The past year has been a busy one for the LCV market, not least because of the long awaited arrival of the new Ford Transit. Motor Transport looks back at some of the highlights of 2012.
Transit Custom launched at the CV Show
April - The first major launch of the year was announced on the eve of the CV Show in Birmingham, where Ford debuted the new Transit Custom - its one-tonne panel van based on the current Stage V model. The Transit Custom introduced a lot of new features to the design of the Transit van, including a fold down roof rack and drop-down hatch in the bulkhead to allow for longer length items. The Transit Custom has also recently received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Azure Dynamics runs out of power
April - Azure dynamics, the maker of the Ford Transit Connect Electric, filed for bankruptcy protection in its native Canada, casting doubts over the future of the electric van. The manufacturer petitioned for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act to allow the business to restructure, however, European operations were curtailed. It is estimated that about 200 Azure Dynamic electric Transit vans have been sold in the UK.
Mercedes-Benz reveal new Citan city van
April - The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Renault was revealed ahead of the RAI show in Amsterdam, with the launch of the new Citan panel van. Based on the Renault Kangoo, the Citan will be available in three different lengths and three engine outputs.
Revolve Technologies launch new electric van
June - Revolve Technologies entered the electric CV market with the first glimpse of its 3.5-tonne GVW range-extended electric delivery van. Capable of taking a 1,400kg payload and returning an expected 300mpg, power is stored in centrally mounted 25.1kWh batteries and linked to a 75kW traction motor producing 600Nm of torque.
Kwik-Fit upgrades to target LCV market
June - Kwik-Fit group announced it was to upgrade 800-plus centres to enable it to service a greater variety of vans. The company plan to drive more brake replacement, servicing and MoT work in the 3.5-tonne market, and extended opening hours at Kwik-Fit Mobile - its tyre fitting service for corporate customers.
Joggers replace vans at Olympics
July - DHL joined forces with leaflet distribution company JogPost to help with deliveries during the Olympics. Joggers delivered shipments from DHL service centres in London.
Ford's Transit range sees two new models
August - Ford revealed two new CV models at a dealer event in Amsterdam, and previewed a third by briefly suspending it from the ceiling. The new two-tonne Transit van and new Transit Connect were shown ahead of their premier at the IAA Hannover Show, while the miniature Ford Tourneo Courier was dangled in front of attendees.
TNT trials 5t Volkswagen Crafters
September - TNT Express began a trial using 10 chassis cab Volkswagen Crafter vans as a replacement for 7.5-tonne trucks. The new 5-tonne Crafter vans were bought into the fleet as part of on-going trials examining alternatives to small trucks.
Transit Custom named International Van of the Year
With 117 points out of a possible 133 available, the Ford Transit Custom was named the winner of the International Van of the Year award 2013, beating the Dacia Dokker and Mercedes-Benz Citan in to second and third place respectively to take the trophy.
ProAce marks Toyota return to market
November - Toyota returned to the UK market with the launch of its first new van since announcing a collaboration with PSA Group on LCVs. The ProAce is a badge-engineered version of the Citroen Dispatch, Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert vans, and will be available with the same engine and body specifications as the Fiat model. The ProAce will be available in panel van, window van and crew cab bodies.
