This year’s Commercial Vehicle Show was just as much about light trucks as their bigger brothers.
Modec has released its new high performance, zero-emission van. The battery-operated Modec van is designed specifically to deliver in and around urban areas, but is no milk float. It offers a top speed of 50 mph, from a 76Kw motor, producing 102 Horse Power.
Modec says that the van has a range of in excess of 100 miles, driven with a conventional load. The batteries, each weighing around 800kg, have an average life span of four years, offering around 1000 full-charging cycles.
Jamie Borwick, chairman of Modec said: “Choose any colour you like and it will still be green.”
Citroen says that it is “Ready, Willing & Able” as it launches its new ‘Ready to Run’ Relay-based Luton Van. Built by Buckstone Motor Bodies, the new Luton features; an audible/visual rear parking sensor system, a wide-slat Eurodoor shutter, colour impregnation, anodised aluminium exterior framework and five rows of tie rails. The main body frame is made from anodised aluminium as standard.
LDV has launched its new Maxus Platinum range, in both long and short wheelbase variants. LDV are offering the model at all three weights including; 2.8t, 3.2t and 3.5t and in both roof heights. As well as the standard features of; alloy wheels, air conditioning, steel bulkhead, privacy glass, the specifications can be enhanced by the addition of two option packs. The Safety and Security pack includes an adjustable driver’s seat, anti-lock brakes, passenger airbag, perimetric alarm and front fog lamps. The Professional Trade Pack adds Hexagrip flooring with load lashing eyes, a multi-wall lining kit and a rear step.
Volkswagen has launched the Crafter, which replaces their LT van. The Crafter will be the biggest van in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range and is due to be released in September 2006. The design comes with a choice of four five-cylinder engines, delivering 88, 109, 136 or 163 PS. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, although Volkswagen says that an automated manual transmission will be optional. In-cab features include; a dash-mounted gear leaver, extra storage space and a driver’s airbag fitted as standard. The Crafter has a maximum load capacity of 17 cu ms, allowing the 5t panel van to carry a weight of around 2,670 kg.
Vauxhall has also released its new Astravan. The new Astra estate, which is available later this year, is designed and developed in the UK. The new model is able to carry loads of up to 24mm higher and 650 kg heavier than the current model.
