SGP Leasing News

Corsa Concept Has Loads Of Style!

2006-09-21T14:24:00.000+01:00

All new Corsavan Concept to debut at Paris
Sporty looks, quality interior and large load capacity
Showcases further development of Corsa style

It’s a van – but you’d be hard pushed to notice!

Making its debut at next week’s Paris Motorshow, the Corsavan Concept takes the dynamic styling of New Corsa to an even sportier level, while also showing how the three-door car’s looks would transfer to a city van.

Finished in the same glossy Glamour Red as the Opel GT Concept shown at Geneva, Corsavan Concept features black-coloured side panels to replace the three-door Corsa’s windows without detracting from the car’s coupe-like lines.

Distinctive sporty features include red front brake callipers, smart 17-inch alloy wheels and a VXR styling pack, comprising a new front bumper, side sills and a rear spoiler.

Black leather sports seats and piano-lacquer surfaces familiar from the Corsa hatchback complete the two-seater Corsavan Concept’s interior, while a fully-lined load bay with a half-height bulkhead show how New Corsa’s design translates into a very competent panel van, with a versatile load area.

The concept car is powered by New Corsa’s 90PS 1.3-litre CDTi engine with a six-speed gearbox, making it the perfect choice for both urban and out of town use.

New Ford Transit Is International Van Of The Year 2007

2006-09-20T22:04:00.000+01:00

The new Ford Transit has been awarded the prestigious title of 'International Van of the Year 2007'.

The 'Van of the Year' jury, which comprises an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries, awarded the new Ford Transit the 2007 trophy in what was described as "one of the closest fought 'Van of the Year' battles ever."

"2006 has been a bumper year for new light and medium commercial vehicles which has made this competition tougher than ever, and this award even more significant for Ford Transit," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "We're delighted to follow up the success of the 2001 Transit and the 2003 Transit Connect in winning 'Van of the Year' trophies, and it is appropriate reward and recognition for the dedication of so many Ford of Europe employees who contribute to the Transit story."

In its official statement, the 'Van of the Year' jury said: "In announcing the decision, the jury was particularly impressed by the fact that Ford’s engineers have taken one of Europe’s best vans and made it even better. Whether in city traffic or on motorways, the driveability of Transit is excellent.

"The jury also appreciates the fact that the Ford designers and engineers maintain more than most other van manufacturers, permanent contacts with potential and existing purchasers in order to monitor constantly their wishes and needs.

"This resulted in the fact that in the new Transit the cab interior has been brought up to a level approaching that of a car. The philosophy is that van-drivers often spend more hours in their vehicles than car drivers. The high ergonomic standards do not only concern the driver’s seat and the position of steering wheel and gear lever but also include the excellent visibility via the large windows and the well positioned rear view mirrors."

Particular praise was forthcoming for the new features introduced on the latest Transit model. "Constant monitoring of the wishes of van users also resulted in some other interesting improvements," noted the 'Van of the Year' jury statement. "The dash mounted gear lever is an example of that, as is the self charging waterproof ignition key. Other examples are the addition of a new low-roof medium wheelbase variant and a new heavy duty front axle model."

The jury also appreciated the development of the new All-Wheel-Drive Transit derivative, plus the confirmation that Ford's load-adaptive Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) will be standardised on all diesel Transit van and bus models from January, 2007, with chassis cab and rear-wheeled models following later in 2007.

"The International Van of the Year jury is worried about the high and, in some European countries, still increasing number of accidents with vans. By offering ESP as standard, Ford makes an important contribution to traffic safety in the European Union," the jury statement said.

Inherent Transit strengths were also highlighted by the jury. These included the accessibility and flexibility of the large load box, Transit's security systems, the cost-of-ownership equation including low repair and maintenance costs, and Ford of Europe's extensive Commercial Vehicle Specialist dealer network.

"We are very proud of the Transit and its achievements over the last forty years," said Fleming. "Receiving the 'Van of the Year 2007' award makes us even more determined to keep Transit ahead of the competition, whatever it takes."

Visit the new Ford Transit website for more information

Renault Vans Update

2006-09-18T22:43:00.000+01:00

Renault foresees UK van sales surge ahead of Euro 4 deadline
New entry-level diesel Kangoo Van aims for added success – costs £755 less than current entry-level Euro 3 model. ABS and 30W CD/radio standard
Renault calls for halt to van ABS rip-off in UK

Renault foresees rising demand for Euro 3 vans in months ahead

The deadline for light commercial vehicle Euro 4 compliance* is fast approaching, with Renault expecting a marked increase in demand for its Euro 3 vans in the UK in the next few months.

Although there are undoubted benefits associated with cleaner, more fuel efficient Euro 4 engines, many van owners are realising that Euro 3 vehicles still represent sound purchases, not least because of their immediate availability and lower list prices. As a result, many customers are expected to bring their fleet orders forward before the year end.

Renault is one of the few manufacturers to have anticipated this need in terms of both product and resource, so is now ideally placed to meet this demand from its UK customers.

Although the new Trafic and Master ranges have recently been launched with Euro 4 engines, Renault has stockpiled enough Euro 3 products to meet forecast demand and will also continue producing a Euro 3 version of its new Trafic van until mid-October. As outlined below, a new entry-level diesel Kangoo van using a Euro 3 engine is also now available.

Confirming the buying pattern which is expected to emerge in the months ahead, Renault UK’s LCV Brand Manager, Louise O’Sullivan, commented, “While some of the larger fleet operators have obviously assessed the situation and realised the cost savings associated with running Euro 3 vehicles, some sectors of the market are only just seeing the light. Therefore we’re trying to do as much as we can for our UK customers by urging any of them considering a purchase within the next few months to take advantage of this last opportunity to secure Kangoo, Trafic and Master Euro 3 models before product availability is exhausted.”

New Renault Kangoo Van SL19 D 70 Euro 3

Ideally positioned to take advantage of the expected wave of Euro 3 orders is a new version of Kangoo Van – the best-selling compact van in Europe since 2001 – the SL19 D 70 Euro 3.

The Renault Kangoo Van range is already competitively priced, so with a basic price of £9,195 - £755 less than the next model up in the SL Euro 3 range - the newcomer is set to give its rivals even more cause for concern when they see that ABS and CD/radio are both fitted as standard.

The potential for the latest addition to the Kangoo Van range to entice buyers away from other compact vans is immediately apparent when you compare it to three of its rivals.

The Ford Transit Connect looks particularly expensive by comparison, the 1.8 TDdi swb version costing £10,025 once ABS is added - £830 more than the Kangoo. A CD-radio is not even available as an option. The Kangoo Van’s two direct French rivals fare only marginally better. The Citroën Berlingo 600D X 1.9D for example, costs £50 more at £9,245, yet neither ABS or CD/radio are available as options. Its sister vehicle, the Peugeot Partner 600 L 1.9d, costs £450 more than the Kangoo Van at £9,645 once these two items of equipment have been factored into the equation.

The new Kangoo Van model offers a 1.9-litre diesel engine, with maximum power output of 65hp at 4500rpm and 120Nm torque at 2250rpm. As with the other Euro 3 models in the Kangoo Van line-up, service intervals are every 9,000 miles or two years.

The Kangoo Van SL19 D 70 Euro 3 is available to order now, priced at £9,195 excluding VAT and on the road charges. It also qualifies for four years zero per cent finance.

Nissan begins product charge at Hanover Motor Show

2006-08-31T15:27:00.000+01:00

Nissan’s participation at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Hanover, Germany, will see the World Premiere of the all-new Cabstar light duty truck, as well as a display of a hybrid-powered Cabstar concept vehicle, a new range of engines on the new Atleon light truck, plus enhancements to Primastar and Interstar.

Nissan has set ambitious commitments for its global LCV business, one of four breakthrough areas identified under the company’s Value-Up business plan. By fiscal year 2007, the company plans to double operating profit margin to 8% and increase volumes by 40% to 434,000 units worldwide compared with fiscal 2004.

This ambitious product offensive will form the backbone of those objectives

New Cabstar

The new Cabstar has been developed on a brand new platform which will be used globally and the configuration of Cabstar remains true to its predecessor, using a Cabin-Over-Engine (COE) arrangement.

Designed and developed in Europe and Japan by Nissan as a global product, the new Cabstar will provide best in class payload combined with compactness, impressive manoeuvrability and best in class cargo length.

The most obvious external change to the new Cabstar is its dramatically restyled cabin, available in Single Tilt Cab and fixed Double Cab versions. Offering a substantial improvement in internal dimensions over the outgoing Cabstar, the new cabin is 80mm taller, 100mm longer and 70mm wider than before.

Designed to build on the Cabstar’s already well-known strengths of economical running costs, all-round comfort, ease-of-use, efficient load-carrying capability, as well as strong and safe performance, the new Cabstar will offer an even more attractive proposition in the competitive 2.8 up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight category.

In terms of engine line-up, three new engine options are available. A 2.5-litre common rail diesel engine in two levels of tune provides 110 and 130PS (81 and 96kW respectively) and 250 and 270Nm of torque. The third new engine option is the ZD30 3.0-litre. Power is 150PS (110kW) and torque is 350Nm. All engines meet Euro IV regulations.

Cabstar Hybrid Concept

Nissan and ZF, the German driveline technology specialists, have collaborated to demonstrate the potential of hybrid engine technology application on a commercial vehicle.

Promising improved fuel consumption, reduced emissions and lower running costs, the key to this special Cabstar prototype is its hybrid powertrain which uses ZF prototype products featuring a powerful electric motor to supplement the conventional 3.0-litre diesel engine.

Nissan’s brief to ZF was to develop a state-of-the-art hybrid vehicle without compromising performance, comfort and ability.

ZF’s solution has been to develop a parallel hybrid powertrain with a powerful electric motor (eMotor powered by an ion-lithium battery) supplementing the Cabstar’s conventional diesel engine: the concept is based on a truck powered by Nissan’s
3.0-litre common-rail diesel developing 150PS (110kW). The Hybrid Cabstar is expected to cut fuel bills by up to 30 per cent as well as removing polluting emissions in city centres.

Enhanced Atleon

The Atleon has been extensively enhanced with a new look, new equipment and, most significantly, a range of new engines to meet Euro IV regulations. GVW ranges from 3.5 to 15 tons.

The adoption of the new Nissan ZD30 and Cummins ISBe engines is arguably the most significant aspect of the new Atleon.

At the entry end of the Atleon range can be found a version of Nissan’s ZD30 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that powers the top end of the Cabstar range. The ZD unit develops 150PS (110kW) and 350Nm of constant torque from 1600 to 3000rpm.

The highly acclaimed Cummins ISBe range of four- and six-cylinder common rail diesel engines can be found on the higher end versions, giving the new Atleon better performance and lower operating costs thanks to its impressive fuel economy, long service intervals and even better durability.

For its application in Atleon, Nissan has chosen four variations on the ISBe theme. The two four-cylinder units produce 140 and 185PS of power and 550 and 700Nm of torque respectively. The two six-cylinder units produce 221 and 250PS, while in terms of torque develop 850 and 970Nm respectively.

New seat fabrics and revised combi dials complete the interior enhancements.

Styling changes echo elements found on the new Cabstar and include a full width black grille, and new front deflectors beneath the turn indicators, which enhance the truck image of the vehicle.

Primastar and Interstar

The Primastar’s engine range has been updated with one petrol and three diesel engines being offered, all developed with Alliance partner Renault. The newest unit is a 2.0litre dCi turbocharged diesel, which is available in two levels of tune. Developing 90PS and 115PS (66kW and 84kW) respectively, both engines are fully Euro 4 compliant.

As well as improved power outputs, torque figures are also increased: the 90PS version develops 240Nm of torque while the 115PS version develops 290Nm.

A third diesel offering is a 2.5-litre dCi unit developing 150PS (107kW) and 320Nm of torque at 1500rpm. The engine employs a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to achieve Euro 4 compliance.

Finally, a Euro 4 compliant petrol engine is also available. The 2.0-litre 16 valve unit is derived from the engine found in many Renault passenger cars and develops 120PS (88kW) and 190Nm of torque.

These new engines are mated to a new six-speed gearbox. The new gearbox is available either as a conventional manual or, as an option on the 150PS diesel, in semi-automatic form.

Inside a revised dashboard incorporates new instruments as well as various coloured accents to differentiate between the models. The minibus, for example, has a strong passenger car feel thanks to its new trim, deep carpets and chromed colour panels and switches in place of the simple black switches and panels of the van.

To add convenience, other features traditionally found on passenger cars have been added. Among those new options are speed adaptive intelligent wiping, rain sensing wipers, one-touch electric windows, automatic headlights and “friendly lighting”.

The most significant change for the 2007 Interstar is a revised engine range based on the Alliance-developed 2.5-litre dCi unit that also serves in Primastar. For Interstar it is available in three levels of tune to give a broad range of capability versus low running costs.

Based closely on the 2.5-litre dCi engine used previously, the engines in the new Interstar have been reworked to ensure compliance with Euro 4 emissions legislation.

Power and torque figures for the entry level version remain at 100PS and 260Nm, but there’s an improvement in torque for the 120PS version, which rises to 300Nm.

Power in the top model rises from 136PS to 150PS, though torque remains at 320Nm, with DPF as standard.

Nissan can be found at stand B20 in Hall 16 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Hanover. There will be a press conference at 10am on Wednesday 20th September given by Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President, Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Volkswagen Is First Choice For Coffee Supplier

2006-08-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

Next time you enjoy a latte at your favourite coffee shop, take a moment to think that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles may have played a role in getting your preferred blend into your cup. That’s because Milton Keynes-based First Choice Coffee operates a fleet of Volkswagen vans to deliver an extensive range of coffee products and services to customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

First Choice Coffee’s fleet is made up of 20 Volkswagen Transporters, 10 LTs and three Caddys. The Wayside Van Centre in Milton Keynes – part of a national network of over 70 dedicated Volkswagen Van Centres – supplied First Choice Coffee with the vans and also services and maintains the fleet. All the vans were ply-lined at Wayside prior to delivery.

The short wheelbase Transporters all have a 1.9-litre TDI 104 PS diesel engine, while the LTs are fitted with the 2.5-litre TDI 109 PS power unit. The Caddys have either the 1.9-litre TDI 104 PS or 2.0-litre SDI 69 PS diesel engine. Volkswagen’s wide range of fuel-efficient engines conforms to strict European emissions standards, while still providing the power modern industry demands.

Managing Director at First Choice Coffee, George Miller, is in no doubt of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’s contribution to his company’s success: ‘We use Volkswagen vans for their reliability and load capacity. Furthermore, we can get them serviced locally at short notice, receiving a replacement vehicle if necessary, thereby experiencing no downtime in our day to day business activity.’

The vans have been acquired under a finance lease agreement from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance over a period of 30 months or 100,000 miles, whichever limit is first reached. A finance lease agreement combines flexibility with tax benefits and improved cash flow. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance offers a range of attractive finance products to the fleet operator, which can be tailored to suit the customer’s requirements and budget.

Established in 1987, First Choice Coffee specialises in providing total coffee solutions to cafés, fast-food outlets, coffee shops and catering businesses. Offering over 4,000 product lines including Espresso and Cappuccino machines along with maintenance contracts, First Choice Coffee has become a leading supplier to the food service industry.

For further information on a range of Volkswagen Contract Hire products and services call SGP Leasing on 0845 111 8000

Iveco Finance Renews Contract Hire Deal With AAH Pharmaceuticals

2006-08-22T15:05:00.000+01:00

AAH Pharmaceuticals, the UK's largest full-line pharmaceutical wholesaler, has renewed its five year contract with Iveco Finance for the supply of 25 Iveco Eurocargo 75E17S’s.

The deal marks the third occasion the company has selected Iveco’s medium truck range to fulfil its requirements at 7.5 tonnes, with this latest delivery joining a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles ranging from small vans to tractor unit and trailer combinations.

The Eurocargos are spread across AAH Pharmaceuticals’ nationwide branch network and will be used to transport products ranging from nappies and toilet rolls through to hospital drugs and plasters.

Fitted with Cartwright box bodies and tail-lifts, they are each expected to cover up to 60,000 miles a year and will be serviced and maintained by the Iveco dealer network.

“The previous Cargo had a strong track-record for performance and reliability, so it made sense to renew the contract with the latest Eurocargo model,” says Geoff Wright, Head of Corporate Services for Coventry-based AAH Pharmaceuticals.

The Eurocargo 75E17S is one of the most popular models in Iveco’s Eurocargo range, which has been styled by Stile Bertone, the famous Italian design house. It represents a considerable line-up of vehicles that can be mission-matched to all types of applications, with over 3,000 possible configurations available from the 300 basic models

It is powered by Iveco’s proven 3.9 litre four-cylinder tector engine, which is capable of producing up to 170 hp at 2,700 rev/min and a maximum torque of 560 Nm between 1,200 and 2,100 rev/min, driven through a six speed synchromesh gearbox.

First Citroen Berlingo XTR + Vans For Forestry Commission

2006-08-17T15:07:00.000+01:00

Citroën’s first 35 Berlingo 2.0HDi 600 XTR+ enhanced traction vans are now being delivered to the Forestry Commission. The XTR+ vans are being operated by the Forestry Commission’s Mechanical Engineering Services business unit and are part of a major order for some 100 Citroën Berlingos, which also includes 2.0HDi vans in LX and Enterprise trim.

The Berlingo 2.0HDi 600 XTR+ has been specifically developed for operators who require vans with off-road capability. With the benefits of higher ground clearance and improved traction, thanks to a sophisticated limited slip differential, the new XTR+ delivers this improved off-road capability without the higher capital cost and running costs associated with four wheel drive vehicles.

Berlingo and Dispatch vans make up the bulk of the Forestry Commission’s 650-strong light van fleet. Its latest Berlingos are being supplied by Citroën Glasgow, and will be operated on five year, non-maintenance Lex Vehicle Leasing contract hire agreements.

The Berlingo 2.0HDi 600 XTR+ vans will be operated in a variety of roles, including being used by supervisors and for general duties carrying tools, lubricants, dogs and wet weather gear, with some of them also replacing a number of the Forestry Commission’s 4x4 vehicles.

To suit these duties the Forestry Commission specifies a number of modifications, such as rear passenger seat conversions to carry two additional crew members. In addition most other Berlingos are specified with increased ride-height conversions and sump guards.

Among its portfolio of 1,129,000 hectares of land, the Forestry Commission has some 838,000 hectares of forest. Mechanical Engineering Services provides a fleet of 1,650 vehicles and a hire, repair and maintenance service for vehicles, plant and machinery, ranging in size from a chainsaw to the largest items of forestry equipment. MES, which is headquartered at Stirling, operates 10 workshops throughout the UK and is the largest supplier of forestry equipment in the country.