Van manufacturers provide one-stop-shop for conversions
Light commercial vehicle manufacturers are providing ever more off-the-shelf solutions for their fleet van customers. Exhibitors at the Commercial Vehicle Show this week in Birmingham, UK, heavily promoted their ability to deliver a wider range of vehicle conversions and livery directly from the factory or their dealer networks.
For more niche conversions, manufacturers are establishing small networks of approved suppliers to ensure that the warranties and aftersales service of conversions match OEM warranties.
Fiat Professional used the show to launch its new, manufacturer-approved converted business programme. This enables customers to order fully converted vehicles, including a dropside truck, one-way and three-way tippers, Luton and low-floor-Luton and utility cab, directly from the factory.
Citroen Ready to Run
Citroen already has what it calls its Ready to Run conversions range; and exhibited the two latest additions; a Crew Cab Tipper that can carry up to six people and offers a payload of 1,033kg, and a Crew Cab Van. The full Relay Ready to Run range also features a box body, curtainside, dropside, Luton, low-floor Luton and tipper. All the models have type approval and are included in the Citroën LCV price list, with a carry a three year/100,000 mile warranty covering the complete vehicle.
Peugeot Built for Business
The French manufacturer’s stablemate, Peugeot, offers a similar line-up of products built on its Boxer van, and called the Built for Business range. The tipper, dropside, Luton, box and curtainside body options can all be ordered from any Peugeot dealer or Business Centre.
Ford QVM
To satisfy demand for more niche vehicles, such as refrigerated vehicles and police cell vans, Ford has expanded its Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) programme, raising the total number of its approved vehicle converters to 15. The QVM converters have to meet Ford standards in both manufacture and quality control, and offer a warranty for the conversion that matches the warranty of the base Ford LCV upon which it is built. Ford’s own warranty terms.
Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said, “Businesses rely on the ability and durability of the Transit to earn a living, and as manufacturers of the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle we are sure that this diverse modification offering, fully approved by Ford, will help to develop and enhance the range even further.”
Renault Pro + Commercial Vehicles
Renault is now working with major customers to design and deliver vehicles directly from the factory that meet specific fleet needs. Its Tech Parcel delivery conversion for the Master, for example, was developed in association with delivery giants UPS to include a walk-through bulkhead which means the driver can access his cargo without getting out of the van. This saves time and minimises the risk of stepping into traffic. Likewise, the Master Pharma van is a Renault Tech conversion in collaboration with Alliance Healthcare. It features a fully washable, lightweight, insulated lining and floor, and is insulated to maintain a temperature of between 15-25ºC with a data recorder and temperature display to ensure the load hasn’t been compromised in transit.
Vincent Tourette, managing director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “Renault’s aim with LCVs is to offer professionals an easy, seamless experience with their van that enhances their business.”
Committed to making life easy for business customers, Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles announced a new sign writing livery service at the show. The service aims to accelerate the delivery time of new vans into fleet service by ensuring they arrive with corporate branding. Customers will have to order the sign writing at the same time or soon after they place their order for a vehicle, and the work will be carried out at Renault’s UK import centre.
