassett , Managing Director, Renault Ireland is very pleased with the achievement, “In the LCV sector, we are very happy with the monthly results, over ten per cent up on last year. So far, for the two months of a tough year, Renault is staying its ground and combined fi gures show we are at 9.4% of the market.”

While the market situation dictated a re-alignment of retail prices, with all suppliers participating, Opel got their thinking caps on and came up with an att ractive 3 year’s free servicing off er on all new LCVs ordered before the end of March. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles put a fi nance package together through the parent company’s own bank. A large fl eet

contract with An Post for the supply of Caddy vans has been done through Leaseplan with more fl eet sales to follow. Fiat Professional set up a Business Bonus Scheme with up to €5,500 available across its entire LCV range from the Fiorino to the Ducato. Mentioning the Ducato, Fiat’s popular award winning large panel van and chassis/cab is due a makeover. Most of the modifi cations will be to the drivetrain and the interior. Expect the same to happen with sister products from PSA Peugeot Citroën, the Boxer and Relay respectively. Developments from other manufacturers due to be revealed include the revamp of the Volkswagen Craft er and the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz light van produced in collaboration with Renault. Another joint production exercise happens in Turkey to where the new Opel Combo van will roll off the same assembly line as the Fiat Doblo Cargo and share its main components. Badge sharing is the name of the game in this business nowadays and yet another example of this ‘partnership’ is the new Nissan NV400, which in reality is a replica of the Renault Master and Opel Movano.

Drivetrain issues are however very much to the fore for all LCV manufacturers. Th e European Parliament has set out a stringent programme to reduce CO2 emission levels between 2014 and 2020. Th e targets will be gradually enforced over the next decade, with manufacturers expected to have 70% of their van fl eet emitt ing 175g/km CO2, or less by 2014. Th is increases to 75% the following year, 80% by 2016 and a full 100% from 2017. Th e ‘longer-term’ target of 147 g/km CO2, which is set for introduction in 2020 is subject to a review in 2 year’s time. To achieve these goals, the use of Stop/Start technology and automated transmissions will become standard specifi cation. With VRT – Vehicle Registration Tax due to increase for Commercial SUVs and some Vans in May, now is the best time to buy!

Th e following pages outline what’s new from the Light Commercial Vehicle brands available in Ireland over the course of 2011 together with a closer look at the new Renault Kangoo ZE, one of the most signifi cant developments in the Compact Van sector this year.

Van sector to press on with ongoing developments

Fiat Professional: Fiorino/Doblo Cargo/Scudo/DucatoNo major changes from the Italian manufacturer, but technical advances with its drivetrain throughout the range is expected later in the year. As Europe’s number one producer with the lowest carbon footprint, its van line-up will follow suit. Plans are afoot also to introduce a Natural Power (CNG) version of the International Van of the Year winning Doblo Cargo. Big news from the parent company was the contract signed with GM Opel for the supply of the new Combo Van based on the award winning Doblo Cargo.

Ford: Fiesta Van/Focus Van/Transit Connect/Transit/RangerFollowing the launch of the all-new Focus in a few months, expect to see a CDV van version before the year end. As it will be another while before the new generation Transit rolls off the production line (Fleet Van & Utility has seen the prototypes already!), the current model will soldier on. On the SUV front, the latest Ranger off -roader comes on stream in 2011.

Fuso: CanterNo change, apart from the dropping of the Mitsubishi lett ering from the main badge on the grille. Just above the broader Fuso labelling sits the brand’s three pointed diamonds logo. Now under Daimler parentage Mitsubishi concentrates on R & D of the Group’s hybrid and electric power technology.

HondaDue to a number of factors, Universal Honda, the importers and distributors of the Japanese brand will not continue marketing the CR-V Commercial derivative. Which is a pity as the 5-door ‘Executive’ business off ering was one of the best value vehicles of its type – good looking too!

New Ford Ranger

BUYER'S GUIDE 2011


Hyundai: Santa Fe Commercial/iLoadWith the introduction of the new Santa Fe SUV, Hyundai Ireland followed up with a commercial version that looks every bit as good as the passenger model. Th is 4WD model is powered by the same Euro 5 2.0 litre diesel that boasts 150 bhp. Priced at €27,995 expect a Euro 5 exhaust emission controlled engine seen in the iLoad Hyundai’s medium sized RWD panel van formerly known as the H-1, built in Korea but designed in Germany for European markets.

Iveco: EcoDailyLaunched earlier in 2010, the revised Daily (now called the EcoDaily) is fi nally about to make its way to the Irish market. Building on its strength and reliability the ‘baby’ Iveco comes as a high volume panel van, dropside or crew-cab. For the utilities sector, there’s the 4x4 version.

Isuzu: D-Max/N-SeriesModel Year 10.5 D-MAX was introduced by Isuzu Ireland at the back end of 2010. It received minor cosmetic changes and a specifi cation upgrade, which should carry the durable off -road Pick-Up until the totally new model range comes onto the scene in 2012. It is available in Double and Single Cab forms as before.

Land Rover: Discovery 4 Commercial/DefenderFor 2011, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Commercial, which has just been awarded the title of Continental Irish Commercial SUV 2011 fi ts the bill in terms of looks, power and practicality. Wonder if the new small Range Rover – Th e Evoque – will ever have a fl at fl oor and blocked out windows to turn it into a commercial vehicle?

Mercedes-Benz: Vito/Sprinter/M-ClassMost concentration from the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle division will be centred round the new Vito, fresh from winning the Continental Irish Van of the Year Award 2011. Featuring a whole new drivetrain and suspension layout together with some facial cosmetic surgery, the Vito will att ract conquest customers.* See enclosed insert on how to win a new Mercedes-Benz Vito in a free to enter competition.

Mitsubishi: Outlander/L200/PajeroNot much change here either at Mitsubishi, although there is a new L200 Pick-Up on the cards later in the year. Again the revised version of the award-winning Pick-Up will be available in Single and Double Cab forms. Meanwhile the current model and the long serving and extremely versatile Pajero lead the way.

JeepWith Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge now coming under Fiat Auto ownership, expect some changes in due course. In the meantime, the commercial derivatives from Jeep remain the same but developments to its engines will reduce carbon emissions and reduce fuel consumption. “During 2011, its product line-up is to be reviewed,” said a spokesman for importers/distributors, the OHM Group.

Kia: cee’dWith the arrival of the new Sorento into the marketplace, Kia Motors Ireland awaits Type Approval in order to sell the new model as a Commercial SUV. Th ere will not be a business version of the new Sportage however. Th e 5-door cee’d Sporty Wagon in commercial form is still available but the 3-door version will not be continued.

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUPThe Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Working with the Irish Road Haulage Industry for over 35 years.Just call us for a quote! Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360

Email: [email protected] Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ieMike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Hyundai Santa Fe Commercial

Mazda: BT.50New BT.50 will be available by special order only through dealerships.


BUYER'S GUIDE 2011

Nissan: NV200/Navara/Pathfi nder/Primastar/Interstar/NV 400One of the major debutants at the Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover was the new Nissan NV400. Basically, it’s a re-badged version of the jointly designed Renault Master and Opel Movano, as it uses the same body shape and drivetrain. Only the ‘Nissan family’ grille separates it from the two. When the NV200 was introduced, Nissan had plans to design and produce its own larger panel van but the global recession put paid to that project in the short term at least. Th e NV400 will replace the popular Interstar.

Opel: Corsavan/Combo/Astra van/Vivaro/MovanoNo sooner had GM Opel entered the commercial vehicle sector with the Movano, the European (US owned) brand had already moved on to the next level of its product renewal programme. Recently, it signed an agreement with Fiat Auto and its commercial vehicle manufacturer Tofas to produce a version of its successful Doblo Cargo as an Opel Combo. It will be made in Turkey with availability from 2012. In line with the revised Corsa there will be a new Corsavan.

Peugeot: Partner/Expert/BoxerPeugeot welcomes the new set of CO2 targets for light commercials set by the European Parliament safe in the knowledge that its fl eet of effi cient HDi powered vans already meets the target set for 2014. Th eir Euro 5 Partner van for example comfortably meets the cut-off point with the help of Stop/Start technology. Th e French manufacturer is phasing in Euro 5 engines right across the range, helping operators reduce running costs and bringing even its largest Expert and Boxer vans right up to date with regard to tailpipe emissions.

Renault: Kangoo/Trafi c/MasterFollowing the launch of the all-new and impressive Master, Renault Ireland is expanding the range to include two diff erent types of people carriers. First to come is the 5-person Crew-cab Master with the 17-seater mini-bus to follow. However, the most signifi cant arrival is the electric Kangoo otherwise known as the Kangoo ZE – (Zero Emission).

Volkswagen: Golf Van/Caddy/Transporter/Craft er/AmarokHail the Amarok, the International Pick-Up award winning utility from Volkswagen. As Europe’s fi rst one-tonne Pick-Up, the Amarok will sell fast across all global markets. Produced in South America, it is powered by the VW Groups 2.0 litre common-rail diesel with a choice of power options. Launched initially as a Double Cab, a Single Cab version was revealed in Hanover last September. A revised Craft er with the same drivetrain will be launched later this year.

Toyota: Hilux/Land Cruiser/Dyna/HiaceIreland’s best selling Commercial Sports Utility the Toyota Land Cruiser has got a makeover. Sporting a new look and more powerful and fuel-effi cient engines, the latest version will inject new life into the popular workhorse. Th e revised Hilux is already on sale here and a review of same was featured in the December edition of Fleet Transport from the International Pick-Up Award trials held in Ireland.

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUPThe Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Working with the Irish Road Haulage Industry for over 35 years.Just call us for a quote! Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360

Email: [email protected] Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ieMike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Volkswagen Amorak

Toyota Land Cruiser

Renault Maxi–mises & Electrifi es Kangoo range with ZE van and crew versions

W hen Renault launched its electric vehicle offensive in 2008 it originally announced that the line up would include four vehicles.

Th e fi rst of these the Fluence ZE which is due to go on sale this autumn, will now be joined by two versions of Kangoo Van ZE, enabling business customers to choose the zero-emission vehicle that best suits their specifi c needs.

Kangoo Maxi ZE is based on the longwheel base version of the Kangoo Van ZE, which was unveiled at last year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles Show. With an overall length of 4.60 metres this modular, versatile electric vehicle will be available in two and fi ve-seat form.

Th e fi rst of these two versions the Kangoo Maxi ZE essentially targets conventional transport use and comes with a carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3, which is 1.1m3 more than the standard ZE. Maximum load length extends to 2.90 metres and it’s height of just 1.82 metres permits access to underground Car Parks.

Equipment and options that can be specifi ed for the diesel range of Kangoo Maxi will also be available for Kangoo Maxi ZE. Th ere are no shortcomings on trim levels or colour choice either.

Th e Crew version of Kangoo Van Maxi ZE comes with a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat and seats up to fi ve occupants. Th is modular vehicle can be put into one of four diff erent interior layouts depending on the number of passengers. Th e rear bench seat folds away into the fl oor to produce a completely fl at deck and frees up almost 3.4m3 of carrying space.

Kangoo Maxi ZE will appeal to business customers (fl eet owners, trades people, public authorities, etc.) who are looking for maximum carrying capacity, and in the case of the crew version, additionally a people carrier and to those who wish to lower their fl eet CO2 emissions.

Both models will be built at Renault’s MCA plant (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in France, on the same production lines as those which manufacture the rest of the Kangoo Van range.

Th e electrically-powered Kangoo Maxi ZE is recognisable at fi rst glance thanks to the chrome ZE badging at the rear and on the body sides, as well as the absence of an exhaust and the inclusion of a fl ap at the front which will enable the batt ery to be charged in between six and eight hours.

Th e bonnet conceals a 44kW electric motor (equivalent to 60hp), which is powered by a twin 22kW lithium-ion batt ery pack is located beneath the fl oor. Th e vehicle’s combined-cycle range of 170km can vary one way or the other depending on factors such as type of road, temperature, terrain or driving style.

To opt i m i se r a nge management, the dashboard has been revised to incorporate a new MMI (Man Machine Interface), which displays the battery’s level of charge and the vehicle’s remaining range (in kilometres). Th e Eco-driving mode

and the ability to pre-heat the vehicle while the batt ery is being charged have also been developed to maximise the range. Last but not least, to further optimise range and reassure customers, Renault Ireland will market a number of connected services, tailored to meet the needs of individual motorists (Connected Pack) or fl eet managers (Fleet Asset Management).

Kangoo Maxi ZE will go on sale at the end of 2011 in Ireland at a price of €21,200 for the two-seater version, or €22,000 for the fi ve-seater crew version. Th e €5,000 Government subsidy will bring this price down to the equivalent of that of a diesel Kangoo Maxi, ie. €16,200 and €17,000 respectively.

As is the case for the rest of its electric vehicle range, Renault separates ownership of the vehicle and batt ery to ensure optimal capacity of the latt er throughout the vehicle’s working life. Customers will either buy or lease their vans and take out a monthly subscription for the batt ery, with pre-tax prices starting from €72/month.

Meanwhile, running costs – including batt ery lease, the electricity required for batt ery charging (€2 average for a full charge) and maintenance – will be similar to those of an equivalent internal combustion-engined vehicle when the annual distance travelled is less than 15,000km. Th ey

will be competitive when the annual distance

travelled exceeds this

fi gure.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2011 33

BUYER'S GUIDE 2011

As experienced last year, driving Kangoo Maxi ZE delivers a whole new type of motoring pleasure. Th anks to the availability of peak torque (226Nm) the moment the driver pulls away, responsive acceleration is instantly available at low speeds. A silent ride and the absence of gearshift s, Kangoo Maxi ZE combines impressive performance and comfort.

34 FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2011 Text & Photos: Gerry Murphy – gerrym@fl eet.ie

COACHWORKS

Unit 55 Doora Industrial Estate, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. ClareUnit 55 Doora Industrial Estate, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

Main Sales Agents for Hino and Iveco trucks to the mid-West.

In stock;In stock;

New Hino 7.5 tonne gross, tipper, with Hyva front mounted crane,

lift capacity 1300kgs 3.5kgs @ 3.5 metres.

New 8x4 Hino and Iveco.

New Iveco 500 Stralis tractor units.

Call for more details; Martin Hough: 087 6601648

Offi ce phone/fax: 065 6848665 Email: [email protected]

Also in stock all genuine Hino/Iveco spares.

Visit us at stand: 4C40

SMMT and the SMMT logo are registered trademarks of SMMT Limited and are used with their permission.

supplier code: 88882

We make your van work smarter

Tevo LimitedUnit 14 - 16Wooburn Green Industrial EstateThomas RoadWooburn GreenBuckinghamshireHP10 0PE

Tel: +44 1628 528034Email: [email protected]: www.tevo.eu.comPlease quote ref: Tevo025

W ith a history going back to 1802, Quinn Refrigerated Vehicles, Athenry, County Galway is a fourth generation family run

business. Th at adds up to a lot of peaks and valleys from their original trade as blacksmiths right up to the present. Today under the stewardship of Micheal Quinn, with family support and a dedicated skilled workforce, their success can be measured by the long list of satisfi ed clients, that include some of the biggest and most successful transport companies.

With a huge depth of experience and a first class reputation, Quinn RV, in 2009. completed construction of the fi rst Ambulance to be built by the company for the Royal Air Force (RA F) and they haven’t looked back since. Coupled with their long established refrigerated body building business, the Ambulance building sector has progressed to producing one complete vehicle per day and a healthy order book.

At the core of this success is a new production plant producing composite body panelling that is both stronger and lighter than the traditional aluminium body. In fact, under this new system, which uses the most modern manufacturing, cutt ing and forming equipment in Ireland, the weight of a single vehicle has been reduced by 750kgs. Th at doesn’t make it weaker though, as the Quinn Ambulance,

when fi rst safety tested passed all crash tests using just one vehicle, something that has been unheard of up to now. It also fully complies with ECWVTA – European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Directives as well as the exacting standards demanded by the National Health Service in the UK.

Using the same att ention to detail and the same high quality that the company are renowned for with their refrigerated vehicles, the same quality applies to the manufacturing process used in the building of ambulances. Using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, 5 Tonne Chassis Cab, 95% of all ambulances produced in Athenry are exported to the UK. Quinn’s take the basic chassis, manufacture the panelling, form it, furnish the interior with cabinets and other fi tt ings, install all of the exterior light fi tt ings, such as the blue lights. It is then forwarded to ASTR in Tullamore for futher specialist kitt ing out.

Since our last visit to the Quinn factory in Athenry three years ago, much has changed. Th e new panel manufacturing plant is in full production, with this state-of-the-art building producing and forming body panels for the ambulances, together with Quinn’s traditional refrigeration products and another new development for the company, the Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SiP) for energy effi cient homes. W hile not directly related to the transport business this is another area that is showing exceptional scope for growth and one that Quinn’s have been developing for a few years.

It demonstrates the diverse talents that exist within the Quinn organisation. Micheal now has 47 employees on his books. Th ose talents are constantly working to develop innovative solutions to modern transport challenges. Specialising in rigid bodywork, multi- temp, specialist bodywork, utility vehicles, remounts, repairs and now ambulances. Quinn’s are constantly pushing for greater effi ciency, through new innovative methods that can make life for operators easier and increase the effi ciency of the vehicle for drivers and customers.

Quinn’s of Athenry diversify

If you’re in business and want to keep control of your costs, then consider the Volkswagen Caddy and Transporter Business Lease. It’s a smart move for anyone who is self-employed and looking for the most economical way to keep their business on the road. And with low monthly payments from just €234* for the Caddy and the Transporter from €339* per month, including scheduled vehicle maintenance, it means keeping track of your monthly outgoings couldn’t be easier.

To find out more about this great lease deal, contact your dealer or visit us at www.volkswagenvans.ie

*Prices exclusive of VAT. Terms & conditions apply. Typical APR 6.9%. This is a business lease agreement & the goods remain the property of the owner at all times. Volkswagen Business Lease is underwritten by LeasePlan Fleet Management Services Ireland Limited.

www.volkswagenvans.ie

Our new business lease means business.

Think vans, Think us. Commercial Vehicles

The New Vito has now arrived.

Motor Distributors Ltd., Naas Road, Dublin 12. Tel (01) 4094 444

The New Vito has arrived - A van that doesn'tbreak the bank.My van. The new Vito

A van that doesn't generate any unnecessary cost.

Because long service intervals and short downtimes

ensure that a Vito isn't left standing around doing

nothing. And the running costs hardly blot the balance

sheet either: the new Euro 5 diesel engines see to it thatfuel consumption is reduced. The Vito is more profitable

than ever.

TEST

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2011 37

II n our job it is always interesting to see new concepts and innovations coming along especially in the light commercial vehicle sector where vans are vans and with so

much collaboration between manufacturers it’s hard to distinguish one from another. Th en when a bit of individuality enters the market, like the Nissan NV200, we all look closely and compare. Heretofore and as mentioned previously, Nissan relied on the re-badged Renault Kangoo to compete in the compact van market. A couple of years ago saw a complete change of strategy with the stand-alone development of the NV200, which created its own niche in the segment. To look at it’s narrower, higher and shorter than most of its competitors and by scanning through the stats listed, only the Fiat Doblo Cargo and Ford Transit Connect are taller while its load space is on a par with the said Cargo Maxi and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi. Payload and gross vehicle weight is average and with the exception of the Renault Kangoo is among the cheapest to buy.

So, the question is – is the NV200 just that, cheap and cheerful? Well, yes and no! We, as in Fleet Transport has entered our third quarter with the NV (Nissan Van) as a Long Term Test Vehicle and yes, it does bring a smile to our face as we drive – most of the time anyway. Its 1.5 litre Renault derived dCi diesel, which produces 86hp and 200 Nm of torque is to our liking as it has plenty of power while being economical. Seating position is perfect despite the positioning of the chairs as far forward as possible in order to maximise load space. With gearlever to hand and a sound steering feel plus good visibility all round ensures a sound drive.

A few concerns though, when unloaded be aware of cross-winds. On a recent trip to Sligo, the force of the cross-winds experienced on the day required a fi rmer grip on the steering wheel. Th en there’s the tiny data display on the dash – we have criticised the fact that the rev counter is a coloured line going across the small square to the right of the dash. Not good enough for the fuel conscious driver of today,

not to mention that to seek further trip information requires the driver to put their hand through the steering wheel and press a butt on.

Quibbles aside, the centre console between the seats is a novel aff air as it fl ips forward to reveal a storage area. Other bins can be found on the doors and on top of the dashboard. Behind the fi xed bulkhead is an impressive load area for a van of its size. Another positive factor is its low loading height and the provision of twin-sliding doors for ease of access. Mentioning access, its tight turning circle is amazing at just 10.6m and it’s easy to park too!

Yes, the Nissan Vanett e NV200 is diff erent from the rest and for that reason alone is worth a punt. Regarding the inclusion of the Vanett e name in the Irish branding of the van, it’s to continue the link between the old Nissan Light Commercial from over 10 years ago (and featured in the previous edition of Fleet Van & Utility), which is no harm, as the NV200 will reach the same status in the sector in time.

Test Drive Report:

Nissan Vanette NV200

NV200 – how does it measure up?Engine(litres)

CO2

emissionsPowerhp@rpm

TorqueNm@rpm

Gearbox Brakes Length(mm)

Width(mm)

Height(mm)

WheelBase(mm)

LoadSpaceVolume (m3)

Payload(kg)

GV W(kg)

Price

Nissan NV200

1.5 dCi 137 g/km 85@3750 200@2000 5spmanual

Disc/Drums

4400 1695 1860 2725 4.2 752 2000 €15,925

Fiat DobloCargoMaxi

2.0Multi Jet

148 g/km 135@3500 320@1500 6spmanual

Disc/Drums

4740 1832 1880 3105 4.2 1000 2410 From€21,000

FordTransitConnect

1.8 TDCi N/A 110@3500 250@1500 5sp manual

Discs 4525 1795 1980 2912 3.7 898 2340 From€17,100

Peugeot Partner/CitroenBerlingo

1.6 HDi 153 g/km 90@4000 215@1750 5spmanual

Discs 4628 1857 1834 2728 3.7 749 2130 €17,470

RenaultKangooMaxi

1.5 dCi 146 g/km 105@4000 240@2000 6spmanual

Discs 4597 1829 1810 3081 4.0 850 2178 €15,660

V WCaddyMaxi

1.6 TDI 151 g/km 102@4200 250@1500 5spmanual

Discs 4876 1794 1836 3002 4.2 750 2310 From€17,415

INTERVIEW


CD: Where do you see the Light Commercial Vehicle market in 2011?

PB: Year to date to the end of February we have seen an improvement of about 20% in the core market. A litt le bit of that has been lost in March, and I think overall we are on a par with last year. We’re in the third year of push, it’s a really diffi cult period where we are still about 60-70% below the core markets that we enjoyed during the Celtic Tiger years, and there is really no sign of light at the end of the tunnel.

CD: How are the various segments within the LCV sector performing?

PB: Th e Caddy sector is performing well; there is always demand for the light van. Th is year we are seeing growth in the Craft er segment which is unusual, but probably due to life cycle change reasons. Th e segment that has taken the biggest hit is the Transporter market which is the one directly related to construction. Th at was always probably a bit overloaded anyway, so it’s the one that is going to be repositioned the most. If it comes back to about 35% of what it was in 2007, that’s about its’ norm.

CD: In a subdued market Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are performing well.

PB: At the end of February we were number one. Th at’s the fi rst time we have been number one in my lifetime with the company so of course we are happy. I think we’ve got wonderful products, the new Caddy is performing exceptionally well, the Transporter is going well as far as segment share goes, the new Craft er arrives mid-year and the Amorok at the end of May.

CD: You recently took on a signifi cant contract with An Post.

PB: Our ambition is to become the number one commercial vehicle brand and to do that we need to be in every segment of the business. Previously we didn’t have a foothold in what we call utility business, so we’re delighted that we have teamed up with LeasePlan to supply a number of Caddy vans to An Post.

CD: Tell us about the new Business Lease product that you are off ering to business customers.

PB: Business Lease is a whole new product for us and we think it’s an opportunity for the business customer that really isn’t tapped into in Ireland. In the UK for instance, 82% of VW commercial vehicle customers are supplied via contract hire agreements. Here that has been zero up to now. Th e Business Lease is extremely effi cient from an accounting point of view for the customer in that it is off -balance sheet, it doesn’t tie up capital expenditure, your monthly outlay is pre-determined, you are not exposed to residual risk and you don’t even have to dispose of the vehicle. Eff ectively what we are doing is operating a business lease with LeasePlan as the leaser, but it’s a Volkswagen product. It’s also very att ractive - €235 plus VAT for a Caddy on the road.

CD: How do the changes to the VRT regulations aff ect Volkswagen Commercial products?

PB: Th ere are two changes really. One is that all of the N-Type vehicles such as the Caddy, Craft er and their ilk will att ract €200 VRT from the fi rst of May. Th at’s a real price increase in that for a normal price increase the VAT is recoupable but because it is VRT that isn’t the case. But it’s bett er than the position that was proposed before which

was 13.3% on all commercial vehicles. Secondly, all M-chassis converted vehicles will att ract 13.3% VRT, even the bigger four wheel drives that satisfy the space criteria. Th e only exceptions will be factory approved N-type chassis – there are a few manufacturers that have a panel jeep that are N-chassis, and they will fall under the €200 VRT bracket. From our perspective, there isn’t a commercial version of the new Touareg and I don’t believe there are plans to bring one to market. In fact this is where Amorok will excel, Amorok will supply the people that perhaps have older Touareg panel vans.

CD: Speaking of Amorok, the fact that it was the winner of the inaugural International Pick-Up of the Year Award, the trials for which were held here in Ireland, you must be looking forward to fi nally gett ing it here.

PB: Yes we’re very proud of that and I think it gives the Amorok a great start. Th e amount of positive PR it has got even before it arrives has been very very strong. Unfortunately numbers will be restricted this year, but the good news is that it is also going to be built in Hanover Germany [as well as South America] from next year. Obviously it competes with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200, but from enquiries to us there is also a lifestyle demand from people who are driving passenger cars. So I think it will make an impact on segments where you wouldn’t expect it to compete, particularly because it’s a 2-litre bi-turbo, not the classic big 3-litre gas-guzzler typically associated with this class.

CD: A new Craft er on the way?

PB: A new model is coming in June. New two litre four cylinder engines are the biggest change. Th ey will be the best in fuel effi ciency so whole life costs for the Craft er will be the best in its class. We haven’t launched prices yet but our plan is that we will hold the current price position. We’ll also be launching the Craft er 30 with a smaller payload which wasn’t available here before.

One-to-OnePaul Burke, Paul Burke, Director,Director,Volkswagen Commercial Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland,Vehicles Ireland,with Cathal Doyle with Cathal Doyle cathal@fl eet.iecathal@fl eet.ie

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