The market leader gets a makeover… Background Since it was launched in 2012 the Transit Custom has been a firm favourite with drivers and fleet operators. Its reputation for comfort and practicality together with excellent residual values and running costs has made it regularly top the sales charts in the UK for all LCV’s,…
Read moreA class above? Background The market for ‘lifestyle’ 4×4 pick-ups in the UK has boomed in recent years, and indeed although new LCV registrations have fallen lately, this sector bucked the trend and continued to grow. Seeing an opportunity, manufacturers who have previously not been a contender have introduced their own offerings, often a ‘rebadged’…
Read moreA smooth operator… Background The relatively new ‘big’ Ford Transit (as opposed to its smaller sibling, the Transit Custom), codenamed V363, is a familiar sight on our roads having been launched back in late 2013. A firm favourite with fleets and small businesses alike, it has continued to keep its main competitors, the Mercedes-Benz…
Read moreA game changer for Fiat? Background In recent years Fiat (under the Fiat Professional brand) have made huge efforts to shake off some longstanding negative brand perception for their van offerings in the UK. An improved model range, some aggressive sales activity resulting in increased visibility within high profile fleets and a rationalised…
Read moreAn old name on a very new face… Background Introduced in 2006, the original Volkswagen Crafter replaced the venerable LT which had been around for over 20 years. The Crafter was, essentially a rebadged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter but somehow didn’t quite achieve the same success here in the UK as its German stablemate. Indeed,…
Read moreThe white van man comes of age… Background The larger panel van sector has traditionally been utilitarian and functional in nature, with minimal emphasis from manufacturers on styling, comfort and features. These are factors generally considered to be more relevant to the retail, SME and artisan markets which would normally source smaller, 1…
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