LCV vehicle developments in March
March has seen Arrival launch the beta version of their electric van, Fiat open it’s order books for their E-Ducato, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launch a new sporty van, Ford announce diesel engine production in Dagenham, Renault Group offer a five year warranty, LEVC have partnered with BP Pulse for free charging for a year, Ford have a new telematics tool and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reveal the favourite hot drinks for van drivers.
Arrival launch latest version of their electric van
The Arrival Van is constructed from a hybrid of aluminium frame and thermoplastic-composite panels, making it much lighter than stamped metal counterparts. It’s body shell is also durable and resilient to damage. Minimising the need for repairs - ensuring the vehicle is on the road for longer.
Orders for the 100% electric Fiat E-Ducato are now open
Kickstarting the Fiat brand’s foray into 100 percent electric vehicles, the E-Ducato large LCV has a range of between 113 and 230 miles (WLTP City*), depending on the variant. It is congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt, making it the perfect tool for businesses in both urban and suburban environments.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched the new Transporter T6.1 Sportline
The Sportline, which is available to order from late March ahead of deliveries from July, is available in short or long wheelbase versions, and as either a Kombi or panel van. It features a range of unique sporty styling additions and technology upgrades, ensuring the perfect combination of sport and comfort.
The Transporter 6.1 Sportline comes with a host of sporty exterior and interior styling details. The front features a red contrast grille strip and a new bumper, while at the rear there is an eye-catching new spoiler, all of which are exclusive to the Sportline range.
Ford Dagenham to provide Advanced Technology Diesel Engines for Next Generation Ford Transit Custom.
The Ford Dagenham Engine Plant to the east of London will manufacture the latest advanced technology diesel engines for the next generation Ford Transit Custom range.
The next generation Ford Transit Custom range will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – in Kocaeli, Turkey, from early 2023. The next generation Volkswagen 1-tonne commercial vehicle also will be built in Kocaeli as part of the Ford-Volkswagen Alliance.
Renault PRO+ is making its award-winning LCV line-up even more appealing to businesses with the introduction of its new 5 Year PRO+ Promise.
The 5 Year PRO+ Promise combines the brand’s market-leading 5-year 0% APR HP finance with a host of extras that provide business users with even more value and peace of mind. The finance is complemented with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile service plan and Renault Assistance breakdown cover for the entire duration of the finance agreement. Both the warranty and Renault Assistance are two years longer than the standard 3-year offering supplied with every Renault PRO+ LCV.
LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is offering its customers free charging for one year
After partnering with the nationwide charge point provider, bp pulse, LEVC are offering free charging for a year upon purchase of its new electric van, VN5.
The bp pulse charging network features more than 8,000 pulse point charge points across the United Kingdom, offering VN5 customers super-fast and simple charging. The bp pulse app shows charging locations near you, while the network is supported with a 24/7 customer support line, should customers need any assistance. New customers can claim the offer with proof of their VN5 purchase and will receive an access card that activates any charge point on bp pulse’s extensive network.
FORDLiive – a new connected uptime system designed to help Ford commercial vehicle operators increase their productivity by maximising vehicle uptime.
FORDLiive promises to transform the way Ford customers run and maintain their vehicles, by reducing the number of breakdowns, enabling fewer time-consuming visits to dealer workshops, and achieving quicker servicing and repair times. Ford projections show FORDLiive can potentially reduce vehicle downtime by up to 60 per cent.
FORDLiive will be available free-of-charge, with small businesses and larger fleets able to access its benefits through the FordPass Pro app and a dedicated version of the Ford Telematics tool respectively.
And finally…
Volkwagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed van drivers favourite hot drink and it’s not tea.
The results reveal the era of the traditional builder’s tea is over with tradesmen and women across the UK favouring coffee over a basic brew for their caffeine hit while on the job.
A cappuccino tops the list of favourite hot drinks ahead of a latte. The humble English breakfast tea ranks third, ahead of hot chocolate, an Americano, and a flat white.
Van drivers aren’t just becoming more discerning with their choice of tea or coffee, either, with almost one in five opting for an alternative milk, such as oat, almond, soy or coconut. And when they do go with regular milk, health-conscious van drivers prefer semi-skimmed to full fat.
Van driver’s top hot drinks
- Cappuccino: 18%
- Latte: 16%
- English breakfast tea: 13%
- Hot chocolate: 12%
- Americano: 11%
- Flat white: 10%
- Espresso: 9%
- Mocha: 5%
- Other tea: 2%