Britain’s biggest developer of new-build retirement homes, McCarthy & Stone, has launched a dedicated removals service with a fleet of state-of-the-art Luton vans.

The service is being co-ordinated and delivered by removals specialist House to Home UK, which commissioned the new vehicles. The ten fuel-efficient 3.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313CDIs are fitted with streamlined ICON bodies that offer market-leading payloads of more than 1,200 kgs.

The chassis were supplied by Birmingham dealer Midlands Truck & Van while the bodies were fitted by leading manufacturer Bevan Group, of Halesowen, West Midlands.

Bournemouth-based McCarthy & Stone will sell over 1,300 homes this year. National Sales Director Lorena Brown said: “We spoke to a lot of potential customers and were shocked to discover how many of them found the prospect of moving out of the family home just too daunting. So we set out to help them through the process and the House to Home service is an important part of that. It’s a great benefit for the customer and a great benefit for us. Our branding looks great and we’ll be adding to the fleet as demand increases.”

House to Home UK is part of the Vogue Group of companies and operates from headquarters in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Managing Director James Sandbrook explains: “The ICON-bodied Mercedes-Benz Sprinter combines high levels of productivity, user-friendly-practicality and safety, with excellent environmental credentials.”

The ICON body was developed by Bevan Group in partnership with independent aerodynamics experts from Cranfield University and Hatcher Components. Its innovative, modular panels – moulded cab deflector and collar, side walls and roof –are manufactured in a lightweight and recyclable composite GRP material.

Mr Sandbrook added: “The ICON offers impressive volume and payload capacities, while its aerodynamic design contributes to improved fuel economy. It also has a fantastic on-road presence allowing our vans to double as highly visible mobile advertising spaces, reinforcing consumer awareness of the McCarthy & Stone brand.”

The Transport Minister Norman Baker and Business Minister Mark Prisk have announced that van buyers will be able to receive 20% – up to £8000 – off the cost of a plug-in electric van.

This is an extension of the Plug-In Car Grant which offers 25% – up to £5000 – to motorists buying a new plug-in car. Ministers have also re-confirmed there is funding secured for this grant until 2015.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Car buyers have had a year to take advantage of our grant and now it’s time for van buyers to get their chance to go electric. This is great news for businesses given the lower running costs of these vehicles – fleet buyers tell us that this is one of the most important factors influencing their decision on what to buy.”

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Supporting ultra-low carbon technology in vans makes sense. An upfront purchase grant, when combined with lower running costs and tax benefits, can make switching to an ultra-low carbon van an attractive choice for businesses. The technology also fits well with a large portion of the van market that rely on short urban trips to and from base.”

As of now ultra-low carbon van manufacturers will be able to apply to be part of the Plug-In Van Grant – which will help to improve local air quality in cities, reduce carbon emissions and meet Government carbon reduction targets.

To be eligible for the scheme, vans will have to meet performance criteria to ensure safety, range, and ultra-low tailpipe emissions. Consumers, both business and private will receive the discount at the point of purchase.

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Here at home, one of the most reliable indicators of an improving economy is the number of commercial vehicles on the roads. We need vans and trucks to move goods and enable us to carry out services, so if businesses are buying new CVs then that’s a good sign, isn’t it? Of course there are some gloom-mongers out there who say that industry is just catching up after a bad spell when CV sales fell, but then again, looked at another way, the fact that business IS catching up, is positive.

Over a quarter of a million vans were sold last year, a big increase on the just over 200,000 sold the previous year, and heavy truck sales were up to, so although the future will continue to be difficult, at least we’re moving in the right way.

As Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said: “The van and truck market has enjoyed a consistent growth throughout 2011. Renewed business confidence fuelled the month-on-month rises, while innovative developments in vehicle design and technologies provided solid business reasons for companies to upgrade their vehicles in 2011. There can be no room for complacency this year, government must deliver its growth strategy and help strengthen business and consumer confidence.”

Commercial Vehicle registrations to December
· In 2011 there were 260,153 vans to 3.5t registered, a boost of 16.7% on 2010. Van registrations were up 7.8% in December, trends varied across the segments, but heavier vans saw firm growth on a 2010.
· December was a remarkable month for truck registration volumes, up by 45%. The very recent trend for growth in two-axle rigids above 6t strengthened markedly. Growth rates ranged from 30 to 90% across the various weight segments for these trucks. Until very recently these sectors had lagged behind what was an artic and multi-axle rigid led recovery.
· For trucks >6t, December’s growth cemented a very positive result in a good year for the sector. Registrations for 2011 were 37,410 and 42,944 for all trucks over 3.5t. This better than expected trend in registration volumes faces significant challenges just to hold steady over 2012. It may be that market specific factors could be more supportive than the meagre rate of economic growth envisaged for this year.
· December’s truck registrations clearly gave an unseasonal and major boost to the year end.

The latest version of the 60 year old Toyota Land Cruiser has gone on sale with a new Euro-5, 4.5 litre V8 turbodiesel with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The new engine produces 286 bhp (200 kW) at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 650 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm.

Added driving refinement comes from the DPF which allows for the main exhaust silencer to be reduced in size and weight, improving fuel efficiency and reducing noise and vibration. Other measures have also been designed to reduce noise and vibration in the engine itself including the strategic use of insulation material between the injector system and head cover.

More importantly, the Land Cruiser can tow a full 3.5 tonnes, while adding to the car’s off-road ability is a whole range of new handling features which includes the world-first Turn Assist, which works in conjunction with Land Cruiser V8′s Crawl Control function, plus Multi-terrain Select (MTS), Multi-terrain Monitor and Tyre Angle Display.

Crawl Control helps the driver to make a slow, controlled descent or climb on steep slopes, or help free the vehicle should it become stranded while the Multi-terrain Select (MTS) automatically modifies the throttle, braking and traction control to suit off-road conditions to maximise traction and vehicle control.

MTS offers a choice of five terrain modes: Mud and Sand; Loose Rock; Mogul; Rock; and Dirt and Rock while the new Multi-terrain Monitor automatically displays a view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings on the multi-information screen. Using cameras fixed to the front sides and rear of the vehicle, images can be displayed on the monitor which shows the terrain immediately around the vehicle. Ideal when negotiating tight spots, or to save your feet getting mucky when you step outside to have a look!

Outwardly the new land Cruiser will be identified by a new front bumper with integrated fog lights and a new chrome and sliver embellished grille. New headlamp units incorporate LED daytime running lights and protruding turn indicators to increase their visibility to the side.

The cabin has also been upgraded with new trim options which include high-gloss wood grain trim elements, some piano black panels, new bright silver-finish details and white Optitron dials in the drivers binnacle that are backlit with blue illumination plus a large, colour TFT multi-information display.

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· Air conditioning
· Bluetooth connectivity
· Trip computer
· Electric windows
· Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
· Cruise control
· Body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors
· Wheel trims

The Match is available for both the standard Caddy and the long wheelbase Caddy Maxi (except 4MOTION and EcoFuel models) with prices starting from £14,110 (ex. VAT) and £16,060 (ex. VAT) respectively.

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Advanced Electric Vehicle Design, Based on the Award-Winning Nissan NV200, Makes World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan’s leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry.  Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO₂ footprint reduction. 

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.  “A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200.  The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”

As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.

“A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would energise the current compact van market in more ways than one – helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart financial investment for large and small businesses alike,” Murakami added.

NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV.  The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organisation dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs.  On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.”  The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue-accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents.  The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces.  Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment.  The exterior is painted in a customised colour, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue coloured accents and bright interior colour palette, while also retaining the NV200′s strong functional feeling.  The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

“The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form,” said Murakami.  “Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface.”

Zero Emission Drivetrain

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.

Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles.   In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Real World Testing Underway

In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets.  The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan.  Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx.  Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfil exact customer requirements.

Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”

As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries.  Future launches are planned for North America and India.  Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.

Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.

Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.

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