Van User - June 2022

vanuser JUNE 2022

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THE MAGAZINE FOR LCV FLEET OPERATORS

Is it time to put Britain in charge?

ITT HUB REVIEW | CV SHOW REVIEW | TOP TRUCKS

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JUNE 2022

Contents

Getting back to normal

D

o you attend commercial vehicle shows? Having recently been at both ITT Hub and the CV Show, I can reveal that actually, yes, there are still plenty of visitors to Dan Gilkes, these events and an appetitive editor for seeing new vehicles in the metal. Yet, there is no denying, that for many reasons, they are not what they used to be. The days of packing into four or five of the NEC’s halls for three days, then worrying that you haven’t managed to get around to everyone, are long gone.

Of course, at a time when manufacturers are struggling to build enough vans to meet existing demand, investing in an expensive show stand, to generate more customer leads, is possibly not that high on the agenda. Add in the fact that four leading brands now all come under the same company owner and when the decision is taken not to attend, it leaves four big holes on the show floor plan, rather than one.

If you missed either, or both, of these events don’t despair. There will be one more chance to catch up with at least some van brands, along with every truck builder in the UK, at a new event called the Road Transport Expo. This new event is being held at Stoneleigh Park, in Warwickshire, from June 30 to July 2. It will be interesting to see how it fares and we’ll certainly be taking a look at the end of the month.

Lastly, on perhaps a lighter note, does anyone really feel the need to return to imperial measurements? International delivery business ParcelHero called the move “immeasurably stupid” and there certainly seem to be more important problems for busy fleet managers to worry about. Politicians might also consider that if people are up in arms about diesel at £1.81 a litre, just imagine how they will feel when they realise that it is actually around £8.15 a gallon!

32 NEWS

25

4 SMMT calls for van charging plan 6 Van driver wins award at ITT Hub 6 Toyota to get heavy Stellantis van 6 Geofencing technology goes on trial

LAUNCH

ROAD TO ZERO

8 Toyota launches hybrid light commercial

25 Ohme calls for move to EV to save money

10 Renault Trucks to sell Trafic conversions

25 DPD goes all EV in 10 locations 25 Kia set to join the e-LCV market

6

FLEET MANAGEMENT 26 Rental & Leasing

31 REVIEW 13 Commercial Vehicle Show review 20 ITT Hub focuses on sustainability and decarbonisation

13

ROAD TEST 31 Top Trucks 32 Transporter Kombi

LONG-TERM ROAD TEST

CONTACTS Editor Dan Gilkes 07802 751473 dangilkes1@mac.com

Design and production Mark Shreeve 01502 725839 mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Editorial assistant Polly Coleman 01502 725840 polly.coleman@micropress.co.uk

Sales Manager Dan Rice T: 01502 725858 daniel.rice@micropress.co.uk

Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800 www.vanuser.co.uk Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd

34 Renault Trafic Sport+

20

34 JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 3

News SMMT calls for van charging plan

T

he Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is calling for a national ‘van plan’, to accelerate electric van uptake and meet government targets. Recent research by the organisation shows that 57% of van operators are anxious about going electric, due to fears that they won’t be able to access a public charging point when required.

Persuading van operators to switch to zero emission vehicles will be essential if Britain is to achieve its Net Zero targets, while keeping business moving. Vans directly support one in 10 workers across Britain, in every possible industry sector. With more than 4m vans on the roads, electrifying the fleet will substantially reduce the UK’s transport-related carbon emissions, while delivering cleaner air in cities.

Behind the market However, despite e-LCV uptake doubling in the last year, electric vans account for just one in 20 new van registrations, despite the fact that a third of all new vans can now be

“

Britain’s businesses run on vans and if we’re to deliver the nation’s carbon emission cuts, we need more of them to move to electric

4 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

had with a plug attached. That puts the van market around two years behind the passenger car sector, though petrol and diesel van sales have the same end date of 2030, or 2035 for hybrids.

“Britain’s businesses run on vans and if we’re to deliver the nation’s carbon emission cuts, we need more of them to move to electric,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT. “There’s an electric van to suit every business case, but we need a ‘van plan’ to ensure zero-emission driving works for millions of people, for whom their van is their livelihood and the millions more who rely on these workhorses for the delivery of their daily needs.

The automotive industry is getting these new technology vehicles into showrooms, we need government and other stakeholders to match our commitments to get them out on the road.”

Deferred decision With just one in eight van owners saying that they don’t ever plan to switch to electric, 88% of those questioned said they would transition to EV by 2035. However, a fifth of these owners said they would defer the decision for three to seven years. Around 58% of van operators said that they might be convinced to buy an e-LCV sooner, if there was a greater number of public charging points. The availability of

“

57% of van operators are anxious about going electric, due to fears that they won’t be able to access a public charging point when required. government incentives, such as reduced tax or grants towards purchase, would also steer 57% of those questioned towards an e-LCV.

Plug-in Van Grant E-LCV buyers currently benefit from the Plug-in Van Grant, worth up to £5,000 on larger vans. They can also access up to £350 to install charging points at their place of work. However, homeowners no longer receive a grant to install a home charging point, so van drivers working from home would need to pay up to £1,500 for a charging installation. With 41% of those asked saying that they had nowhere to charge a vehicle at home or in the depot, supporting both private and public chargepoint provision will be essential to get more operators interested in electric vans.

NEWS

Geofencing technology goes on trial Ford is trialling geofencing software that could automatically slow vehicles down when they reach a specified area, rather than relying on drivers to spot changing speed limit signs. Geofencing technology creates a virtual area, say around a school or hospital. As the vehicle enters that area, technology within the vehicle is already used to tell the driver, either on the dash or the infotainment screen, that the speed limit has changed.

Van driver wins award at ITT Hub Paul Simonds, of G4S Cash Solutions, has picked up the Van Driver of the Year 2022 award from Logistics UK. Following a day of competition at the ITT Hub show in Farnborough, Simonds fought off strong competition from 10 other finalists, also winning the Van Excellence Driver of the Year 2022 prize.

“The role of the van driver requires a multitude of skills,” said Kevin Green, marketing and com-

munications director at Logistics UK. “Drivers often have to navigate changing road spaces and time pressures while ensuring they demonstrate safe and efficient driving at all times.

The challenges entrants have taken part in as part of the competition were designed to replicate some of the skills needed in industry, including safe driving style, legislative knowledge and safe and efficient manoeuvring.”

Toyota to get heavy Stellantis van Stellantis and Toyota have announced that the Japanese firm will add the largest Stellantis model to its growing van line-up, completing the range by the middle of 2024. Toyota already puts its badge on the compact and mid-weight models, also sold

by Stellantis firms Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Fiat Professional. The largest model, in both diesel and electric forms, will complete the Toyota offer.

The current Peugeot e-Boxer, Citroen e-Relay and Vauxhall Movano-e have been updated, with the option of a larger 75kWh battery, which adds 15 miles to the overall driving range. This puts the large vans at up to 154 miles of operating range, without any effect on payload or load volume. The 75kWh battery, which replaces the previous 70kWh unit, is offered on both 3.5 and 4.0-tonne models.

Prices are unchanged for 3.5-tonne models from all three manufacturers, while Peugeot and Citroen have reduced the price of the 4.0-tonne models, by £8,770. All three of the van brands are eligible for the Plug-in Van Grant, cutting a further £5,000 from the price of the vehicles. Stellantis sister company Fiat Professional uses its own electric driveline in the E-Ducato.

6 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

At the other end of the scale, Citroen has also announced pricing for the Ami Cargo, compact e-LCV. The last-mile delivery compact van is offered at £7,995 OTR. It delivers up to 46 miles of zero-emission travel and can be recharged in just three hours. In place of the passenger seat, the Ami Cargo has a modular storage area that can be configured for a variety of business needs.

Automatically slow By taking this a stage further, the vehicle could automatically slow to match the new speed limit, reducing the chance of drivers being fined for breaking speed limits and increasing safety on the road for all users.

“Connected vehicle technology has the proven potential to help make everyday driving easier and safer to benefit everyone, not just the person behind the wheel,” said Michael Huynh, manager of City Engagement Germany, for Ford of Europe.

“Geofencing can ensure speeds are reduced where and when necessary, to help improve road safety and create a more pleasant environment.”

The 12-month trial, using E-Transits in Cologne, Germany, builds on recent Ford research projects that attempt to improve road safety, including connected traffic light technology, that could automatically offer green lights to emergency vehicles.

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LAUNCH | TOYOTA COROLLA COMMERCIAL

Toyota launches hybrid light commercial

T

oyota Professional has added to its growing line of vans, with a commercial version of the Corolla estate car. Built at the firm’s Burneston plant near Derby, the Corolla Commercial follows the well-proven path of removing the rear seats and blanking out the rear side windows to create a load-carrying area. A flat load platform is added, along with a steel bulkhead to protect front seat occupants.

The result is a 1.3m3 load volume, that can be easily accessed through the rear hatchback or the two side rear doors. Payload is a reasonable 425kg and the van can tow up to 750kg if required. The load floor comes with a tough rubber covering and there is a 12V power outlet in the load area.

While manufacturers have turned their passenger car models into vans before, this is believed to be the first LCV with a petrol hybrid driveline, offering buyers a stepping-stone to electric motoring, without taking the plunge with a full BEV model. Seen as a concept at last year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, the resulting positive reaction from customers has led 8 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

Toyota to build the van.

The Corolla is built on the same line as the passenger models, before being moved to a Business Revenue Centre within the plant, for the conversion to an LCV. The centre has the ability to install a range of options, including towbars and additional lighting.

The Corolla is powered by Toyota’s established 1.8-litre petrol hybrid driveline. This uses an Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and an electric motor/generator, to provide an output of 120hp. The engine produces 142Nm of torque, which is then backed-up by a further 163Nm of torque from the 53kW motor.

The electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, but there is no need to plug the van in to the mains to charge, as the energy is created by the generator within the car. The self-charging hybrid driveline promises WLTP fuel figures of 55.6-61.4mpg, with a CO2 output of just 105-115g/km.

The vehicle pulls away on electric power only, up to around 15mph, when the petrol engine joins in. Reverse gear only ever uses electric drive. The drivcontinued on p10

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LAUNCH | TOYOTA COROLLA COMMERCIAL

continued from p8 er can select an EV only mode, with the electric motor capable of running the van up to 70mph if there is sufficient battery power. However, in normal use, both power sources work together when cruising, also creating electrical energy that can be stored for use later.

The hybrid system also uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery, with a B setting on the gear lever adding to the regenerative force available. While the driver can take control of driving and regenerative modes, they can also simply get in, select forward gear and drive, with no additional training required.

The Corolla Commercial comes in a single Icon trim level, with an 8” multimedia display offering smartphone integration and a reversing camera.

There are auto headlights and heated, power-adjustable door mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning, heated seats and a host of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance systems in the specification.

This includes a comprehensive pre-collision system with emergency braking, intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, lane trace assist, automatic high beam lights, road sign assist and seven airbags in the cab. Toyota suggests that, as with other vans in the line-up, the Corolla Commercial will start out as a single trim model,

“

but that it could evolve into a second, higher trim if there is customer demand in about a year’s time.

For now, there is certainly demand While for dealer demonstrations, with potenmanufacturers tial buyers including local authorities, have turned paramedics, dog handlers and service engineers, for whom the car-like ap- their passenger pearance and load-carrying ability are car models into the ideal combination. For companies, vans before, this the hybrid driveline also offers a move is believed to be towards carbon reduction and electric the first LCV with drive, without having to go all the way a petrol hybrid to a possibly unsuitable or impractical driveline full electric van.

The good news is that Toyota Pro-

fessional has booked build slots on the Burnaston line, so meeting demand, without an extended lead time, should be possible. The Corolla Commercial has a CVOTR price of £22,149, or can be had on a fully maintained Kinto contract hire agreement for just £261 per month.

The van comes with a threeyear/60,000-mile warranty, but also qualifies for the firm’s Relax extended warranty. As long as it is serviced by a Toyota professional dealer, that is extended by 12-months/10,000 miles a year, to a maximum of 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Renault Trucks to sell Trafic conversions Renault Trucks, which currently markets the Renault Master heavy van under its Red Edition brand, is to sell the smaller Trafic van in a similar way. As with the larger model, the Trafic Red Edition will be available in a wide range of body styles, including short and long wheelbases, with low and high roof options. There will also be double cabs in L1 and L2 variants, a platform cab and a floor cab on the L2 chassis for a range of conversions.

There will be 2.8 and 3.1-tonne gross weights and load volumes in the panel vans will stretch to 8.9m3. Maximum payload is around 1,300kg and the vans can tow up to 2.5 tonnes. However, as with Master, expect the truck business to offer some unusual conversions, from its wide network of specialist body builders.

There will be four engine outputs on offer, from 110170hp from the 2.0-litre diesel engine and Renault Trucks is making the automatic transmission standard, though a manual gearbox will be offered as an option. There will be a limited-time launch offer available until the end of the year, to include the vehicle, a Start & Drive maintenance contract and financing.

10 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

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CV SHOW REVIEW

Commercial Vehicle Show review The Commercial Vehicle Show returned to the NEC in Birmingham last month. Though smaller in size and with less vehicle manufacturers than in previous years, the show was certainly popular with visitors, with packed aisles across the three days. These were some of the highlights that we spotted.

Ford partners with construction charity Along with the launch of the Ford Pro commercial vehicle business and the first opportunity for many buyers to see the new E-Transit and the next generation Ranger, Ford joined forces with construction industry charity the Lighthouse Club and Balfour Beatty, to launch Make It Visible, a campaign designed to combat construction worker suicide.

As many as two construction workers a day in the UK and Ireland take their own lives, according to the Office for National Statistics. Despite the extensive physical measures taken on site to protect workers, many are unaware of the mental help and support that is also available through the Lighthouse Club.

“This campaign is hugely important to Ford and highlights the importance of mental wellbeing alongside physical wellbeing on the construction site,”

said Mandy Dean, director, commercial vehicles at Ford of Britain.

“These highly distinguishable vans will be visiting sites across the country to deliver visible support to the boots on the ground workforce. The vehicles are manned by the Lighthouse Club’s onsite team, who are all Mental Health First Aiders with relatable experiences in the construction industry,” said Bill Hill, CEO of the charity.

Unsurprisingly, Ford’s stand dominated the main hall at the show, with numerous examples of the new E-Transit on display. The company also had the next generation Ranger, in Raptor and Wildtrak trims, on show, alongside other vans and pickups from the range, including the latest Transit Connect, which was making its UK show debut. Ford was keen to explain to customers the benefits of Ford Pro, a complete eco-system covering new vehicles, charging, software, finance and service.

“

As many as two construction workers a day in the UK and Ireland take their own lives, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Maxus launches first electric pick-up Maxus pulled one of the few genuine surprises at this year’s CV Show, with the launch of a full electric pick-up. The T90EV is a rear-wheel drive truck with an 88.55kWh battery pack. A 150kW motor is attached to the rear axle, capable of providing a WLTP City range of up to 198 miles.

The double-cab pick-up has a payload capacity of 740kg, with a gross weight of 3,300kg. It rides on 17” alloy wheels and comes with a reversing camera, LED daytime running lights and a comfortable cab with 10.25” infotainment screen. The T90EV will be available to order from August, with continued on p15 JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 13

Isuzu Grafter

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The 3.5T Grafter chassis cab is available with either single or twin rear wheels. The standard ‘Driveaway’ vehicle body options include Dropside, Tipper and Utilitruck.

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CV SHOW REVIEW

continued from p13 full pricing and specifications available nearer the time. Deliveries to UK customers are expected by Q1 of 2023.

The company also introduced its first electric MPV people-carrier at the show, in the distinctive shape of the MIFA 9. This six-seater boasts a 93kWh battery pack and a 180kW motor, promising up to 323 miles of driving range. Indeed, alongside these two newcomers, every vehicle on the Maxus stand this year was battery powered, with a wide range of eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9 models now offered and a host of conversions on show, from minibuses and tippers, to welfare vehicles and an RAC rescue van.

Maxus captured 11% of the rapidly growing eLCV market in the UK last year and the electric pick-up should add to that total when it arrives in 2023.

“The Maxus brand is synonymous with market-leading commercial electric vehicles, which is a very strong position for a brand that is relatively new,” said Mark Barrett, general manager of importer Harris Maxus.

“EVs accounted for more than 36% of Maxus registrations over the past 12 months and the growth and interest in EV vans, particularly from the grocery, delivery and pharmaceutical sectors is phenomenal.”

“

To create the UK’s first real-time national database capturing the scale and nature of van crime

TVL calls for national database Van security specialist TVL Security is urging fleets that fall victim to van crime, to contribute to a national online database that is being backed by the police. The ‘Tell TVL’ initiative calls on companies that have had their vans stolen, or items stolen from vans, to report full details including images at www.tellTVL.co.uk, as well as reporting the crime to the police.

The data will be securely stored, as agreed with the National Business Crime Centre, to create the UK’s first real-time national database capturing the scale and nature of van crime. Registered users will be able to get free anonymised data reports highlighting crime hotspots and receive targeted crime prevention advice, based on trends in entry methods, so drivers can be alert to all potential risks.

“Unfortunately, van crime in towns and cities across the UK continues to soar and we are often the first port of call for drivers and fleets looking to increase security after falling victim to theft,” said TVL Security’s managing director, Laura Moran.

“That means, on a daily basis, we see how much these crimes impact hard-working employees, sole traders and business owners. But because police databases are organised regionally, there isn’t a true national picture of the scale of the problem. There isn’t a standard way to capture details of van crime, including methods used to gain entry, so drivers and owners don’t currently know what to look out for.”

Tell TVL launched at the CV Show and will be hosted in partnership with continued on p16 JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 15

CV SHOW REVIEW continued from p15 the International Security Register (ISR) guaranteeing that data provided won’t be shared with anyone except the police. Website users, who aren’t obliged to give their contact details, will also be able to access the latest vehicle crime prevention advice from the National Business Crime Centre.

“Our hope is that by putting the spotlight on this very real issue affecting thousands of British businesses every week, together we will be able to prevent even more from becoming victims,” said Moran.

“We think it’s about time drivers and fleet owners were given a chance to join forces against the criminals who cause them so much damage, financially and emotionally.”

Toyota broadens LCV offer Toyota Professional took the opportunity to show its Corolla Commercial in production trim, (tested on pg 8) alongside a growing range of light commercial vehicles. One customer seeing the compact van for the first time immediately ordered 30 of the car-based LCVs. The revised line-up included a Hilux GR Sport, a new grade for the ever-popular pick-up. As well as cosmetic updates to the Hilux, the truck gets upgraded suspension, with new monotube shock absorbers and front springs. The changes are designed to provide improved damping performance with faster response. The Hilux GR Sport is based on the 2.8-litre model, delivering 204hp and 500Nm of torque.

Of more interest to fleet van buyers will be the news of upcoming ex-

16 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

pansion at the Special Vehicle Operations workshops at Toyota’s Burneston plant near Derby. The SVO team is increasing the personalisation and customisation offer available on Corolla Commercial, Proace and Proace City, including Type Approval if required.

Customers will be able to order a wider range of towbars, additional lighting and other accessories directly from the factory, reducing delivery times.

LEVC signs up Geotab for telematics LEVC will equip all of its VN5 range-extended electric vans with Geotab fleet management and telematic systems. LEVC Telematics, as the system will be known, will take information from the vehicle’s on-board systems and transfer directly to the customer’s device or desktop, through the MyGeotab dashboard.

Customers will have 12 months of free access to the Geotab service, worth £300, with every new LEVC vehicle. They can then choose whether to subscribe or not. Data supplied includes battery state of charge, mileage trends, driving styles and vehicle utilisation levels and fleet managers can access the information in real-time or later on. The MyGeotab dashboard offer customisable reports, that can be used to maximise vehicle utilisation, reduce unplanned downtime and reduce charging costs.

“Our integration with LEVC means that their next generation of taxis and vans will be true connected vehicles,” said David Savage, Geotab’s vice president, UK and Ireland.

“

The Hilux GR Sport is based on the 2.8-litre model, delivering 204hp and 500Nm of torque.

“Geotab understands that data isn’t much use without context. By focusing on analysis and visualisation, LEVC’s customers will spend less time measuring and more time improving productivity and enhancing safety.”

Locks 4 Vans adds to award-winning line-up Security specialist Locks 4 Vans was celebrating the award of Sold Secure’s highest grade for vehicle security, Automotive Diamond, for its L4V Statement Lock. The highly visible Statement Lock has been further improved, making it even more resistant to cutting or drilling.

The company has also achieved Sold Secure’s Gold accreditation for its latest Hook Lock, which again, is specifically designed to resist drilling. The hook has been upgraded to incorporate laminate technology, for a stronger mechanism, which is more resistant to fracture.

Business development director Terry Rayner commented on the rising demand for additional security in the LCV market.

“Crime has not reduced,” he said.

“The last year has been a big year for us and around 50% of our business continued on p18

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CV SHOW REVIEW continued from p16 has been retro-fit, after an incident has happened.”

Locks 4 Vans has also moved into box body and trailer security, creating a range of locking devices for automotive roller shutters and trailer doors. These are designed to be fitted at source by the body builder and are proving an increasingly popular option, particularly in the parcel and last-mile delivery business.

Looking further ahead, the company is working on new technologies, including electronic locking devices, with geofenced opening just one of the features expected to be announced later this year.

Ring Automotive adds to charger range Vehicle lighting and electronics supplier Ring, has expanded its SmartCharge range with the launch of two workshop and showroom chargers, capable of delivering 50A and 60A of continuous charging. The 60A RSCP60T is compatible with stop/start alternators and it comes with fully insulated high capacity battery clamps, built-in thermal and overload protection.

The RSCP60T has been designed for mixed fleets, capable of delivering 12V and 24V charging in three stages, to help speed up charging times,” said Henry Bisson, marketing director at Ring.

“It’s a three-in-one professional charging solution, with a 60A charger, 540A jump starter and 30A continuous battery support.”

Modul-System looks to an electric future Racking and van conversion specialist Modul-System was just one of the many companies basing its latest products on an electric van chassis. Built on an E-Transit base, the company was keen to show the full range of equipment available to van users and the integration available through its Modul Connect Pro electrical system.

Far more than a way to control electrical components on board, the Connect pro system provides reporting to fleet managers for both ICE and EV vans, from speeding to overloading, if a weigh loading system is supplied.

The system can also be tied into temperature sensors, for pharmaceutical users and others for whom guaranteed temperature-control is vital.

As with other racking and conversion companies at the show, Modul-System was keen to point out that its floor18 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

“

D-Max trucks customised to fit their specific fleet needs

ing and racking can be installed without having to drill into the van itself, through bonded flooring and adjustable racking mounting rails.

Though based on Ford’s latest e-LCV, which is equipped with the ProPower electrical outlets, Modul System had chosen to fit its own auxiliary batteries to power systems on the van, so as not to affect driving range.

The secondary batteries charge at the same time as the traction battery, so there is no additional work for drivers.

Isuzu heads for Basecamp Building on the recently introduced Arctic Trucks AT35 pick-up, Isuzu demonstrated just what might be possible in terms of conversion of its latest D-Max, literally throwing the sink at its AT35 Basecamp concept. This

expedition-ready vehicle featured a roof-mounted SkyCamp Mini 3.0 tent, sitting atop a Gearmate hardtop canopy with gullwing doors and rear access. The truck had an ARB Outback Solutions modular rollout drawer system, with a fridge and a slide-out kitchen, including a three-burner gas stove and that kitchen sink.

“Built to conquer all types of landscapes and be a true adventure vehicle, Basecamp demonstrates the aspirational nature of the AT35,” said Brian Wheeler, PR and product manager at Isuzu UK. While attracting plenty of attention at the show, the truck also demonstrated just what is possible from Isuzu’s fleet preparation centre, where customers can have D-Max trucks customised to fit their specific fleet needs.

ITT HUB REVIEW

ITT Hub focuses on sustainability and decarbonisation Dan Gilkes , reports from this year’s show

T

he second Innovation and TechRENAULT TRUCKS nology in Transport (ITT) Hub Renault Trucks took the wraps off exhibition took place in May, at a last-mile delivery solution, that it the Farnborough International conclaims offers three different types of ference centre. More than 3,800 extransportation in one, all of which hibitors and visitors attended the can be zero-carbon emitting. Based two-day event, which focused on around a 3.5-tonne, long wheelThere was also plenty innovation, sustainability and base Master E-Tech electric chasfor visitors to see, decarbonisation. Trudy Harrisis, the OptiModale features a with a strong mix of son MP, Parliamentary Under Low Loader Luton body from exhibitors keen to Secretary of State for the Deconverter Horton Commercials. discuss the future partment of Transport chose the With a range of racking opof logistics and event to announce £200m in govtions inside the van body, the Opdistribution. ernment funding for zero-emission tiModale has a shutter door on the HGV trials. The sum aims to help the left-hand side that when opened, relogistics industry on its journey of deveals an eBullitt electric Cargo bike. carbonisation. There was also plenty The vehicle is equipped with an elecfor visitors to see and discuss, with a tric hoist that allows drivers of any size strong mix of exhibitors keen to discuss to lift the cargo bike safely in and out of the future of logistics and distribution. this storage area. A second sliding door 20 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

“

above the e-cargo bike hold, reveals a pull-out landing pad for a UVATEK parcel-carrying drone.

“The E-Tech Master OptiModale is a two-person operation, offering the flexibility of delivering larger parcels by van, while the second team member takes the eBullitt cargo bike for lastmile deliveries, where congestion is at its worst. Additionally, the drone provides rapid deployment for urgent situations, such as delivering vital drugs or supplies to challenging locations,” said Grahame Neagus, head of LCV at Renault Trucks.

The Master E-Tech platform cab chassis is powered by a 33kWh battery pack, delivering a range of up to 80 miles and an 800kg payload capacity.

A larger 52kWh battery is also offered, for those looking to travel further, but with a reduced load. The eBullitt cargo bike can carry up to 100kg of parcels, while the drone is capable of hauling high value loads of up to 2kg.

When packed away inside the van body, both the e-bike and the drone can be plugged in and recharged from the van’s battery. The van also carries a second battery for the e-bike, so that one can be charged while the other is being used. Each e-bike battery offers up to 30 miles of assisted range. continued on p22

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continued from p20 While a cargo drone might sound like something from a distant future, there are currently moves across the country to develop dedicated drone flying routes. Coventry, close to Renault Trucks’ Warwick base, is among the first local authorities to be building a specific cargo drone port. Air-One, in the heart of the city, is the world’s first fully-operational hub for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, such as air taxis and cargo drones.

The OptiModale may also sound like a concept for the far-off future. However, the vehicle is available for sale today and it can be tailored to the specific requirements of the customer in terms of internal storage and racking.

“By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution, that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market and can be replicated anywhere in the world,” said Neagus.

MICHELIN AIMS FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT SECTOR

INNOVATION AUTOMOTIVE ADDS CHASSIS CAB TO EV LINE-UP

Hot on the heels of the launch of the DFSK EC35 electric van, by new business Innovation Automotive (IA), the company has shown the EC31 chassis cab. The Chinese built chassis was equipped with a dropside body, but could be fitted with a wide range of conversions to suit individual customer needs. The truck is powered by the same 39kWh battery as the EC35 panel van, offering up to 160 miles when fitted with a 50mph speed limiter.

IA is offering customers a low-cost entry into the e-LCV market, with the possibility of leasing and financing partners to help get customers started on the transition to an electric future.

Michelin Connected Fleet is a new umbrella brand for all of the Michelin Group’s fleet management services and solutions. The business already processes data from around 300 million commercial vehicle journeys, by more than 600,000 vehicles each year, through the Masternaut brand in Europe, NexTraq in North America and Sascar in South America. a real-time view of their vehicles and “Customer support is what differenthe goods being carried. This helps to tiates us from the market,” said Matt maximise vehicle utilisation, reduce Childs, operational marketing manoperating costs and improve road ager for the UK and France. safety through feedback on driv“We are focused on helping er behaviour. fleet managers to accelerate their Data can be used to anticipate Data management business with performance analmaintenance requirements, helpis vital when ysis services, based on smart data ing to reduce downtime, while the it comes to and tools, which lead to better insystem can also monitor heavy running a fleet sights and better visibility.” goods vehicle tyre pressures and The company collects vehicle temperatures, to reduce the likelidata through a range of on-board telehood of roadside breakdowns. The commatic systems, to give fleet managers pany has a team of Michelin Connected

“

GEOTAB ASSESSES EV SUITABILITY FOR FLEETS Fleet management specialist Geotab has added an Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) add-on to its monthly subscription model. Designed to help fleet managers that are considering moving part or all of their fleet to battery electric power, the EVSA matches a fleet’s existing telematic user data, to real-world EV performance data.

The EVSA analyses a fleet’s use over 6-12 months, creating an electrification 22 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

recommendation based on each vehicle’s individual driving characteristics. The recommendation uses all available EV data, to decide whether a specific e-LCV would be a suitable replacement for an existing vehicle.

The analysis looks at vehicle type, range capability and projected savings in operation, allowing managers to see if it is possible to change a particular van to electric and what the cost, or cost savings, might be.

Fleet experts helping to deliver performance analysis to customers.

“This means that we are perfectly placed to help customers master the management of their fleets and improve their operations,” said Childs.

The company is also developing analysis that will help fleets in the transition to electric vehicle use, as customers work towards more sustainable mobility. This also includes helping customers to determine which vehicles in their fleets might be viably moved to electric power, within existing operating conditions or with minimal change to working routine.

Michelin Connected Fleet is offering potential customers the opportunity to pilot the telematic system for up to 40 days, across five vehicles, for free.

“Data management is vital when it comes to running a fleet,” said Gilson Santiago, Michelin Connected Fleet CEO. “As technology develops, our expertise in data analysis allows us to meet our customers’ requirements as precisely as possible, to assist them in their activities.”

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ROAD TO ZERO

Ohme calls for move to EV to save money Smart charging provider Ohme claims that companies should electrify their van fleets to reduce running costs. With sales of e-LCVs growing rapidly, up 65% on 2021, there is a much wider choice of vehicles available to buyers. According to Ohme, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show that average van mileage is around 13,000 miles a year, with more than half of those vehicle remaining local and within 15 miles of base.

Reduce running costs “At a time when everyone’s focus is on the high fuel prices at the pumps, companies switching their van fleets towards electric is an easy and obvious way to considerably reduce their running costs,” said Peter McDonald, director of mobility at Ohme.

“Ohme’s Home Pro smart charger can help companies to considerably reduce their running costs for those charging on a smart tariff, but also help make them more sustainable by charging when renewable energy generation on the grid is at its highest.”

DPD goes all EV in 10 locations Parcel delivery firm DPD is now operating an all-electric service in 10 towns and cities across the UK and is aiming for 30 locations by the end of next year. Oxford was DPD’s first green city, opening in July 2021 with a fleet of 40 electric vehicles working from its Bicester depot. The company has since opened all-EV sites in Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Hull, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Southampton and Stoke.

Progress is underway to add a further 15 locations, two-years earlier than originally planned, by the end of 2023. The company has invested £90m in EV vehicles so far, including an order for 1,000 Ford E-Transits announced last month. That will bring the e-LCV fleet to 2,500 vehicles.

“Since opening the UK's first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster in 2018, we have grown

our electric fleet year on year, despite some of the issues that have held us back, such as the lack of righthand drive EVs for the UK market,” said Elaine Kerr, UK CEO. “We are now seeing improved availability of larger electric vans, which is what we need. As a result, it is fantastic to be able to extend our original pledge to 30 locations and two years earlier than planned.

“By targeting major town and city centres with our electric vehicles, we can make a significant difference to emissions in those locations and help improve air quality where it is most needed. In addition to buying the vehicles and investing in charging infrastructure, we continue to optimise our routing and operation, to create the smartest possible delivery system and reduce our overall miles per parcel.”

Kia set to join the e-LCV market South Korean manufacturer Kia looks set to join the electric van sector, with the opening of a manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of electric Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV). The company aims to bring new electric PBVs to the market in 2025 and the facility will eventually be able to produce up to 100,000 vehicles a year.

Kia’s first PBV will be based on the firm’s eS skateboard platform, that can accommodate various model sizes. The company aims to diversify into PBVs for general logistics, fresh food delivery, multi-seat shuttles and larger vehicles that can be used as mobile offices and shops.

JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 25

FLEET MANAGEMENT | RENTAL & LEASING

Q&A VanUser: Could you give an idea of the size of your LCV fleet and whether that is increasing in importance for Hireco, having moved into the light market in 2020?

Hireco: Our current LCV fleet size is 450 assets. We have further orders for 235 new vehicles throughout 2022, to include a number of high specification welfare vans converted by Overlander Vehicles.

VU: How are you seeing demand in 2022, given that so many companies are unable to source new vehicles from manufacturers and are you also suffering from supply problems from van builders?

Hireco: Demand appears to have stabilised and is now steady for rental and leasing. Manufacturing issues have caused an increased capital cost on all assets, as a consequence these additional cost are now forcing rental and leasing rates upwards. Our early interaction and ordering with our manufacturing partners has allowed us to maintain supply to our current and potential customers.

26 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

Commercial vehicle leasing specialist Hireco is building a strong presence in the LCV sector, particularly with conversions and electric vehicles. Hireco head of new fleet Scott McMinigle and LCV sales’ Poppy Lowe talk to Van User.

VU: Are you seeing increasing demand for electric LCVs and if so for which industry sectors?

Hireco: The E-LCV sector is growing, driven by a need for greener solutions to transport and a move towards a CO2 reduction, in particular for clean air zones across the UK. The growth is predominately through the use in urban environments. Panel vans make up a large part of this growth. Two of the main factors for adoption are mileage range and the availability of a centralised charging operation. We have seen E-LCVs being used in various sectors, but predominately in parcel carrying industries.

One of Hireco’s welfare vans

VU: You offer a range of specialist conversions, such as utility, chiller, welfare. Is this an increasing part of the business?

Hireco: These specialist conversions are very important to Hireco, allowing us to provide added value services to our customers. Welfare vans in particular are a value-added solution, we have 50-70 vans converted per annum through our group business Overlander Vehicles. We see this as a growing market for the future. continued sourceon> p28 finance >

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FLEET MANAGEMENT | RENTAL & LEASING

continued from p26 VU: How easy is it for you to provide conversions at present, with the delays that companies are experiencing in the bodybuilder market?

Hireco: There are delays and increased cost for sure, but access to our own business, Overlander Vehicles, allows us to provide very high specification conversions, with minimal delays.

VU: You offer a range of services, from sourcing, financing and maintaining vehicles, to disposal.

Is this the most popular working with van customers?

Hireco: Hireco chooses to focus on a solution-driven sell to our current and potential customers. We want to allow the individual businesses to focus on their own expertise, letting Hireco take the stress and strain from each element of each van acquisition. We also provide data driven services, through tracking, tyre pressure monitoring and fault diagnostics, further allowing our customers to access information and data that will enhance their operation.

We have flexible packages, giving options as required to aid and assist each individual customer.

VU: How does Hireco see the LCV rental and leasing market developing through the rest of this year and into 2023?

Hireco: With the supply of new vehicles beginning to open up again, we believe the market place for new high quality vans will continue to grow for the next 12 months. Rental rates may have to increase to take into account the additional capital cost on LCV purchases, these cost increases being directly correlated to the war in Ukraine, component supply issues and commodity shortages. Prices for van purchases for 2023 are already showing large increases, this will further impact rates to the end user.

LeasePlan shows off Arrival van LeasePlan gave visitors to the recent CV Show a chance to see the upcoming Arrival electric van, for which the company will be the preferred operational leasing partner. The partnership is based on an initial order for 3,000 of the e-LCVs, which will be offered to customers over the coming months.

Northgate opts for electric Mercedes To meet growing demand from customers, Northgate Vehicle Hire will add 350 Mercedes-Benz e-Vito electric vans to its fleet this year. With the first of the new vans arriving in the coming weeks, the e-Vitos form part of Northgate’s wider drive towards fleet electrification.

vanuser

This includes fleet suitability analysis for customers, the provision of charging solutions including infrastructure management and a range of servicing, maintenance and driver training support.

“After the huge success onboarding electric vans with our customers in 2021, we are continuing to grow our eLCV fleet with the 350 new e-Vito vans,” said Neil McCrossan, Northgate’s sales and marketing director.

“We are proud to be the first mobility solutions provider to offer these state-ofthe-art electric vans in the UK. The ongoing analysis of the mileage data produced across our customers’ fleets proves that the range provided by the e-Vito is more than practical for their daily usage. With a good payload and 6m3 of load space, the e-Vito is already proving a popular choice with companies looking to onboard their first EVs to their fleets.”

vanuser JUNE 2022

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Is it time to put Britain in charge?

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ROAD TEST | STORMTRAK/RAPTOR

TOP TRUCKS On paper, these two Ford trucks offer much the same package, but in practice they are chalk and cheese, says Dan Gilkes

T

he market for ever-higher specification pick-ups seems to show little sign of diminishing and Ford seems equally happy to supply buyers with an ever-wider range of options. When a Ranger Wildtrak simply isn’t exclusive enough, you have two options, the Stormtrak special edition, or a Raptor, now in SE trim.

Powertrain Both of these trucks use Ford’s bi-turbo 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, in range-topping 213hp form, with 500Nm of torque. This drives through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with manual changing controlled through a thumb switch on the lever head in the Stormtrak and through full paddles in the Raptor.

Despite the identical output, the Raptor feels considerably swifter than the Stormtrak, possibly due to the difference in gearing from the larger tyre/smaller wheel combination.

Surprisingly, both in terms of acceleration and when cruising, the taller model delivers the better driving experience.

Load carrying capacity One of the reasons that we have shied away from testing the Raptor before, is that it was developed as much for its off-road performance as its on-road presence. This was achieved by dumping the standard truck’s leaf springs, for special racing springs and dampers.

The downside of this move was a drop in carrying capacity, to just 620kg, versus the 1-tonne plus that is possible in the Stormtrak. That means that you can’t reclaim the VAT on the Raptor model, making its hefty £55,000 price tag even harder for a business user to swallow.

Likewise, the trailer capacity of the high-riding truck drops from 3.5-tonnes in the Stormtrak, down to 2.5-tonnes.

In the cab Unsurprisingly, both come with pretty much everything thrown at the cab interior. Heated leather seating, with individual model trim and twin-zone climate control are just the starting points. Throw in Ford’s SYNC3 navigation and infotainment system, reversing cameras and sensors and a host of ADAS driver assistance systems and you have a very comfortable driving environment.

On the road As mentioned, the Raptor suspension has been designed to allow the truck to float across rutted off-road terrain. However, those softer, high-riding springs also make on-road driv-

ing much more comfortable. The Raptor really is all-day luxurious on the road.

That’s not to say that the Stormtrak is not, it too provides a very comfortable driving experience, just one that is much the same as other, less expensive models in the Ranger line-up.

Conclusion While the Ranger Stormtrak was everything that we thought it would be, the Ranger Raptor SE was far more than expected. I drove the big truck from Suffolk to the other side of Brussels and back and would happily do so again tomorrow.

On paper and by any sensible business metric, the Stormtrak is the more obvious purchase, thanks mainly to its VAT-reclaimable 1.0-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. Yet, you can get 95% of the same truck in Wildtrak or even Limited trim, for considerably less outlay.

If the VAT issue is not your primary concern and you have no need to be fully laden all the time, the Raptor SE makes a surprisingly strong case for itself. It could just be the best pick-up we’ve driven in a very long time.

Van User Rating – 4.5 JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 31

ROAD TEST | TRANSPORTER KOMBI

People carrier Carrying people and goods in style is the job of the Sportline Kombi, says Dan Gilkes

J

ust when you thought you had reached peak Transporter, with the Sportline van that we tested in March, Volkswagen has taken things a step further with a Kombi version of that same van. Raising the bar even higher, the test van is a Black Edition of the Sportline trim, with matt black wheels and side bars.

Powertrain The Kombi uses the same bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel, with its 204hp and 450Nm of torque. The seven-speed, dual-clutch DSG automated transmission is standard too, making for a refined and rapid driveline.

It really is a smooth engine and a pleasure to drive, though you have to keep an eye on the dash on dual carriageways and motorways, as it is easy to push the boundaries.

Load carrying capacity Where some manufacturers, like Ford, put a hard bulkhead in behind the second row of seats in a Kombi, Volkswagen chooses not to. That means that, with folding and removable rear seating, it is possible to turn the Kombi into a full-size van if desired. It also results in a 1,039kg payload, so VAT registered

32 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

“

businesses will be able to claim the tax back on the purchase.

The downside of this move is that, despite a fitted floor covering, there is As a rangeno getting away from the road noise topping model, coming from the load area. It’s not too the Sportline bad at lower speeds on smoother surwants for faces, but on the scarred concrete of the nothing in lower end of the M25 around London it the cab. was really noticeable and not the sort of intrusive noise level that you might expect of a van with this sort of price tag.

You are never left wanting when it comes to acceleration and the adaptive cruise control helps to smooth out those all too regular stop/start journeys on the UK’s crowded motorway network.

For such a big vehicle, the handling is also surprisingly sharp, thanks no doubt to the lowered suspension and wider wheels.

Conclusion If the Sportline van was eye-wateringly expensive, it will come as little surprise to find that adding a second row of seating does little to sweeten that particular bitter pill. However, as a mixed-use vehicle for a company owner or management level driver, the VW Kombi continues to offer an impressive mix of capabilities.

Used market hero status is also assured, which should keep residual values well above its lesser stablemates.

In the cab As a range-topping model, the Sportline wants for nothing in the cab, with Nappa Leather and Alcantara heated seating, the Discover Media system with 8” touchscreen and Volkswagen’s impressive Digital Dash. Adaptive Cruise Control and a crystal-clear rear-view camera with parking sensors are also part of the standard trim, though for some reason you would have to pay an extra £245 for Road Sign Recognition.

Basic price £48,635 Engine 2.0-litre bi-turbo TDi Euro 6D Power 204hp @ 4,000rpm Torque 450Nm @ 1,400-2,250rpm

On the road As with the Sportline van that we tried recently, the Kombi is in an exclusive group of very high trim vans that not only look great, but have the power and driving ability to match those looks.

COST CONSIDERATIONS Mpg (WLTP 37.2 CO2 199-213g/100km Fuel tank 70 litres Service interval Variable or 1 year/10,000 miles Warranty 3 years/100,000 miles

Van User Rating – 4.5

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JUNE 2022 • VANUSER 33

LONG-TERM ROAD TEST

Renault Trafic Sport+

O

ur long-term Renault Trafic has been upgraded, with last month’s Sport model returning to Renault, in exchange for a Sport+. In all honesty, Sport trim leaves very little to be desired, but Sport+ manages to add a few options for the additional £1,600 investment. That includes keyless entry, climate control in place of the manual air conditioning, metallic paint, 17” alloys with black inserts, body-coloured side mouldings and a rear parking camera. You also get Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition as part of the ADAS line-up with Sport+.

The keyless entry and start works a comprehensive 360o set of front and very well. As long as you have the large rear parking sensors, that make it alplastic fob in your pocket you can simmost impossible to manoeuvre the van ply press the little button by the without an array of bings and bongs door handle to unlock and enter telling you how close you are to the vehicle. You can press again obstacles. Without tempting fate, The mid-weight to lock, or simply walk away, with you would have to be really ignorRenault remains a the van automatically locking ing the mirrors, camera and senpleasure to drive, on once you get a few feet away. sors to bump into anything with all types of road and The only slight negative here, this van when parking. over any journey is that Renault decided to fit all of Talking of which, I have had length. its press vans with additional door occasion to use a number of underlocks for the side and rear doors, which ground and multi-storey car parks rerequire another key to open and close. cently. At 1,971mm in height, you don’t While this demonstrates the additional get much change from a 2.0m garage security available from the firm’s deallimit and you’ll have to search to find ers, it does rather negate the ability to one with even that clearance. Certainsimply walk up and open the doors. ly a 2.1m limit gives less cause for conThe rear parking camera joins cern, though the flexible aerial can still

“

34 VANUSER • JUNE 2022

twang off the odd sign or electrical duct.

Other than that, the mid-weight Renault remains a pleasure to drive, on all types of road and over any journey length. It really is an excellent long-distance cruiser, in particular. All of which uses fuel of course. High on the agenda for any fleet manager or van owner at present, the official figure for this 150hp manual van is 40.4mpg, with a corresponding 184g/km of CO2.

I’m relieved to report that this is not an optimistic boast and the Trafic tops an indicated 40mpg regularly with little effort. It can still soak up more than £100 for a top-up of that 80-litre tank though, the only relief being that you’ll be looking at hundreds of miles of travel before you need to do it again.

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Single lens view

THE VIRTUAL ENGINEER

Connect fridge performance data & diagnostics with vehicle telematics and data puck feeds for a fleet-wide single lens view.

THE VIRTUAL ENGINEER

 Refridgerant pressure  Ignition/mains/defrost  Airflow  Vehicle start/stop tracking  Door opening times  Alarm events & more  Ignition/mains/defrost  Vehicle start/stop tracking  Alarm events & more

Improve efficiencies and increase uptime

At the heart of this groundbreaking new real time fridge fleet dashboard are the connected Improve and reduce downtime data feeds that enable remoteefficiencies management by monitoring performance, service needs or key At the heart of this groundbreaking new real-time fridge fleet the connected settings changes.

Think of it as your in-cab Virtual Engineer.

In dashboard touch, and are on hand to reduce data feeds that enable remote of your fridge fleet by monitoring performance, time management off the road for vehicle inspection. service needs or key settings changes. Think of it as your in-cab Virtual Engineer. In touch, and on hand to reduce time off the road for vehicle inspection

Available in 1, 2, 3 & 4 year contract periods in line with our service agreements.

working with Connected cooling supported by

CONVERTING VANS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

PROFESSIONAL VAN RACKING AND STORAGE SYSTEMS 360⁰ Van conversion Bespoke or standard layouts Flat pack to full conversion Crash tested racking Family owned business 5 year warranty*

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

*when fitted by our factory trained technicians

BESPOKE OR STANDARD RACKING

LIGHTWEIGHT AND ROBUST

IN-HOUSE DESIGN PROCESS

VAN RACKING SYSTEM

FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

FACTORY TRAINED INSTALLERS

CRASH TESTED RACKING

SWAP OUT SERVICE

FIND OUT HOW ALLSWAGE CAN HELP YOU 0121 553 5048 Allswage UK. Roebuck Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands. B70 6RB. www.allswagevanracking.co.uk