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
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 European Launch
Volkswagen’s Crafter has undergone a midlife makeover and gets a new front-end along with new Euro 5 engines… Read More
VW appoints new commercial vehicle director
Volkswagen has announced that Alex Smith is to replace the departing Simon Elliott as the boss of its commercial vehicles operation in the UK, as of 1 November. Elliott recently accepted the role of managing director of Volkswagen Group Ireland (see News Story).Currently head of retail operations for Volkswagen passenger cars, Smith has worked in the motor industry for 16 years, the last four of which were with the Volkswagen Group. Prior to this Alex worked for Ford and Kia with responsibility for operations, fleet, aftersales, planning and marketing.
“We are delighted to appoint Alex to this new role and know that his previous achievements make him the best person to lead Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles during the years ahead,” said Simon Thomas, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK.
“He is joining Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles during a year of record sales, continued investment and expansion of its Van Centre network, and with one of the most up-to-date model ranges in the industry,” he continued.
Commenting on his appointment, Smith said: “I am looking forward to joining such a leading and growing commercial vehicle brand with one of the most efficient model ranges, an impressive network of dedicated Van Centres, and staff providing the best service to fleet and private customers alike.”
What is not certain at the moment is whether Smith will take over from Elliott behind the wheel of the Caddy Racer in the VW Racing Cup (click here for a video report from Snetterton). The final rounds of this year’s series take place at Silverstone on 8/9 October.
