Loadhopper mini-vans

DFSK UK, the trading name of Vestatec Automotive Distribution Ltd, is a new company specifically set up to import and distribute mini-vans for the Chinese van manufacturer. There have been no vehicles in the mini-van sector in the UK for around five years and the last models were the Suzuki Carry, Bedford Rascal and Diahatsu HiJet. DFSK has plans to sell around 1,000 vehicles in their first year.

The range of new mini-vans will be called Loadhopper and there are four options namely Loadhopper Single Cab Pickup (930kg payload), Loadhopper Van (590kg), Loadhopper Double Cab Pickup (1,000kg -TBC) and Loadhopper Tipper (630kg). These models will all have the same platform and power train (1,310 cc petrol with 77hp) and will offer the following benefits to small traders such as gardeners, florists, bakers, sandwich and food companies;

• Short overall length with a small overhang
• Large load volume
• Good payload
• Small turning circle
• Two side loading doors on the Van model.

Loadhopper

DFSK expects to have around 40 dealers across the UK selling the new mini-van range and already has 26 set up. It has plans to sell 5,000 of these mini-vans annually, in five years time, with 60% expected to be the van model. They also have plans for a new model, called the V series, which will be launched during 2012 and in addition DFSK has a range of electric mini-buses and vans in the pipeline.

Vauxhall Movano Core Conversions

Vauxhall has added “Core Conversions” to the newly launched Movano panel van range which was launched earlier this year, enabling the new Movano to be ordered in a variety of length and chassis configurations. The new Movano can now be specified in Chassis, Crew and Platform Cabs, with front and rear-wheel drive available and in a wide range of dropside, tipper and box-body variants.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles offer a three year manufacturer’s warranty that covers the vehicle’s chassis as well and the new generation of the Movano is powered by 2.3 CDTI four-cylinder diesel engine in either 100PS, 125PS or 146PS offering powerful low speed torque. The new model also emits low CO2 emissions and standard equipment includes a steel load floor with integrated load securing points, cabin protection with ladder holders plus aluminium side and tail board with under-run bars.

All-new Movano

Vauxhall is launching their all-new Movano commercial van range offering 29 vehicle body type variations to choose from, front or rear-wheel drive, plus new power trains for lower commercial vehicle operating costs.

The modular platform has been jointly designed with Renault and depending on your payload category, you can also choose rear wheel drive variants with twin wheels. The full range of vehicles will include panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four lengths and three roof heights. The new Movano will be an excellent base for any conversions and the van will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van too.

Cabin comfort and safety is high on the agenda, with areas like improved driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column all on offer. The cargo area offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres and a load capacity upto 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version).

Under the bonnet the van is powered by new generation 2.3-litre CDTi-four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines with three power outputs available (100PS,125PS and 150PS) all linked to a six-speed gearbox as standard. The 125PS and 150PS versions can also be coupled to the semi-auto Techshift. 

Movano cabin interior

ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is standard on all models while ESP (electronic stability program) is also standard on all rear-wheel drive vans and optional for front-wheel drive. Other safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.

The new Movano range launch phase will be staggered according to the body variants and first vehicles will be available in May 2010.

Piaggio now adding Classic Ape to UK

Perodua UK Limited, the importer of Piaggio Commercial Vehicles, is adding the popular Ape range of 3-wheel vehicles to their line up of commercial vans. The Ape recently celebrated its 60th birthday, having been launched in Italy in 1948. The Ape was based on the iconic Vespa scooter.

The Ape will be available in the UK with a 50cc petrol, TM 218cc petrol, TM422cc diesel and the special Calssiono versions. The Ape 50 is available as a Panel Van, Pick Up or Cross and is ideal for light deliveries in a busy town or city.  Its unique style and design offers a great marketing opportunity as well.

The APE TM is available as a Panel Van, Pick Up or Tipper and comes in either the 218cc petrol or 422cc diesel engine. The turning circle of the Ape is 3.4m and the load volume of the Panel Van is 2.5 cubic metres, making it useful for light goods deliveries.