trade van driver 5

Nifty Nissan!

MAGAZINE

We drive the new NV400

Winners get their trophies

l CV Show speciall Compensation advicel Staying safe at work

REVEALED!Merc’s new

baby van

Issue 5, June 2012 www.tradevandriver.com

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Trade Van Driver

Trade Van DriverAwArds

2012

3 TVD lssue 4 2012

Contents

EditorialManaging Editor: Matthew EiseneggerAdditional reporting: Matthew EiseneggerJohn Threadgold

Editorial Address: Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQTelephone: 01257 231521. email: [email protected]

PublisherCommercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd,4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive,Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQTelephone: 01257 231521

AdvertisingAdvertising sales: David JohnsTelephone: 01388 517906 / Mobile: 07590 547343Email: [email protected]

DesignDesign Manager: Matthew EiseneggerDesigner: David JohnsTelephone: 01388 517906 / Mobile: 07590 547343Email: [email protected]

PrintingPrecision Colour Printing LtdHaldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire. TF7 4QQTelephone: 01952 585585Web: www.pcpltd.net

NoteThe publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazines contents are correct. All material published in Trade Van Driver is copyright and unauthorised reproduction if forbidden. The Editors and publisher of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition. Trade Van Driver is published under a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd. All rights in the licensed material belong to Matthew Eisenegger or Commercial Vehicle Media and Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent. Trade Van Driver is a registered trademark.

[email protected]

Follow us on

News round-up 4-6

CV Show reports 10-12

Nissan NV400 test 26

Load safety special 8-9

Trade Van Driver Awards 13

Compensation advice 30

1026

Are you feeling good?The Olympic torch passed our offices today. So what, you are thinking, but with the games set to start in not so many weeks and the Diamond Jubilee celebration beginning to kick off as I write this, Great Britain is in severe risk of actually ‘feeling good’ about something.

Hopefully some of this new-found happiness may encourage people to spend in and around the home on improvements or may even spur them on to move. All which will make our ‘trade’ readership happy! Fingers crossed then.

April saw the annual CV (Commercial Vehicle) show at the NEC in Birmingham which proved to be a pivotal occasion for Trade Van Driver Magazine, as we held our very first awards presentation, recognising the best of the best of the vehicles for our professional trade readership. So in this issue we showcase these very worthy winners, while also taking a look at all the ‘new kit’. We also put the Nissan NV400 through mill and on a sterner note we take an in-depth look at the serious issue of safe loading and its potentially lethal effects if not carried out correctly.

Keep all of the feedback coming so until next time take care.

3 TVD lssue 5, June 2012

4 TVD Issue 5, June 2012

News

Thieves’ violent attempt to hijack a security-equipment company’s van has been foiled by Quartix vehicle tracking.

Driver Roger Hirsch was in slow-moving traffic in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, when he a felt a sudden bump from behind. Leaping from his cab, he was shoved roughly to the ground by one thief while a second slipped behind the wheel and sped off.

Shocked but otherwise unhurt, Roger quickly called his boss at Delta Security, urging him to check the company’s vehicle tracking system.

Dave Mundy, the London firm’s operations manager, said: “I ran to my laptop, logged on to our Quartix system and entered the registration number of Roger’s van. A few seconds later I could see a map with the van clearly marked and showing

it was travelling along the North Circular from Walthamstow towards Edmonton.

“I dialled 999 on the landline and asked for the police.”

He was able to tell them when the van left the North Circular and entered High Road, Tottenham and the precise time it turned into a yard.

“The Quartix system showed the van to be stationary with the ignition off. The time was 9.59pm. At 10.01 the first police car arrived on the scene with a second car arriving a minute later,” he said.

The police told him the vehicle was found locked, unoccupied and undamaged, although the hijackers

– including, possibly, a third man who had earlier driven the thieves’ getaway car – fled after hearing the police cars’ sirens.

Now the van is back with Delta Security: and the only thing missing – Roger’s personal phone.

Quartix vehicle tracking foils violent van hijacking

The Delta Security van that was recovered thanks to Quartix

Fuel card and fuel management solutions provider Keyfuels has enhanced the service it provides its customers by creating a Site Locator application for smart phones that directs users to their nearest Keyfuels filling station.

The user-friendly application can be easily downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play, available on smart phone home screens. It utilises the phone’s inbuilt GPS signal and network location to identify the user’s position, generating a map of the

area and their proximity to an appropriate station.

Peter Bridgen, managing director at Keyfuels, commented: “The site locator application is a great tool for drivers to be able to quickly and easily find where the nearest Keyfuels station is to them, helping drivers to cut out unnecessary diversions and saving fleets money. The application is part of our continuing drive to improve the service we provide to our customers.

“The site locator will help

navigate the 2,000 plus sites that make up the Keyfuels network, with users being able to isolate stations that specifically tailor for different vehicles from HGVs to LCVs – all of which can be readily accessible through the application.”

Keyfuels hosts the largest wholesale priced network in the UK handling billions of litres of fuel for its clients per year and has seen a significant 40% growth in network size over the last couple of years.

n Visit www.keyfuels.co.uk

Keyfuels launches new site locator application


News

LeasePlan, the UK division of the world’s leading vehicle fleet management company, has launched a new product to help minimise off-road time for light commercial vehicles.

The new offer, UPtime, allows fleet managers to maximise the efficiency of their LCV fleets by continuously tracking maintenance and repair requirements. Using in-vehicle telematics provided through i-fleet software, the UPtime solution transmits performance updates to LeasePlan’s dedicated LCV team every 24 hours. All routine MOTs and repairs are then automatically co-ordinated through the LeasePlan service network.

The UPtime solution also maintains electronic copies of MOT documents and all service, maintenance and repair work carried out, to ensure each vehicle is fully compliant with existing legislation.

Customer trialA three-month trial with 20

customer vehicles showed that UPtime can generate over 60 per cent cost savings clients, primarily stemming from an overall reduction in vehicle downtime.

UPtime is a key element of LeasePlan’s overall strategy to grow its commercial vehicle fleet by over 50%, by 2015. The new LeasePlan commercial vehicle team, headed up by Mark Lovett, has a combined 60 years of commercial vehicle experience.

UPtime to save van downtime

Cash-strapped van drivers are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at serious risk of injury by opting for part worn tyres, according to campaign group TyreSafe.

The group has issued the stark warning following a month-long nationwide investigation where it purchased a random sample of 50 part worn tyres. The tyres were inspected by an independent tyre expert and the alarming results found that 98% of the tyres were being sold illegally. But more concerning was that over a third of the tyres were found to contain potentially dangerous forms of damage or non-compliance.

Indeed, one tyre was described by the inspection engineer as having the “potential to kill” as it still contained a metal object penetrating 5cm through the tread in a manner which was likely to result in sudden and total tyre failure had it been fitted to a vehicle. Other serious safety breaches included dangerous and unsafe repairs, exposed cords,

bead damage and evidence of runflat damage.

“Although a number of clear regulations exist which permit the sale of part worn tyres, it’s obvious from our investigation that these are not being adhered to,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe.

“Not only are drivers putting their own lives at risk, but they are also endangering their passengers, which in many cases may be their children, and other road users. Before buying part worn tyres I would urge drivers to ask themselves if the risk of buying them is really worth it?”

With motoring costs reaching record levels, a growing number of drivers are choosing part worn tyres in the belief that they offer better value. However, TyreSafe’s investigation has disproved this myth as it found that the average cost per mm of useable tread of the part worn tyres was £6.33, whereas the comparable cost when selecting an equivalent new tyre was 16% lower at £5.32.

New warning on part worn tyres

Some 98% of part-worn tyres are being sold illegally


News

Van drivers have lifted the lid on some of the more extraordinary dangers facing them on the UK’s roads last year including a kamikaze duck, an “evil pheasant” and….Susan Boyle.

Customer calls to Autoglass reveal that some drivers were their own worst enemies with one actually shattering his windscreen from the inside….after accidentally firing his shotgun.

The mishaps were among a series of wacky explanations given to the leading automotive services company from drivers with damaged vehicle glass last year.

Birds appeared to be one of the major menaces with a dive-bombing duck smashing clean through a windscreen on the A68 linking Edinburgh to the North of England and one woman

complaining of “an evil pheasant” which stalked and attacked her husband’s car. Customers calling for help also included a music fan who blamed his Susan Boyle CD after cracking his windscreen while scraping away ice with it.

One confused woman reported her windscreen had been leaking after it rained all day, forgetting she had left the sunroof open, while another needed a window repair after parking directly in front of the tee-off at a busy golf course.

The top ten wacky reasons for repair call-outs to Autoglass for 2011 were:1. A marauding mallard flew clean through the windscreen of one woman2. A motorist accidentally fired his shotgun inside his vehicle3. An “evil” bird hovered above a

car before swooping for the kill4. A driver needed assistance after reporting he had cracked his windscreen using a Susan Boyle CD to scrape away ice5. A customer parked his car in front of the tee-off at a golf course6. A rattling windscreen was actually an air freshener hitting the glass7. A leaky windscreen was blamed for a soaked interior when the sunroof had been left open8. A motorist called out an Autoglass technician for a repair only to realise it was somebody else’s vehicle9. A customer called to arrange a chip repair but during the call realised her son had stuck a sweet to the inside of the screen10. A snowball shattered a side window.

Autoglass reveals wacky reasons for call-outs

First pictures of the new Mercedes CitanMercedes-Benz has revealed the first pictures of its new city van the Citan, whuch is due to be officially launched at the Hanover Show in September before going on sale at the end of this year.

The Citan comes off the same line as the Renault Kangoo in France but is heavily reworked with a masssive Merc grille, new seats and dashboard and other tweaks and twiddles, although it is thought that engines will be the same.

As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new Citan. The urban van comes with the Adaptive ESP as standard, which takes the vehicle load into consideration. This innovative dynamic handling control system

combines the functions of the anti-locking braking system ABS, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which counters over- and understeer, and TCS (Traction Control System). It also includes ASR (Acceleration Skid Control) and drive and braking torque control.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is equipped to a high standard. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from equally firm, comfortably padded seats. The form-fitting shape of the

backrests in particular provides lateral support, thereby ensuring comfort and safety. Drawing on the brand’s typical design, the fabric cover is breathable, durable and easy to care for.

As powerful and striking as the exterior of the new Citan, the instrument panel is designed around the driver. The surface has a leather-like grain for an attractive look and feel.

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To fi nd out if we’ve got the Used 1 Qualifying Van you’re looking for, check out our national used van stock on our website stock locator. It’s our online gateway to our dealer forecourts.

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Loading

Here’s a challenge for you. Go out on to your driveway,

look in the back of your van and make a note of its contents. Now answer this question: Can you HONESTLY say that in the event of an accident, the load wouldn’t move?

According to research by TRL and our own experience, we bet that the answer to this question is no. Because however safety conscious van drivers are, chances will be that in the hurly burly of business life, all kinds of detritus will be slung in the back of your vehicle. In an accident, it could mean the end of your life or serious injury to passers-by.

But the safe storage of cargo isn’t just a case of tootling off to the nearest

cheap store and buying some bits of wood and metal to make racking and bulkheads. Items like this are worse than useless. It’s important to buy top quality items that won’t buckle and snap in the event of a major crash.

While most large panel vans nowadays come with a bulkhead already fitted, many smaller vans don’t have one. But drivers and passengers in small vans are just as likely to be injured by objects flying forward, so the first thing to do if your van doesn’t have a bulkhead is to get one fitted.

If you use a roof rack, ask yourself how solid it is. Just as with internal cargo, roof racks can snap in an accident and any passers-by at the time could be killed or injured. If your

roof rack looks dodgy replace it immediately with a quality new one.

DANGERlurks in the loading area

You may not be as safe a you think in your van. John Threadgold reports

TRL provides chilling proof of what can happenWe were invited to a very special testing event at the TRL headquarters to prove just how dangerous bad loading and cheap bulkheads and racking can be.

The first test involved what was probably a typical builder’s van that we see every day on the roads and don’t think twice about.

On board was a pallet of bricks, a generator, some road cones and tools, along with some DIY racking that looked OK to start with.

On the roof was a plastic tube carrier filled with copper piping and the whole load weighed 515kg, just about half the

van’s official payload.The vehicle was

crashed at 30mph. The racking virtually disintegrated. The bricks were almost all broken in half. The whole load piled itself into the bulkhead, snapping it off and pushing it into the cab.

The plastic tube carrier snapped off and its contents went flying forwards, with potentially fatal consequences.

Worse was to reveal itself when we watched a slow motion film of the crash. The load had pushed itself forward into the back of the driver’s seat.

As the driver was being

~

~It’s important to buy top quality items

that won’t buckle and snap in the event of a major crash


Top tips for safe loading

n Do not overload storage systems or vehicles

n Do not place unsecured objects behind where occupants sit

n Place heavy objects as low as possible in the stowage area

n Do not place unsecured objects directly in the occupant compartment of the vehicle

n Stow tools and equipment in racking systems

n Use appropriate tie-downs, lashing and netting to secure larger loads and equipment in the rear of the vehicle

n Check that tie-down points and lashing systems are not damaged or worn and have them fixed or replaced if they are

n Check load restraints and lashings after beginning a journey or after heavy braking to ensure the motion of the vehicle and the settling of the load have not loosed it

TRL provides chilling proof of what can happen

restrained from going forwards by the seatbelt, it is likely that he would have suffered major injury or death.

Test 2In comparison, the

second test seemed rather tame but was

carried out to show how much safer things could be when loads are restrained properly. This van was fitted with a racking system provided by Sortimo.

The racking was filled with various sized packages and there were

some odd items such as traffic cones strapped in with proper restraining leashes.

As we examined the vehicle after the crash, it had hardly altered. The racking was slightly bent, but even the packets stayed put.

These before and after pictures show the devastation that can occur in a 30mph crash when a van is badly loaded and with cheap racks and bulkhead

CV SHOW 2012

10 TVD Issue 5 2012

Show stoppers!If you missed the CV Show at the NEC in April, you missed out on seeing a

great deal of super new stuff. Here we present a round-up of the best in show

New Transit takes centre stageFord used the CV Show to unveil its new Transit which goes on sale later this year.

The Transit, Britain’s best selling van throughout its 47-year history, will now effectively be split into two. The smaller version, to be called Custom, was unveiled on the first day of the show, while the larger version – as yet unnamed – will make its debut at the Hanover Show in September.

The new Transit represents a commitment by Ford to renew its entire model range by 2014. New Ranger has already made an appearance, so that means a completely new Transit Connect and Fiestavan in the coming two years.

From launch, the Transit Custom will offer a choice of short wheelbase at 4.97 metres and long wheelbase at 5.34 metres. It will only be available in front-wheel drive format whereas the larger model will offer both front wheel drive and rear wheel drive.

Three Europallets stacked one metre high can be accommodated in the rear and there is a clever flap in the bulkhead that allows for three-metre long items to be carried, intruding into the area under the passenger seat.

The cab and dashboard have been completely redesigned with new seats and the whole area now becomes more car-like.

Driver comfort is significantly enhanced through an adjustable driving position which features

increased seat travel – including 30mm more rear travel for taller drivers – and the addition of a steering column adjustable for reach and rake for the first time.

There will also be a rearview camera and a lane-keeping alert for the driver, although most of these items are expected to be paid-for options.

Low running costs start with the class-leading fuel economy, delivered by an improved version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

Available in 100bhp, 125bhp and 155bhp power ratings, the unit now features Auto-Start-Stop as standard, delivering combined fuel consumption of 42.8mpg and 174g/km CO2 emissions – a reduction of up to 8% on the equivalent current Transit.

Minimising overall cost-of-ownership was a high priority

throughout the vehicle design and development, with features including minimised maintenance and repair times, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and the longest service intervals in the class at two years/30,000 miles.

11 TVD lssue 5 2012

Show stoppers!Two Chinese van manufacturers – Great Wall and DFSK – made their show debuts this year, signaling what is expected to be a flood of new entrants from the Far East in to the UK LCV market.

The DFSK Loadhopper is basically a bigger version of the old Suzuki Carry, which ceased to be sold in the UK in 2006.

The vehicles are being imported by DFSK UK and the firm already has 30 dealers on board from Kirkcaldy in Scotland to Falmouth in Cornwall and is aiming to end up with 65 altogether.

On the stand at the show were panel vans, tippers and single and double-cab pickups, starting at a staggeringly low £7,995 ex-VAT.

DFSK UK marketing communications manager Peter Seaward said: “Since launching this vehicle in November last year we have sold 220 units and are struggling to get enough to be honest.

“So far five different councils

have bought models and we are finding particular interest from home delivery firms.”

Great Wall Motor Company made its show debut with two versions of the Steed pick-up truck. The Chinese manufacturer offers two double-cab variants, both using a 2.0-litre diesel engine that achieves 34.0 mpg on the combined cycle and part-time four-wheel drive.

The entry-level S, priced at £13,998 (ex-VAT) has 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, alarm, electric windows, a CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a full leather interior.

The SE, priced at £15,998 (ex- VAT) adds body-coloured hard-top canopy, body-coloured spoiler, chrome trim and side bars, black roof rails, load bay liner and rear parking sensors.

Pretty faces draw crowds

A group of close-harmony singers greeted visitors to the Citroen stand, where a number of models were on show including the Berlingo XTR, whuch has off-road capabilities without actually having a 4x4 drivetrain.

Citroen bosses were on the crest of a wave at the show. In a market down 15% so far this year the French manufacturer was one of only three firms to gain sales – up 0.28%. This success has nudged Citroen back up to fourth slot in the UK van sales chart.

Scott Michael, Citroen’s commercial vehicle operations manager, puts the reason for this success firmly at the feet of his business centre strategy. There are 85 centres across the UK offering a range of expert services to fleet buyers and he believes clients are now beginning to realise their benefits.

Chinese firms make their debutPeter Seaward with the DFSK Loadhopper

The new Great Wall Steed

CV SHOW 2012

12 TVD Issue 5 2012

Fiat’s New Punto Van 2012 made its UK debut at the show.

The New Punto Van replaces the Grande Punto Van in the Fiat Professional line-up and brings a wealth of improvements over its predecessor, providing customers with a strong proposition in the car-derived van market, with a load capacity of 1.0 cubic metres and a payload of 520kg.

Standard equipment on all versions includes ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), BAS (Brake Assistance System), remote central locking, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated body-coloured mirrors,

trip computer, driver and passenger airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, electric power steering, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

New Punto Van will be available with one diesel engine, the award-winning and best-selling 1.3 MultiJet II diesel, in three levels of power 75bhp, 85bhp and 95bhp. Start&Stop is standard equipment on the 1.3 MultiJet II 85bhp and 95bhp versions.

The new range starts with the entry level 1.3 MultiJet II 75bhp version at £10,990.00 (ex-VAT).

New Fiat Punto van makes first showing

The new Vauxhall Combo was shown off in police livery at the show

The much-loved Vauxhall Astravan is likely to be discontinued next year. Vauxhall managing director Duncan Aldred said the new Combo was versatile enough to cater for Astravan customers.

The Fiat Doblo Cargo-derived Combo made its CV Show debut, with the Vauxhall Astravan also on the stand alongside the Movano and Vivaro.

Although the Vauxhall Astra was replaced by a new model in 2009, the Astravan continued with the same appearance as the earlier model.

Aldred confirmed the Astra car was due a facelift toward the end of 2012, while the Astravan would continue into 2013.

“It’s likely that there won’t be a replacement for Astravan, and the new Combo will cover that part of our range,” he said.

Aldred painted a rosy picture for the future of Vauxhall vans in the UK, with the 2014 Vivaro replacement already confirmed for its Luton plant, and he said the company has maintained its number one position in retail and the small business sector.

New Combo shows its versatility

Isuzu made a renewed bid for pick-up sales with the new D-Max making its UK debut. On sale from June the new Isuzu D-Max replaces the Rodeo, and will offer four specification levels and an extended cab body configuration, featuring rear-opening side-access panels – joining the single- and double-cab variants.

Prices will range from £14,499 (ex-VAT) for the entry-level model 4×2 single cab, with air conditioning, electric windows and daytime running lights as standard. The Utah 4×4 double cab automatic is priced at £21,499 (ex-VAT).

It uses a 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine with newly-developed six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, generating 163bhp and peak torque output of 295lb-ft.

D-Max makes debut

13 TVD lssue 5 2012


2012The worthy winners of the first-ever Trade Van Driver Magazine Awards were presented with their trophies at the CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham and over the next 10 pages we bring you pictures of the big handover by editor

Matthew Eisenegger.The awards were judged both by a panel of experts at the magazine and by readers themselves who represent the UK’s small business sector and have

vast experience in the day-to-day running of light commercial vehicles.Congratulations to the winners – they well and truly deserve our praise!


2012

14 TVD Issue 5 2012

Most Versatile Trades Van WINNER: Fiat Doblo Cargo

Sebastiano Fedrigo collects the award for the Fiorino

Editor’s Choice WINNER: Fiat Fiorino

Double-take: Fiat scooped two top awards

Receiving the awards on the Fiat Professional stand at this year’s CV Show, Sebastiano Fedrigo, director, Fiat Professional UK, commented: “We are delighted to receive these accolades for our class-leading vans. Both Doblò Cargo and Fiorino provide customers with exceptional value for money, versatility and practicality. These two awards are a testimony to the growing appreciation of the new and comprehensive product range Fiat Professional is offering in the market. It is always pleasing to be recognised by the experts in the industry, but what is particularly satisfying is to be appreciated by our customers.”

Double top for Fiat

Fiat really upped the ante in the mid-range sector with the launch of the new Doblo Cargo in 2010. Since then it has been winning prizes across the world and our award here recognises the superb build quality and the huge number of variants Fiat has made available to trade buyers.

Judges’ comments:Fiat Doblo Cargo

Judge’s comments:Fiat Fiorino

Editor Matthew Eisenegger chose the Fiorino as his favourite for several reasons… it’s cheap to buy and run, it’s great to drive and it carries a great deal of cargo for its size – in fact it’s such a good van that Citroen renames it as the Nemo and Peugeot sells it as the Bipper. Can there be any better recommendation?

www.fiatprofessional.co.uk WE SPEAK WITH FACTS.

NEW DOBLO WORK UPTHE ONE TONNE DROPSIDE

Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat Doblo Work Up 1.3 Multijet mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions: Urban 41.5 (6.8), Extra Urban 64.2 (4.4), Combined 53.5 (5.3). CO2 emissions 140 g/km. †OTR (On the Road) charges = delivery + number plates £580.00 + VAT (£116.00) + £215.00 VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) + £55 first registration fee = Total £966.00. Business Users only.

DOBLO WORK UP 1.3 MULTIJET PRICE OTR £16,765 EX VAT

• LOAD AREA OF 4M2 - CAPABLE OF CARRYING 3 EURO PALLETS • 1 TONNE PAYLOAD • RANGE OF EURO 5 ENGINES


2012

16 TVD Issue 5 2012

Best City Van WINNER: Citroen Nemo

Editor Matthew Eisenegger hands the award to Scott Michael

Best Technical Development WINNER: Fuso Canter Duonic gearbox

Sam Whittaker picks up the award from editor Matthew Eisenegger

The cheeky Nemo is ideal for city-based operations. It has a small footprint but is capable of carrying 2.5 cubic metres of cargo and returns amazing fuel economy figures.

Sam Whittaker, truck sales and marketing director for Fuso Canter, said: “We are delighted with the award as it recognises our commitment to innovative new technologies that not only help the driver but also help to reduce cost within our customers’ businesses. The New Duonic gearbox in Fuso Canter is an automated two-pedal control manual shift giving optimum design life coupled with stop- start technology to further enhance fuel efficiency.”

Judges’ comments

Judges’ comments

The addition of the Duonic gearbox to the Fuso makes this already popular truck for the trades even more appealing, as the new two pedal control makes ease of operation even better.

Scott Michael, Citroën’s commercial vehicle operations manager, said: “The judges have paid testament to Nemo’s driver comfort and safety, the improved fuel economy and lower running cost for owners and the benefit of lower emissions in our cities. Add to that its versatility and ability to defy its small exterior to carry loads some vans in the class above struggle to accommodate, and you can see why we call the Nemo our smallest, biggest van.”


2012

18 TVD Issue 5 2012

Best Vehicle 3.5-7.5 tonnes WINNER: Iveco Daily

Luca Sra receives the award from editor Matthew Eisenegger

Judges’ comments

A great tribute to a mighty moving machine

Best 4x4 truck WINNER: Volkswagen Amarok

Editor Matthew Eisenegger hands the trophy to James Unwin

With its mighty ladder frame chassis and its tough exterior, the Daily seems much stronger than all the other vans in this sector and has that hewn-from-rock feel to it. With a huge number of variants on offer – and CNG and electric versions available – any heavyweight trade user will find an ideal solution here.

This truck has really turned the sector on its head since its launch last year. It is the first 4x4 to feature true car-like comfort, ride and handing yet still has that rough tough go-anywhere capability.

Luca Sra, managing director at Iveco, said: “In terms of strength and build quality the Daily stands supreme and it’s a wonderful tribute to us that the Trade Van Driver judges have recognised this.”

Judges’ comments

James Unwin, product manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We’re delighted to win this award for our new Amarok pick-up. Like Trade Van Driver, the Amarok was only launched last year and has also been a huge success as a newcomer against some very established rivals. The news is that with the Amarok now being produced at our factory in Germany, supply will improve this year so we will have more available for customers.”

THE NEW DAILY BRINGS OUT THE SUPERHERO IN YOU!

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Powerful, with engines from 106 to 205hp Strong, payload up to 4.7 tonnes Versatile, with more than 7000 confi gurations

Ecological, with a full range of Euro 5 and EEV engines Solid, thanks to its steel beam chassis Spacious, up to 17.2m3

Comfortable, with optional air suspension and a cab designed around your needs.

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For further information visit www.ivecovehicles.co.uk or call 0800 915 0040.

Iveco_TradeVanDriver_0606.indd Pg1 Mundocom UK 25/04/2012 10:30


2012

20 TVD Issue 5 2012

Best Builder’s Truck WINNER: Isuzu Grafter

Nikki King and her colleagues at the presentation

Best Large Van WINNER: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Editor Matthew Eisenegger hands the award to Steve Bridge

Can any large panel van beat the mighty Sprinter? We think not. With models going right up to 5.5 tonnes gvw and a host of safety features which most other vans don’t have – plus top-notch resale values – Sprinter was the obvious winner in this sector. Who wouldn’t want to drive a van with a three-pointed star on the front?

Nikki King, CEO Isuzu Truck (UK), said: “ We were thrilled that the Isuzu Grafter won the award. And to receive the award in front of so many people on our stand at the CV Show was a proud moment. In the building game you need a no-nonsense truck that will stand up to punishment, it needs to be reliable and robust. Then if you add some creature comforts, add a few extras as standard that only the Japanese know how to do, you’re on to a winner.”

Known for its proven reliability, robust build quality and its workhorse functionality the Isuzu Grafter ticks all the boxes for the builder.

Judges’ comments

Judges’ comments

Steve Bridge, van sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted to have been honoured in the inaugural Trade Van Driver awards. The Sprinter is such a tough work horse and it is a great testament to its popularity to be given the title of Best Large Panel Van.”

When you need a truck you can really rely on, you need the Isuzu Grafter. It’s the 3.5 tonne workhorse with Japanese reliability built in.

Right now it’s even more attractive, with a 2% flat rate finance deal.

Hard to beat.

So get the best for your business by calling our team on 01707 282930, visiting isuzutruck.co.uk or emailing [email protected]

www.isuzutruck.co.uk

When you need a truck you can really rely on, you need the Isuzu Grafter. It’s the 3.5 tonne workhorse with Japanese reliability built in.

Right now it’s even more attractive, with a 2% flat rate finance deal.

Hard to beat.

So get the best for your business by calling our team on 01707 [email protected]

See us at

the CV Show

Stand 3A20

857_BTL_Van_Fleet_297x210.indd 1 03/04/2012 10:19


2012

22 TVD Issue 5 2012

Best Small Trades Van WINNER: Nissan NV200

Editor Matthew Eisenegger hands the award to Francis Bleasdale

Best All-Rounder WINNER: Ford Transit

Mark Ovenden takes the award from editor Matthew Eisenegger

This small van with the big interior is now becoming a common sight on the UK’s roads. It’s hardly surprising as although it has a small footprint ideal for city use, it will swallow an amazing 4.2 cubic metres of cargo – more than any other van in the sector.

All the judges agreed – nothing can quite beat the Ford Transit when it comes to all-round practicality, low running costs and dealer back-up. No wonder the Ford Transit has been Britain’s best-selling van since its launch in 1965.

Judges’ comments

Judges’ comments

A special award voted for by drivers

Transit’s a van that just can’t be beaten

Francis Bleasdale, LCV sales and marketing director at Nissan, said: “Nissan’s vans have won many awards but this is special as it’s voted for by drivers. We have worked hard to make the NV200 comfortable and easy to drive, which has obviously been recognised with this award.”

Mark Ovenden, managing director, Ford Britain, said: “Ford Transit has been Britain’s best-selling van since its launch in 1965 and we are delighted that readers and the judges at Trade Van Driver magazine have agreed that it’s a van which can’t be beaten.”

23 TVD lssue 5 2012

Best Newcomer WINNER: Vauxhall Combo

Steve Bryant, CV brand manager and Richard Collier, national CV sales manager at Vauxhall, with editor Matthew Eisenegger

Best Alternatively-Fuelled Van WINNER: Renault Kangoo ZE

Andy Heiron receives the award from editor Matthew Eisenegger

Vauxhall’s Combo is the newest kid on the block, replacing the old version in grand style. The new Combo offers far more variants than the old model and Vauxhall’s tried and trusted dealer network will ensure that trade buyers get exactly the vehicle they want – and the aftersales service they need.

Renault has decided to sell this electric van but lease the batteries. In the eyes of the judges, this is the only electric van on the market that is within the financial reach of the average UK trade buyer and thus is a worthy winner of this award.

Judges’ comments

Judges’ comments

Andy Heiron, Renault’s head of electric vehicle programme UK, said: “There has been a real buzz around the Kangoo Van ZE ever since its launch and this is further proof that it is the market leader in the UK. I am sure this latest recognition from Trade Van Driver will generate even more interest in Kangoo ZE and help to highlight the significant benefits of electric motoring.”

Steve Bryant, brand manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are delighted that New Combo has been recognised as the best newcomer. The New Combo offers practicality, versatility and low running costs. This coupled with superb manufacturer and retailer support makes New Combo a fantastic choice for small van buyers.”

LOADS BIGGER.

NEw COMBO

777 mile range based on combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg (4.8 litres per 100km) and full fuel tank of 60 litres (13.2 gallons). *Reference ‘Loads Bigger’ relates to additional 1.01m3 max load volume more than previous model. †Reference ‘Miles Better’

relates to distance per tank of up to 143 miles further than previous model.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Wheels of Business

• Class-leading payload up to 1000kg* • Miles better range of up to 777 miles†

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• Class-leading payload up to 1000kg* • Miles better range of up to 777 miles†

Call 0845 7400777or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/vans



New launch: Nissan NV400


If you glance at the van sales figures sompiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and

Traders, you’ll discover that Nissan recorded a 74% rise last year.

That figure is healthy to say the least – and staggering when you consider that one of its models, the Interstar, was in fact on run-out.

So what is it exactly that has given Nissan such a mighty boost? A combination of several factors.

Firstly, Nissan offers a wider range than any other manufacturer – small van, medium van, large van, 4x4 and light truck – even Ford can’t match that.

Then Nissan has been working hard and spending lots of cash on establishing 57 business centres


across the UK, with more to come. What this means to you, the potential buyer, is that you’ll be offered a far better service than Mrs Smith down the road with her little Micra. Some of these outlets, the ones allied to truck manufacturers, even offer 24/7 servicing and repair facilties, while a knowledgeable business sales adviser will help you choose the right vehicle.

That’s an important point to bear in mind because you may well have decided to buy the wrong vehicle.

Say, for example, you want to buy a heavy panel van. A Nissan expert will sit down with you prior to the sale being clinched and decide exactly what you want to do with it and you may find that a medium van

will do the trick just as well. Not only will this smaller van cost you less upfront but it will also have lower running costs too.

But thirdly, and more to the point here, Nissan has steadily been extracting itself over the past year or two from its old range which mirrored that of its alliance partner Renault (Kubistar was a rebadged Kangoo, Primastar a rebadged Trafic and Interstar a rebadged Master).

Last year we saw the launch of the NV200, which was a pukka home-grown Nissan product and now, Nissan has launched its own heavy panel van, the NV400 to replace Interstar.

To be honest, this van is still a Master underneath but the lads at Nissan have completely restyled the front end so it now distances itself from its twin brother and indeed from the Vauxhall Movano, which is also a rebadged Renault Master – complicated old world, this van lark!

For the first time, both front and rear-wheel drive versions are offered and gross vehicle weights

go up to 4.5 tonnes. There are three wheelbases and three roof heights and the usual array of optional body versions.

Load volumes go from 8.0 cubic metres to 17.0 cubic metres while payloads range from 994kg to 2,254kg. Two grades will be offered – E and SE. The lower grade has ABS brakes with EBD, driver airbag and power windows while SE adds ESP stability control, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, power mirrors.

Under the bonnet there’s a new 2.3-litre Euro V compliant common rail diesel powerplant to replace the Interstar’s 2.5-litre engine, offering 100bhp, 125bhp and 150bhp.

The new engine offers up to 22lb-ft more torque than before, despite being 200cc smaller. The reduction in cubic capacity has no adverse effect on performance but results in improved fuel consumption, while the fitting as standard of a diesel particulate filter also helps lower emissions and ensure compliancy with Euro V regulations. The lowest CO2 figure is 195g/km.

NV400 sees Nissan’s star on the rise

New heavy panel van sets course for a fresh page in Nissan’s van history.Matthew Eisenegger reports

s

New launch: Nissan NV400


Other benefits include a quieter engine and lower maintenance requirements – major oil change service intervals are now 25,000 miles or every two years while coolant changes are now every 100,000 miles or six years. In addition, the unit now features a maintenance-free camshaft drive chain rather than a belt. The vehicle warranty is a full three years.

Fuel consumption improvements mean the driver of a standard 100bhp panel van can expect a range of around 670 miles on a tank of diesel.

Behind the wheelWe travelled to Marbella to drive

the NV400 and were immediately struck by this van’s dashing good looks. It really does stand out from the other two contenders and, as one Nissan exec pointed out to us, many buyers don’t actually realise that manufacturers swap vehicles and rebadge them in the first place.

What is more important is the level of service you get after you buy the van, as we outlined earlier in the article.

The NV400 features lots of padding round the sides in case you suffer a knock or scrape, which you probably will if you are like most van drivers!

In the cab, it’s more like an office than a van, so anyone who needs to write reports or use a laptop will be well catered for. There are a million and one cubby holes for various bits and pieces and the back of the middle seat folds down to reveal a handy desk with a swivelling tray that will hold a laptop, to be turned towards the driver or away, depending or not whether it’s in use.

In the back, not much has changed since Interstar days – but as anything up to 17 cubic metres can be accommodated, we reckon there will be an NV400 to suit most needs. Models over 3.5 tonnes come equipped with a tachograph, so most TVD readers will be looking to nudge under the magic 3.5 figure to avoid all the cufuffle that tachographs involve.

We tried both a SWB 2.8-tonne 100bhp version and a LWB high roof 3.5-tonne 150bhp (both half laden) and both powerplants seemed to fit with both vans – the smaller van is unlikely to spend its days thrashing up and down the M6 fully loaded so doesn’t really need any more than 100bhp. It did, however, struggle a little on the steep hills whereas the large model just blasted on up as though they didn’t exist. The NV400 really is a delight to drive. The driver’s seat

is one of the best in class while general ride and handling is up there with the best too.

We’ll be interested to look back in another year’s time and see just where Nissan stands in the sales charts come end of year 2012.

With vans like this on offer we are expecting big things.

Price (ex-VAT): £18,995-£30,045Power (bhp/rpm): 100/3,500-150/3,500Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 210/1,250-258/1,500Fuel (mpg:) 34.0-36.2CO2 emissions (g/km): 195-245Cargo volume (cu m): 8.0-17.0Payload (kg): 994-2,254GVW (kg): 2,800-4,500

Spec sheet

s

Inside, the NV400 is more like an office than a van, with plenty of cubby holes and a handy desk

On test: Citroen Berlingo Airdream e-HDi

Dreammachine

Citroen’s new Berlingo Airdream offers smoothness, efficiency and low running costs.

Matthew Eisenegger reports

Price (ex-VAT): £14,015Power (bhp/rpm): 90/4,000Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 159/1,500Fuel (mpg:) 60.1CO2 emissions (g/km): 123Cargo volume (cu m): 3.3Payload (kg): 605GVW (kg): 1,900

Spec sheet

Walk down any street in the UK and chances are you’ll meet a Citroen Berlingo.

Since its launch in 1995 Citroen has sold this van by the shedload and it has almost become the de reigeuer tool for Britain’s small businessman.

There have been various nips and tucks along the way, together with a major relaunch in 2008 which saw the Berlingo grow in size to make way for its smaller brother the Nemo.

Now at the back end of last year, we saw further revisions but this time mainly under the bonnet. Out go the old engines and in comes a set of Euro 5 compliant ones which see better fuel economy, more power and lower CO2 emissions. Can’t be bad.

But the van on test here, the Airdream, takes things one step further.

This variant has stop-start as standard, which is reckoned to save around 15% on fuel in urban areas, a micro-hybrid drivetrain that uses regenerative braking to recover and store energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down or braking and a slick auto gearbox.

It isn’t exactly cheap at £14,015 but you do get an awful lot for your money – and don’t forget that being a Citroen, you get a free Trafficmaster sat-nav unit which incorporates a stolen vehicle tracking system. That’s not to be

sneezed at.This model also comes as

standard with ESP stability control, unlike lesser variants which feature it as a paid-for option.

Behind the wheelIt’s hardly any wonder that so many people have opted for the Berlingo over the years – for a small van we can’t imagine anything being much more practical.

The seats are big and comfortable although with a mesh bulkhead behind, there isn’t an awful lot of legroom for tall people like me. There’s a sliding side door as standard (not all small vans have

this) and lots of little nooks and crannies in the cab, including an overhead parcel shelf.

The engine fires up quietly and is eerily smooth under way, while the gears are selected unusually by a round knob on the dashboard.

They can be changed manually by “paddling” up and down but why anyone would bother with this when they change seamless in auto mode I really don’t know. Changes in auto are pretty seamless after all.

Handling is crisp and the power steering weighted just right too.

But the real icing on the cake is the possibility of 60mpg from a van of this size – amazing!



Accident compensation advice

When claiming compensation for an accident, you will want to know what can be

included and how it is calculated.

For your injuriesThis element is called “General Damages” and compensates you for the pain and suffering caused by the injuries, and for any significant effect the accident may have on your lifestyle. How much an injury is worth depends on how serious it is and how long you take to recover. Any long-term issues eg visible scarring or permanent disability also need to be considered.

An independent medical expert will examine you and your medical records and then prepare a report setting out each injury, any treatment received or required, the effect on your life and an indication of when you are likely to be fully recovered.

A second report is sometimes necessary either once treatment has been completed, or by a different expert specialising in another area of medicine.

Once there is a clear picture it is then possible to place a value on each injury. The Judicial Studies Board compiles a comprehensive list of different types of injuries and gives guideline figures for each one. These are used by both parties to the claim

when negotiating a settlement. They can also rely on cases previously decided by trial Judges where the accident circumstances and consequences were similar to your situation. If agreement cannot be reached, the Court will assess the amount you receive.

Financial lossesThis element is called “Special Damages” and is to reimburse any financial losses you have suffered or expenses you have to pay as a direct result of the accident.

Items successfully claimed include:n Loss of earnings for time off work to recover from your injuries. Your normal earnings are compared to what you are paid during this period and the difference is claimed. However, any State Benefits received because of the accident must be taken into accountn Travelling expenses, such as visits to your GP or hospitaln Medical expenses, eg for prescription charges or pain killers, and for private treatment (such as

physiotherapy) if this could not be arranged on the NHSn Repair costs or replacement of personal property damaged in the accident.

Other relevant factorsIt can be difficult to value a claim when the accident causes your pre-existing medical condition to become worse, or where medical investigations reveal that you have an existing condition you were not actually aware of. Compensation will only be recovered for the injuries caused by the accident, or to reflect the extent to which the accident made the existing condition worse.

This also extends to your financial losses, eg if your existing back problem was aggravated for a period of one year, but the continuing symptoms prevent you from ever returning to work, only one year’s lost income could be included in the claim.

If you are partly responsible for the accident, the amount you receive is reduced to reflect your share of the blame.

Injuries:what can you claim?

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?FOR FREE ADVICE CALL 0800 138 1348

We listen, advise and then take action3 All claims handled by a specialist solicitor3 Nationwide service - no need to visit us3 Keep 100% of your compensation

3 No legal fees to pay - win or lose3 Claim back your lost income3 Law Society accredited

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CONTACT US NOW ON 0800 138 1348 OR ONLINE AT WWW.HINCHLIFFES.CO.UK

This is the second in a series of articles written by Steven Hinchliffe, owner of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors. His firm has helped very many accident victims recover the compensation they are

legally entitled to

trade van driver 5

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