Why so little choice in the van market?
Discussion
Hyundai iLoad?
That list has virtually all of the major manufacturer groups in it, either directly or through long-established JV and relationships. Don't forget most of the car market "choice" is skin-deep, with platforms being shared across a large number of models, brands, partnerships and JVs. Vauxhall/Opel Corsa? Same platform as Vauxhall/Opel Adam, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Alfa MiTO, Fiat Punto, Fiat 500L, Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500x, Fiat Qubo/Fiorino/Pug Bipper/Citroen Nemo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall/Opel Combo. Why does the van market need so much "choice"?
Most of that car market choice is driven purely by perceived image and style. The van market is much less fickle. Nobody gives a toss if their deliveries are being done in <shock> the same model of van as the business next door's - just so long as the van fits everything in, doesn't break down, and doesn't drink diesel like it's going out of fashion.
That list has virtually all of the major manufacturer groups in it, either directly or through long-established JV and relationships. Don't forget most of the car market "choice" is skin-deep, with platforms being shared across a large number of models, brands, partnerships and JVs. Vauxhall/Opel Corsa? Same platform as Vauxhall/Opel Adam, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Alfa MiTO, Fiat Punto, Fiat 500L, Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500x, Fiat Qubo/Fiorino/Pug Bipper/Citroen Nemo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall/Opel Combo. Why does the van market need so much "choice"?
Most of that car market choice is driven purely by perceived image and style. The van market is much less fickle. Nobody gives a toss if their deliveries are being done in <shock> the same model of van as the business next door's - just so long as the van fits everything in, doesn't break down, and doesn't drink diesel like it's going out of fashion.
It's a shame we're mostly limited to euro-junk.
The japanese built commercial stuff is obviously better but it's probably voluntarily restricted so as not to undermine partner manufacturers eg renault-nissan, ford-mazda, mercedes/mitsubushi (commercial tie in)
It's a shame as I need a new van to replace the steaming pile of vito and being in london I want a self shifter, which limits me to merc, VW and as the oddball the electric nissan e-nv
Japanese market vans could be quite easily flogged here specced with auto, you see a few of the luxury people carrier variants on the grey import market eg mitsubushi delica, nissan elgrande etc
I did have a mitsubushi delica with all the rear seats removed/blackout film on windows, it was lovely (2.8 auto/AC/electrics etc) but it had a few niggles and finding a mechanic who doesn't burst into tears because it's a bit different got to be too much of a drag.
The japanese built commercial stuff is obviously better but it's probably voluntarily restricted so as not to undermine partner manufacturers eg renault-nissan, ford-mazda, mercedes/mitsubushi (commercial tie in)
It's a shame as I need a new van to replace the steaming pile of vito and being in london I want a self shifter, which limits me to merc, VW and as the oddball the electric nissan e-nv
Japanese market vans could be quite easily flogged here specced with auto, you see a few of the luxury people carrier variants on the grey import market eg mitsubushi delica, nissan elgrande etc
I did have a mitsubushi delica with all the rear seats removed/blackout film on windows, it was lovely (2.8 auto/AC/electrics etc) but it had a few niggles and finding a mechanic who doesn't burst into tears because it's a bit different got to be too much of a drag.
hairyben said:
Japanese market vans could be quite easily flogged here specced with auto
So personal import 'em.hairyben said:
I did have a mitsubushi delica with all the rear seats removed/blackout film on windows, it was lovely (2.8 auto/AC/electrics etc) but it had a few niggles and finding a mechanic who doesn't burst into tears because it's a bit different got to be too much of a drag.
Wuss. It was just a Shogun up to the current generation - now it's an Outlander. Which, of course, you can buy with Pug/Citroen badges.TooMany2cvs said:
hairyben said:
Japanese market vans could be quite easily flogged here specced with auto
So personal import 'em.hairyben said:
I did have a mitsubushi delica with all the rear seats removed/blackout film on windows, it was lovely (2.8 auto/AC/electrics etc) but it had a few niggles and finding a mechanic who doesn't burst into tears because it's a bit different got to be too much of a drag.
Wuss. It was just a Shogun up to the current generation - now it's an Outlander. Which, of course, you can buy with Pug/Citroen badges.It was a hybrid of shogun oily bits in a L400 (commercial van) chassis/body but a fair few bespoke parts to make it all work. Problem is I just need something that works, sure I could fix all the silly niggles wrong with the vito but the time I spend t
tting around with it I'd be better served doing what I do professionally and pay someone else to fool about with it, or in this case, dump it for something that all works.Hyundai are rumoured to be selling the H350 over here next year....
Not a bad looking van from what I have seen....
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://cargo...
Not a bad looking van from what I have seen....
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://cargo...
Edited by DrDeAtH on Sunday 31st May 23:06
Just time for a few quick observations from me.
Choice not huge but I'd reckon something for everyone. I've driven every current LCV on the market (for my job) and there isn't a bad apple in the bunch - all highly capable.
Vito? Drive the very latest one - it might look similar to the old model but it's in a different league in drivability.
e-NV200 Worthy of serious consideration if the maths stack up - a proper van and drives really well.
Choice not huge but I'd reckon something for everyone. I've driven every current LCV on the market (for my job) and there isn't a bad apple in the bunch - all highly capable.
Vito? Drive the very latest one - it might look similar to the old model but it's in a different league in drivability.
e-NV200 Worthy of serious consideration if the maths stack up - a proper van and drives really well.
STO said:
Can the Hiace still be Got new in the uk? I had the use of one back in the late 90`s thought it was quite good, compared to the transit of that era.
Nope, 2011 saw the end to those. Emissions reg's etc. They now sell the Toyota Proace, which is a Dispatch/Expect/Scudo in drag!LouD86 said:
STO said:
Can the Hiace still be Got new in the uk? I had the use of one back in the late 90`s thought it was quite good, compared to the transit of that era.
Nope, 2011 saw the end to those. Emissions reg's etc. They now sell the Toyota Proace, which is a Dispatch/Expect/Scudo in drag!
STO said:
That's a shame, perhaps Toyota could bring it back with a hybred motor.
plug-in hybrid would suit me down to the ground... typical daily usage of 20-40 miles but need occasional longer rangeShame no such vans exist, can choose from several hypercars though, very useful, kind of underlines what a load of BS the whole eco-industry is.
TimCAP said:
Vito? Drive the very latest one - it might look similar to the old model but it's in a different league in drivability.
The current Vito is supposed to be a good driver, but I don't get it, handles like it's got a flat tyre.The new one won't address my main issues as it's the same vehicle, mainly lack of space and storage in the cab (it's ruined by the pointless and unusable passenger bench seat) and the ginormous blind spot created by the ginormous A-pillars - security is piss poor too (see more of these with added security than other van), and the heater's crap when it's cold.
hairyben said:
plug-in hybrid would suit me down to the ground... typical daily usage of 20-40 miles but need occasional longer range
Shame no such vans exist, can choose from several hypercars though, very useful, kind of underlines what a load of BS the whole eco-industry is.
Not strictly true...Shame no such vans exist, can choose from several hypercars though, very useful, kind of underlines what a load of BS the whole eco-industry is.
http://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/mitsubish...
TimCAP said:
hairyben said:
plug-in hybrid would suit me down to the ground... typical daily usage of 20-40 miles but need occasional longer range
Shame no such vans exist, can choose from several hypercars though, very useful, kind of underlines what a load of BS the whole eco-industry is.
Not strictly true...Shame no such vans exist, can choose from several hypercars though, very useful, kind of underlines what a load of BS the whole eco-industry is.
http://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/mitsubish...
a) thats not really a van, is it? I could try to squeeze my plums into a lacy swimsuit but it wouldn't make me a playboy bunny.
b) I probably could buy a nissan en-v for city work AND and diesel nv200 for range work for less than the cost of that.
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