New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Damage limitation needed on LCVs
British Car Auctions (BCA) has revealed the potential cost of repairing damage on light commercials presented at auction is on the rise. Figures show that body repair costs for LCVs inspected by BCA have risen by 18 per cent year-on-year, — from £683 to £808 on average — with some extreme examples breaking the £2,000 barrier. This is despite average age remaining static at 54 months and average mileage only rising from 71,000 to 73,000 over the same period.“This is a worrying trend that cannot be blamed wholly on contract extensions,” said Duncan Ward BCA’s general manager, commercial vehicles. “We are seeing a widening two-tier market, where the scarce good condition vans are becoming even more sought after, while damaged, poorly presented vehicles run the risk of being overlooked completely.
“More often than not, we see vans being sold where damage obviously occurred some time ago and has not been addressed by the vehicle owner or operator. It has deteriorated over time, rust has set in and economical ‘smart’ repair techniques cannot be used. Drivers should be aware that it is their responsibility to report damage when it occurs.
“While LCV’s are often the Cinderella of the company fleet, a proactive and positive attitude to commercial vehicles will bring its own rewards. Van drivers should be managed with the same mindset as company car drivers. If a company car gets damaged, it gets repaired. The same stance should be taken with company vans.”
In conclusion Ward said: “It is time to ditch the attitude of ‘it’s only a van’. Vehicles are regularly being offered for sale in a condition that literally wipes hundreds of pounds off their potential value. In the current economic climate, surely every business should be paying close attention to costs that can be controlled and managed?”