A 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…
Read moreA smart new kid on the block… Background Since the demise of the popular Hiace van a few years ago Toyota had lacked an offering in the panel van sector. Things changed, albeit in a modest fashion in 2012 when the company entered into an agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen and launched their own…
Read moreA Taste of Thai from Turin… Background 2015 /16 has been a period of frenetic activity in the 4×4 pickup sector. Ford, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen have all refreshed their offerings, with Isuzu due to reveal a lightly revised D-Max towards the end of this year. In addition, manufacturers who have previously…
Read moreMercedes-Benz Vito – A ‘Star’ Performer? Background The Mercedes-Benz Vito – a van that has traditionally struggled to find its feet within the fleet market but that has proved immensely popular in the SME sector, and the passenger carrying variants have an incredibly loyal following. Mercedes-Benz have relentlessly pursued Volkswagen in their quest…
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