24
Volume 10. No 2. Summer 2013 THE OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR & INTERNATIONAL PICK-UP AWARDS Ford adds new Ford adds new Courier to Courier to Transit family Transit family ON TEST: Land Rover Discovery Utility • Hyundai i30 i-Pro VAN STAND: Post Codes Fleet Van & Utility Commercial SUV & Pick-Up Truck Buyers' Guide REVIEW:

fv&usummer13_webfull

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

 

Citation preview

Page 1: fv&usummer13_webfull

Volume 10. No 2. Summer 2013

THE OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR & INTERNATIONAL PICK-UP AWARDS

Ford adds new Ford adds new Courier to Courier to

Transit familyTransit family

ON TEST: Land Rover Discovery Utility • Hyundai i30 i-Pro VAN STAND: Post Codes

Fleet Van & Utility Commercial SUV & Pick-Up Truck Buyers' Guide

REVIEW:

Page 2: fv&usummer13_webfull

www.volkswagenvans.ie

We fi t a load in the front.

You fi t a load in the back.

Volkswagen Transporter Trendline.

The introduction of Volkswagen’s new 3 year warranty as standard on the Transporter - already an incredibly reliable van - means that it’s now more dependable than ever. Combine that with its fuel effi ciency and stylish looks and you’ve got the perfect van for any successful small business. And for a mere ¤1,475* you can upgrade to the Transporter Trendline - giving you a vast array of high end specifi cation for very little extra.

Call into your local Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Dealer and fi nd out how we can make a difference to your business.

*Price excludes VAT.

Follow us on

Page 3: fv&usummer13_webfull

4 News• LCV sales dip across EU • PSA Peugeot Citroen step up electric vehicle development • Ford waits EV turn around • Mitsubishi launches new Pick-Up concept • Ford score Irish Awards hat-trick

6 InterviewWith Andrew Fluery, Transpoco

8 CoverFord took centre stage at CV Show with new Van launches

10 Buyer’s Guide 2013Pick-Up Trucks & Commercial SUVs

16 GlobalPin pics from around the world

18 Test ILand Rover Discovery Utility

20 Test IIHyundai i-30 i-Pro

22 Van StandPostal Code debate continues

www.fl eet.ie

Contents Summer 2013

P 5

P 16

P22

Fleet Van&Utility Magazine,

D’Alton Street, Claremorris,

Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819

Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571

Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie

Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

Contributors: Gerry Murphy, Cathal

Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Gary Delaney

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Gerry

Murphy, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten,

Newspress, CV Show, Fedor Lapshin,

Loc8

Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise

Vahey

Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla

Sweeney

Design: Eamonn Wynne

Printed in Ireland

Disclaimer: Fleet Van&Utility Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specifi c matter.

www.fl eet.ie | 3

Class leading insurance Class leading fuel economy

Leather interior Heated seats Galvanised body panels Air-conditioning Keyless entry

Six speed manual transmission Steering wheel audio controls Bluetooth® hands free

* Ex-VAT (Delivery & Related Charges Extra)

greatwallmotors.ie

Great Truck.

Great Price.

Great Wall.

€21,995*

2.5T2.5TTOWINGTOWING

Page 4: fv&usummer13_webfull

As sales of new commercial vehicles mirror our economic state, the continuous drop in registrations in

the fi rst quarter of 2013 compared to the same period last year is a concern. According to the statistical service provided by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, a total of 4,424 new light commercials were registered from January to end of March this year, showing a decrease of 12.14%. March recorded a 10% dip.

Across Europe, that negative trend continues. Demand for new vans for the fi rst two months of 2013 reached 193,085 around the 27 EU States, 11.4% less than from January and February last year as per fi gures from ACEA – Association of European Vehicle Manufacturers. Th e decline ranges from -10.7% in France to -15.1% in Germany, -18.3% in Spain and -28.7% in Italy.

Only the UK achieved an increase, with 11.9% more light commercials sold.

Meanwhile back in Ireland, Ford reclaimed its position as the best selling LCV brand in the fi rst Quarter of 2013. With 995 units sold, Ford’s market share equates to almost 22.5% with Volkswagen next on 20.03% and Renault on 8.86%. No doubt, the arrival of the new Ford Transit Custom has helped the ‘Blue Oval’ brand back to the top and with the all-new 2-tonne Transit, Transit Connect and Courier to come, it bodes well for the Cork based company.

“Th is resurgence by Ford in the CV market augers well for the remainder of the year,” says Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “Th e award winning Transit Custom has been an

important addition to our line-up, and we’ve just welcomed the new Focus van, traditionally a best-seller in its segment. Furthermore, there is a raft of new product coming on stream later in the year and beyond, which will help consolidate Ford’s position as Ireland’s most popular brand.”

Movers and shakers in the league table sees Land Rover move up with buoyant interest in its Discovery 5-seater Commercial while Hyundai has gained market share since the launch of the new i-Pro car derived van based on the i30 3-door hatchback. Looking ahead Toyota is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new ProAce, the replacement for the Hiace, which is due to come into dealerships here in June.

In a joint eff ort to becoming a leader in developing solutions to further reduce CO2 emissions for more

sustainable mobility, PSA Peugeot Citroen has introduced the next generation of its Partner Electric and Berlingo Electric.

Both light panel vans produced in Vigo, Spain have been developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Interestingly the Government of Galicia, through its Department of Economy & Industry has allocated €10.7 million grant aid to the project. As a result, these electric models will carry the ‘Galicia’ badge on their bodywork once they go on sale this Autumn, and thereby promote the region internationally. An extension to the Vigo Centre plant has been constructed to facilitate the production process of these electric vehicles into the main assembly line.

Th e Partner and Berlingo Electric vans carry out the same functions with the same if not bett er comfort levels as their fossil fueled counterparts, but with zero emissions. Electric powertrain components are located under the

bonnet and develop 200Nm of torque from a power rating of 67hp through the front wheels. Two high density lithium-ion batt eries are situated under the fl oor. A driving range range of up to 170km is achievable on a single charge. Rob Van Dieten

Light Commercial Sales continue to dip at home and abroad

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

4 | NEWS 1

SIMI New Light Commercial

Registrations 2013

Position Marque Jan/Mar Share1 Ford 995 22.49%2 Volkswagen 886 20.03%3 Renault 392 8.86%4 Land Rover 323 7.30%5 Nissan 275 6.22%6 Toyota 271 6.13%7 Citroen 259 5.85%8 Peugeot 228 5.15%9 Hyundai 181 4.09%10 Mercedes-Benz 153 3.46%Total Market 4,424

PSA Peugeot Citroen enter next EV phase

Page 5: fv&usummer13_webfull

Follow ing the debut of the Ford Transit Connect at the CV Show

in Birmingham the question arose whether Ford of Europe plans to include an electric powered version as part of its EV – Electric Vehicle campaign. Well, the answer given was No! According to Vice-President of Product Development Barb Samardzich, the company has had a change of heart, maybe due to gett ing its collective fi ngers burnt. “We have in the past, on Transit Connect, worked with outside upfi tt ers to turn them into electric vehicles, but that technology is still very limited.”

She was referring to the Smith Electric version, which was discontinued and the connection with US company Azure Dynamics which cost Ford dearly when it went out of business last year.

“Th ere’s an infrastructure that needs to be there, which isn’t there right now, and a cost of ownership isn’t there right now based on

how expensive the batt eries still are. OEMs like us can provide the technology, we absolutely have it, but a customer can’t utilise it until we have the infrastructure. I think there’s a lot of interest in trying to understand how Government can help with this, but at the end of the day you have to put the money behind it.”

“Hybrids are also being held back on until the whole-life cost of ownership numbers stack up for CV operators, Ford can then hit the ground running,” Ms. Samardzich added. “We’re launching a electric Focus and a plug-in hybrid C-Max within year, and then a bit later we’ll launch a regular hybrid in a C/D vehicle.”

“Th ose propulsion systems are available if we decide they work in a Transit, because they’ve been developed off the same platform.”

Ford breaks EV connection with Transit Connect

It is not often that a Sport Utility Hybrid Pick-Up truck would take a lion’s share of

the limelight at a Motor Show. Hats off to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation on attracting the att ention of the mass media with its ‘cutt ing edge’ concept GR-HEV. No stranger to hybrid technology of course, Mitsubishi has taken the next logical step by introducing diesel/electric drivetrain to the one-tonne Pick-Up segment.

Featuring a 2.5 litre Mitsubishi Clean Diesel engine and a front mounted electric motor mated to an automatic gearbox it meets Mitsubishi’s ambitious target for CO2 emissions below 149g/km – far bett er

than segment average. Th is combination can also provide pure electric power on demand with available AC supply (100V~240V), to replace a generator or to allow the use of a 100V winch for instance, as well as the

ability to drive over short distances in pure-electric mode.

Concept GR-H EV a lso uses Mitsubishi’s renowned full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions. Its design breaks tradition in that a strong dose of aerodynamic chunkiness is added, moving the Mitsubishi away from the square-rigged look that seems to prevail in

this segment. Similar to standard 5 seater Double Cab Pick-Ups, the GR-HEV has generous dimensions – 5.42m long, 1.930m wide and 1775mm in height.

www.fl eet.ie

NEWS 11 | 5

Concept GR-HEV from Mitsubishi

Ford of Ireland, huge supporters of Irish soccer has scored a ‘Double’ of its own in securing category wins in

the 2013 Continental Irish Van of the Year Awards. In scooping the Commercial SUV title with the Ford Ranger Pick-Up and with the Fiesta Van securing the Car Derived Van trophy, Ford actually recorded a hat-trick as the new Ford Transit Custem won the overall honour, “Continental Irish Van of the Year 2013 at the Awards ceremony last November.

Fiesta Van is based on the latest version of the popular three-door supermini hatchback. For the Ford Ranger, awards have come in abundance since launch, enough to fi ll the back of the Pick-Up. Th e Irish award along with a few accolades from the UK, came aft er the biggest prize of all in winning the International Pick-Up Award 2013 presented at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover last September.

Category wins in the 2013 Continental Irish Van of the Year AwardsFord does the Double!

Page 6: fv&usummer13_webfull

JS Since we fi rst met at the ‘Get Started’ Networking Event at DCU Business School last year, how has your business progressed?

AF We have been going well. In the last year we have commenced business with many new customers to record over 30% growth. Transpoco has invested the profi ts back into growing the business and is currently hiring a couple of new staff . Th ankfully, we are gett ing a great response from our customers giving us referrals, so we think that is a good sign.

Th e technology and the way we deliver the service is improving also. We are starting to work more proactively with customers, taking them through a more rigorous process, we want to know how they work right now and what needs to improve to get savings. We have committ ed ourselves to real savings and it is working well, we work together with customers and are aiming to save them a couple of thousand euro per vehicle

JS Your company motto ‘Driving Bett er Business’ – what is off ered and how can customers generate a return on their investment?

AF Yes, we introduced the new “Driving Bett er Business” mott o about 6 months ago, aft er deciding we needed to make a bett er statement on how we work. We bring customers through the process to get the maximum saving, so we take a more active role in this now and help customers use our system. Soft ware on it’s own is just a tool, but to make savings there needs to be some changes implimented, so we guide the customer through this process.

JS Where and how did the spark ignite to start up this business and was it diffi cult at the beginning?

AF We had done a lot of work with GPS technology and when we looked at the systems available on the market we could see a huge potential, we knew we could provide a bett er product. We still feel that way, and can see lots of fl eets on the road that have an opportunity to get bett er results and savings. Obviously it is diffi cult to get a business going, but we started installing units in 2006, we still work with all of these fi rst customers today, so we are confi dent that we are making a diff erence.

JS Explain about GPS & GPR and the arrival of Smartphones to enhance your products and services.

AF Obviously we have our Smartphone Apps that customers use to monitor their fl eet when they are on the go. We are also seeing more and more customers using Smartphone technology for job despatch, POD etc. and we are helping people get setup with integration projects where they can connect the two technologies. For a professional fl eet management solution we are still committ ed to a black box professionally installed in the vehicle. Our customers need 100% data accuracy and every element of vehicle activity recorded, so for this we need to install the black box

JS Your Driving Style Analysis can bring savings too!

AF Driving style can certainly bring savings, but we see this as just one element. First we need to work with the customer and understand what volume of fuel they are burning, and where they are in a couple of other areas.

Fuel is a great score card for every element of fl eet performance and driving style is a big part of that. But it is not the only part, so we try and make sure we get everything right. How is fuel bought? How is work divided, maintenance of the vehicles, cutt ing out unnecessary journeys etc.

JS What and how is the customer charged for these services?

AF We have two off ers at the moment, Standard and Premium, premium solution has some more features and if the savings are going to be there we recommend that, but our Standard solution is actually really strong so for many customers this is the best decision. Again it is about savings, if Premium is going to get a bigger return it makes sense, if not we put in Standard. Standard starts at €19.99 per month per vehicle, Premium is €29.99 per month per vehicle. We run off ers on these numbers all the time, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record

the main number to focus on is what we are going to save, we work with each customer to understand the fl eet and fi nd out how many €x’000 we are aiming for, then we put a plan in place to get that.

JS Would the provision of Postal Codes improve your business and ultimately benefi t customers?

AF Short answer is no, as we have built our solution around this. We use raw GPS co-ordinates, so customers can store their important locations accurately. For example an offi ce cleaning company might store all their own customer locations. Th ey do this to get bett er information in their reports and also to analyse their performance. How long are they spending on sites? Are they charging enough for diff erent jobs? Do they need ore customers in certain areas, are they spending too much driving to other customers, all of these kind of questions are important and need to be answered so the soft ware is built for that.

On a personal level, I cannot understand why we don’t have these. I am not sure of the excuses, but surely it can’t be a big job? Open to correction if someone can tell me otherwise.

JS Looking into the crystal ball, what is planned for further progress in your business?

AF We are constantly trying to improve the business in every area, so we are looking to bring everything forward considerably this year.

We are doing nicely outside of Ireland, but the vision for the company is to be one of the leaders in our industry so we are ramping up for this goal. We have a great customer base in Ireland, France and UK, we are going to grow these and move further into Europe.

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

6 | INTERVIEW

One-to-OneAndrew Fleury,Transpocowith Jarlath Sweeney,editor@fl eet.ie

Page 7: fv&usummer13_webfull
Page 8: fv&usummer13_webfull

A t a meeting with members of the International Van of the Year jury two years ago, Jim Farley, Executive Vice-President

Global Marketing Ford Motor Company, fi rst mooted the idea of Ford producing a compact van to compete with the Fiat/PSA Peugeot Citroen Fiorino/Bipper/Nemo. Litt le did we know at that time that the ‘blue oval’s’ design team were hard at work on both sides of the Atlantic to produce another global product under the ‘One Ford’ programme.

On the eve of the CV Show 2013, held at the NEC Birmingham the all-new Transit Courier was revealed to the world’s CV trade press. Along with the new Transit Custom, Connect and 2 tonne Transit, the new Courier’s objective is to drive Ford's sales growth of more than 50% by 2016.

At the eve of the special event, Phil Hollins, Fleet Director, Ford of Britain set the scene prior to the offi cial unveil to the Press. “For 47 years Ford has enjoyed CV market leadership. With 600,000 Transits sold here each year, the Transit is truly the ‘backbone of business,’ he said.

He then introduced Barb Samardzich, Vice-President, Product Development, Ford of Europe, who proudly described the most comprehensive ever line-up of Transit vehicles. “Ford has now completely transformed its commercial vehicle line-up, with four all-new, class-leading Transits for European customers. With the all-new Transit range, we expect sales to grow to 400,000 units per year by 2016, well over 50 per cent more than we sell today.”

Together with the four aforementioned vans, Ford also markets the Fiesta, Focus and Ranger Pick-Up as commercials, which should

Ford’s quadruple Commercial Ford’s quadruple Commercial Vehicle attack beginsVehicle attack begins

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

8 | COVER

New Ford Transit Courier

Barb Samardzich, Vice-President, Product Development, Ford of Europe

Page 9: fv&usummer13_webfull

help achieve this ambitious objective.

Built on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Transit Courier is an ideal city driving van, according to Barb. “Transit Courier delivers class-leading load volume of 2.3m3 with standard full bulkhead within an overall length of 4.16 metres.” She added that as it is 100mm longer, Courier off ers 10% more load volume than its closest competitors (the

Fiat/PSA alliance). “With a generous load space a nd maximum payload capacity of 660kg, the Transit Courier

can accommodate a wide variety of cargo and equipment, including a standard Euro pallet.”

“Th e Transit Courier will be available with highly-effi cient diesel and petrol engines that target best-in-class fuel economy, and off er Auto-Start-Stop on all units. Customers can choose between the Dagenham-built 1.5 litre

75PS and 1.6 litre 95PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, and the remarkable 1.0 litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol engine,” explained Barb.

With styling trails similar to the new Fiesta with its slim headlamps and brand signature trapezoidal grille, Courier’s reach profi le is both sharp and sleek.

Clever storage areas have been designed to include a mega-centre console capable of storing A4 documents and small laptops together with an overhead shelf plus a storage drawer under the driver’s seat. Th ere is also a device dock in the centre dash area.

In chatting with Paul Campbell, Chief Designer, Ford of Europe, he outlined another unique and fl exible aspect of a van of this size the option of a third (centre) passenger seat if required. We talked about when Ford last used the Courier name for a small van. “In 1991, a Courier van was based on the Mark III Fiesta platform and was also produced in the Mark IV version from 1995 to 2002.”

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie www.fl eet.ie

COVER | 9

High-roof Transit Custom

Still buoyed from winning the International Van of the Year 2013 crown and achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with the all-new one-tonne Transit Custom, Ford has added a new high-roof version available on both SWB (L1) and LWB (L2) types to create a class-leading maximum load volume of 8.3m3 on the latt er model.

Available towards the end of the year, customers can specify the high roof with the same range of gross vehicle weights and drivetrain options as the standard roof model.

Transit two-tonne

Customers for the higher volume and payload Transit variants will have to wait until this time next year for the new two-tonne model to come along. Panel van types will be available in three diff erent lengths and two roof heights with GVW up to 4.7 tonnes. Compared to the current Transit, Ford has increased load volume by around 10% model for model with the largest Jumbo van now capable of swallowing up to 15.1m3 of cargo. Bus models, plus single and double chassis/cab and chassis cowl versions will also be produced. For the fi rst time ever the new Transit 2 tonne will be sold in North America to replace the popular Ford E-Series range.

All-new Transit Connect

More car like t h a n e v e r before, the st yl ish a l l-new Transit Connect van is avai lable in SWB (L1) a n d LW B (L2) off ering a spac ious and practical load area with total volumes of 3.0m3 and 3.7m3 with maximum payload of 1 tonne.

Phil and Barb unveil the New Ford Transit Courier

Page 10: fv&usummer13_webfull

Make/Model Engine Range Power Range Transmission Torque CO2 Count Fuel Economy Fuel Tank

Ford Ranger S/Cab Xl/Xlt/Ltd

2.2L TDCi/3.2L TDCi 125-150 PS 6 Speed 375 Nm 219 g/km 8.6-9.7L/100km 80 lts

Ford Ranger D/Cab Xl/Xlt/Ltd

2.2L TDCi/3.2L TDCi 150-200 PS 6 Speed/Auto 375 Nm 228 g/km 8.6-9.7L/100km 80 lts

Ford Ranger D/Cab Wildtrack

3.2L TDCi 200 PS 6 Speed/Auto 470 Nm 264 g/km 8.6-9.7L/100km 80 lts

Great Wall Steed 2.0 TD 143hp @ 4,000 rpm 6 Speed 225 Nm 220 g/km 9.4L/100km 70 lts

Isuzu D-Max S/Cab 2.5 TD 134hp @3,600 rpm 6 Speed 280 Nm 210-217 g/km 8.0L/100km 76 lts

Isuzu D-Max D/Cab 2.5 TD/3.0 TD 136-164hp @3,600 rpm

6 Speed/Auto 280 Nm 222-237 g/km 8.0-9.0L/100km 76 lts

Land Rover Defender Pick-Up 90

2.0 D 122hp @3,500 rpm 6 Speed 360 Nm 266 g/km 10.0L/100km 60 lts

Land Rover Defender Pick-Up 110

2.0 D 122hp @3,500 rpm 6 Speed 360 Nm 295 g/km 11.1L/100km 75 lts

Mitsubishi L200 D/Cab

2.5 DI-D 178PS @3,750 rpm 6 Speed/Auto 400 Nm 204-223 g/km 7.7-8.9L/100km 75 lts

Nissan Navara Xe/Le King Cab

2.5 D 190PS @3,600 rpm 6 Speed 450 Nm 222 g/km 8.4L/100km 80 lts

Nissan Navara Xe/Le Double Cab

2.5 D 190PS @3,600 rpm 6 Speed/Auto 450 Nm 222 g/km 8.4L/100km 80 lts

Sangyong Korando Sports Pick-Up

2.0 eXDi 155PS @4,000 rpm 6 Speed 360 Nm 199 g/km 9.0L/100km 75 lts

Toyota Hilux Dlx S/Cab

2.5 D4-D 145PS @3,400 rpm 6 Speed 343 Nm 194 g/km 7.3L/100km 80 lts

Toyota Hilux Dlx D/Cab

2.5 D4-D/3.0 D4-D 145/177hp @3,400 rpm

6 Speed/Auto 343/360 Nm 194-227 g/km 7.3-8.6L/100km 80 lts

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI 140-180 hp 6 Speed 340-400 Nm 197-216 g/km 7.5-8.2 L/100km

80 lts

Buyers' Guide 2013

Pick-Ups Trucks

Land Rover Defender Pick-Up Mitsubishi L200 Nissan Navara

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

Page 11: fv&usummer13_webfull

Wheelbase Wheels Driven

Length Width Load Space Length

Max Load Space Width

Load Space Height

Floor Height

Payload Gross Weight

Kerb Weight

Maximum Braked Trailer Weight

Price

3,220 mm 4 x 4 5,393 mm 1,850 mm 2,317 mm 1,560 mm 511 mm 734 mm 1,309 kg 2,935 kg 1,743 kg 2,500 kg €26,694-€31,694

3,220 mm 4 x 4 5,393 mm 1,850 mm 1,560 mm 1,560 mm 511 mm 734 mm 1,152 kg 3,200 kg 2,048 kg 3,350 kg €33,394-€38,394

3,220 mm 4 x 4 5,393 mm 1,850 mm 1,560 mm 1,560 mm 511 mm 734 mm 1,157 kg 3,200 kg 2,073 kg 3,350 kg €40,294-€42,294

3,050 mm 4 x 4 5,040 mm 1,800 mm 1,380 mm 1,460 mm 480 mm N/A 1,050 kg 2,885 kg 1,835 kg 2,000 kg €21,995

3,050 mm 2WD 5,313 mm 1,820 mm 2,305 mm 1,530 mm 440 mm 225 mm 1,285 kg 2,900 kg 1,665 kg 2,000-2,450 kg

€25,735

3,050 mm 2 WD/4 x4 5,295 mm 1,820 mm 1,485 mm 1,530 mm 465 mm 225 mm 1,720 kg 3,050 kg 1,720kg 2,450 kg €34,735-€36,036

2,364 mm 4 x 4 3,894 mm 1,790 mm 1,144 mm 1,790 mm N/A N/A 734 kg 2,505 kg 1,740 kg 3,500 kg €26,100

2,794 mm 4 x 4 4,785 mm 1,790 mm 1,900 mm 1,790 mm N/A N/A 1,090 kg 3,050 kg 1,917 kg 3,500 kg €28,190

3,000 mm 4 x 4 5,260 mm 1815 mm 1,505 mm 1,470 mm 460 mm 850 mm 1,060 kg 2,930 kg 1,905 kg 2,700 kg €32,750-€35,950

3,200 mm 4 x 4 5,296 mm 1,848 mm 1,861 mm 1,560 mm 457 mm N/A 910 kg 3,110 kg 1,990 kg 3,000 kg €25,200

3,200 mm 4 x 4 5,296 mm 1,848 mm 1,511 mm 1,560 mm 457 mm N/A 845 kg 3,210 kg 2,085 kg 3,000 kg €35,450-€37,150

3,060 mm 4 x 4 4,990 mm 1,910 mm 1,600 mm 1,600 mm 525 mm 750 mm 645 kg 2,700 kg 2,097 kg 2,300 kg €30,995

3,085 mm 4 x 4 5,260 mm 1,760 mm 2,340 mm 1,520 mm 450 mm 850 mm 847 kb 2,730 kg 1,883 kg 2,500 kg €24,620

3,085 mm 4 x 4 5,260 mm 1,760 mm 1,545 mm 1,515 mm 450 mm 850 mm 1,100 kg 3,040 kg 1,952 kg 2,500 kg €31,440-€41,045

3,095 mm 4 x 4 5,254 mm 1,954 mm 1,555 mm 1,620 mm 508 mm 780 mm 1,45 kg 3,040 kg 2,062 kg 3,000 kg €35,170-€44,280

www.fl eet.ie

BUYERS' GUIDE | 11

Ford Ranger

Sangyong Korando Sports Pick-Up

Great Wall Steed

Toyota Hilux

Isuzu D-Max

Volkswagen Amarok

Page 12: fv&usummer13_webfull

Ford Kuga

Land Rover Discovery

Hyundai ix35

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Compass

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB Mitsubishi Pajero LWB

Land Rover Defender

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

12 | BUYERS' GUIDE

Commercial SUVsMake/Model Engine Range Power Range Transmission Torque CO2 Count Fuel Economy Ful Tank

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi ZETEC 140 PS 6 Speed/Auto 320Nm 159/179 g/km 6.0L/100km 56 lts

Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi 115 hp 6 Speed 260 Nm 147 g/km 5.5L/100km 58 lts

Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi 136 hp 6 Speed/Auto 260 Nm 147 g/km 5.5L/100km 58 lts

Jeep Compass 2.2 CRD 163 hp 6 Speed 320 Nm 172 g/km 6.6L/100km 51 lts

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD V6 237 hp 5 Speed Auto 550 Nm 218 g/km 8.3L/100km 93 ltsJeep Wrangler 2.8 TD 197 hp 6 Speed/Auto 460 Nm 213 g/km 8.1L/100km 67 lts

Land Rover Defender 90 2.0 D 122 hp 6 Speed 360 Nm 266 g/km 10.0L/100km 60 lts

Land Rover Defender 110 2.0 D 122 hp 6 Speed 360 Nm 295 g/km 11.1L/100km 75 lts

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 211 PS 6 Speed 520 Nm 224 g/km 8.5L/100km 82.3 lts

Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 DI-D 150 PS 6 Speed 300 Nm 150 g/km 5.7 L/100km 63 lts

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 3.2 DI-D 200 PS 5 Speed 441 Nm 207 g/km 7.8L/100km 69 lts

Mitsubishi Pajero LWB 3.2 DI-D 200 PS 5 Speed 441 Nm 8.1L/100km

Mitsubishi Outlander Comm 2.2 DI-D 150 PS 6 Speed/Auto 380Nm 138 g/km 4.8L/100km 60 lts

Toyota Landcruiser SWB 3.0 D4-D 190 hp 6 Speed/Auto 420 Nm 214 g/km 8.1L/100km 87 lts

Toyota Landcruiser LWB 3.0 D4-D 190 hp 6 Speed/Auto 420 Nm 217 g/km 8.1L/100km 87lts

Mitsubishi Outlander Commercial

Page 13: fv&usummer13_webfull

Mitsubishi ASX

Toyota Landcruiser

Text: Gerry Murphy – gerrym@fl eet.ie www.fl eet.ie

BUYERS' GUIDE | 13

Wheelbase Wheels Driven

Length Width Load Space

Payload Gross Weight

Kerb Weight

Maximum Braked Trailer Weight

Price

2,690 mm 2x4/4x4 4,443 mm 1,842 mm 1,330 lts 600 kg 2,130 kg 1,510 kg 2,100 kg €25,620-€27,295

2,640 mm 2x4 4,410 mm 1,820 mm 1436 lts 402 kg 1,940 kg 1,415 kg 1,200 kg €23,995

2,640 mm 4x4 4,410 mm 1,820 mm 1436 lts 402 kg 1,940 kg 1,525 kg 1,200 kg €25,995-€29,995

2,635 mm 4x4 4,448 mm 1,812 mm 1,269 lts 470 kg 2,010 kg 1,424 kg 2,200 kg €25,266 (excluding VAT)

2,915 mm 4x4 4,822 mm 1,943 mm 1,554 lts 677 kg 2,949 kg 2,272 kg 3,500 kg €45,066 (excluding VAT)2,424 mm 4x4 4,223 mm 1,873 mm 430 lts 633 kg 2,506 kg 2,075 kg 2,200 kg €28,210 (excluding VAT)

2,364 mm 4x4 3,894 mm 1,790 mm N/A 734 kg 2,505 kg 1,740 kg 3,500 kg €26,100

2,794 mm 4x4 4,785 mm 1,790 mm N/A 1,090 kg 3,050 kg 1,917 kg 3,500 kg €28,190

2,885 mm 4x4 4,829 mm 2,176 mm 2,558 lts 670 kg 3,240 kg 2,583 kg 3,500 kg €53,925

2,670 mm 2 WD 4,295 mm 1,770 mm 1,219 lts 610 kg 2,060 kg 1,450 kg 1,400 kg €24,950

2,545 mm 4x4 4,385 mm 1,875 mm 1,132 lts 710 kg 2,705 kg 1,995 kg 3,000 kg €37,950

4x4 3,500 kg €40,950-51,540

2.670 mm 4x4 4,655 mm 1,800 mm 913 lts 637 kg 2,260 kg 1,555 kg 2,000 kg €35,950-37,450

2,450 mm 4x4 4,315 mm 1,885 mm 1,434 lts 690 kg 2,600 kg 2,150 kg 3,000kg €39,995-€42,780

2,790 mm 4x4 4,760 mm 1,885 mm 1,934 lts 820 kg 2,990 kg 2,415 kg 3,000 kg €40,995-€52,995

Jeep Grand Cherokee

» From the smallest washer up to the long pipe –

everything has its perfect place.«

www.sortimo.ie

GLOBELYST M – A GENERATION AHEAD!

Page 14: fv&usummer13_webfull

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013 Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie

14 | REVIEW

Mercedes-BenzCitan was Mercedes-Benz’ biggest product line-up at the NEC even though the new panel van is the smallest in the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle family. Off ering the performance of a giant and the thirst of a sparrow, the Citan based on the Renault Kangoo is a good all-round urban delivery van and comes to Ireland soon.

NissaneNV200, Nissan’s 100% electric van was among the Show debutants along with the NV200 taxi – the future of the London ‘Black-Cab’. Based on the NV200 compact van, the taxi version is fully compliant with TfL Taxi Condition of Fitness Regulations. It can accommodate 5 passengers and adapted to take wheelchair users.

Fiat ProfessionalFiat’s new Scudo Crew Van has been jointly developed with Snoeks Automotive, a leading European specialist in this sector. The conversion off ers six seats as the rear cabin features a three seat bench, with a glazed bulkhead behind the seat back. Examples of the Ducato, Doblò and Fiorino were also there.

CitroënSecond generation Berlingo Electrique is also among the event debutants. With the electric motor positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion batt ery pack located underneath the van’s load deck, it means that the load compartment of up to 3.7m and payload of 636kg is that of the diesel powered Berlingo.

MINI“Th e Clubvan eff ortlessly combines both the practicality of an 860 litre load capacity with premium features already familiar to existing Mini customers,” stated James Morrison, Corporate Marketing Manager for MINI UK. “Th e Mini Clubvan off ers commercial customers both style and substance on the road,” he added.

FordTh e Transit family is now complete with the all-new Courier compact van joining the range. Slightly bigger than the Fiat Fiorino/PSA Peugeot Citroen Bipper and Nemo rivals it off ers 10% more load volume and fl oor. Transit Courier is based on Ford’s Global B-segment platform and will be powered by petrol and diesel engines.

IsuzuBuoyant from increased sales of the new Isuzu D-Max over Quarter 1, Isuzu UK promoted its specially designed and developed range of competitively priced accessories for the highly acclaimed Pick-Up truck stretching from chrome bars, alloys, load bay covers, roof rack and a new jaw and pin tow bar coupling.

Brandt MotorsWith its history dating back to 1924, Brandt Motors, which employs over 400 people at its HQ in Lyon, France is committ ed to producing electric vehicles. Premiered here was the Citélec modular concept van which off ers a range of 336km, 80kp/h top speed, 600kg payload, 3.2m3 load volume and €1 per 100km running costs.

Leyland EcoGoupil Industrie, one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of electric utility vehicles are now distributed by Leyland Eco Vehicles in the UK.

To cater for the utility, leisure and commercial industries, the Goupil G3 electric or G5 petrol-electric hybrid models will do the business.

Page 15: fv&usummer13_webfull
Page 16: fv&usummer13_webfull

Some 300 competitors took part in the 23rd Gazelles R ally, an orientation

race based on navigation and endurance. After 15 days of racing, the four Renault teams each drove an average 2,500 kilometers in their Dacia Dusters, which were specially adapted for the event. “We are proud of the rankings of our ‘Gazelles’. Day aft er day they showed tremendous c o m m i t m e n t , c o u r a g e , generosity and solidarity, in a race that was full of surprises and unexpected turnarounds,” said Claire Martin, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Renault and member

of the Ethics Committ ee of the Aïcha des Gazelles Rally.

Aft er 15 days of racing, six stages and 12 •

to 14 hours of orientation a day, the eight “Gazelles” in the Women@Renault team all crossed the fi nish line in Essaouira on March 30 at the wheel of their Dacia Dusters.

In teams of two, the • six employees fi nished in fi rst, second and ninth place in the Crossover category. Th e Renault team competing in the 4x4/Truck category came fi ft eenth out of 127.

R e n a u l t ’s t h i r d • consecutive participation in the Aïcha des Gazelles Rally is part

of the Women@Renault plan aimed at promoting women in the company.

Gazelle, the Next Business LCV range in Russia

Top two positions for Dacia at Aïcha des Gazelles Rally

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013 Text: Rob Van Dieten – rob@fl eet.ie

16 | GLOBAL

Wi t h a € 1 2 5 m investment, the GAZ Group in Russia is to

commence production of its new Next 3.5 tonne light commercial vehicle range. Next succeeds the Business badged line-up from 2010 but its origins date back to 1994

New Gazelle Next is a next generation LCV for the growing Russian market — with new cab (bigger, wider and safer), new interior to include ISRI drivers seat, electric windows and mirrors. Th e 2.8 litre Euro 4 turbo diesel engine with EGR system is supplied by Cummins, produced in China through its joint venture with Foton. Completing the driveline is a manual 5-speed gearbox. Axles are made by GAZ

and the front suspension is now fully independent. A number of European component suppliers are contracted such as Bosch (brakes), ZF (steering), SKF (bearings) and Webasto (pre-heater).

Gazelle Next will be produced parallel to Gazelle Business, and the starting price for chassis-cab is 669.000 rubels (€17,500). Warranty is 3 years or 150.000 kilometers.

This year GAZ will produce 22,000 Next with a range of new models to come: panel van, double Crew-Cab, ambulance, 18-seats city bus, 4x4, lighter (2,8 tones) and heavier (5 tonnes) versions.

Lights, Camera, Action! Th e spotlight is shining on the small town of Görlitz in Saxony,

Germany right now where American Director Wes Anderson (“Th e Royal Tenenbaums,” “Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “Moonrise Kingdom”) is shooting his new fi lm “Th e Grand Budapest Hotel”. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles sees to it that the actors get from the set to the hotel and back without gett ing their feet wet.

Eight Volkswagen Transporter Multivan models w ith BlueMotion Technology, three Amarok Pick-Ups and

one Craft er 4MOTION with Achleitner 4-wheel drive are underway on the set to

help ensure that the production runs smoothly.“Each and every day, we’re confronted with new logistical challenges and are delighted to have at our disposal such reliable and indeed environmentally friendly vehicles thanks to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles,” says Jeremy Dawson, the fi lm’s Producer.

Th e cast of “Th e Grand Budapest Hotel” reads like a who’s-who of Hollywood: Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Owen

Wilson, Adrien Brody and Tilda Swinton, among others, play in the movie.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles puts Hollywood on wheels

On the fi lm set of “Th e Grand Budapest Hotel”: Director Wes Anderson with Bob Yeoman, Director of Photography (r) and driver Darin Damjanow (l) with the Volkswagen Multivan.

Page 17: fv&usummer13_webfull

Drive responsibly on and off-road. *Price shown is for Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 5 Seat XE. Image for illustration purposes only. Delivery and related charges not included. Official fuel consumption figures for the Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 (l/100km): urban: 9.7, extra urban 7.8, combined 8.5. Co2 emissions: 224 g/km.

landrover.ie

THE DISCOVERY 4 from €52,925*

BEEN ANYWHEREINTERESTING LATELY?

Page 18: fv&usummer13_webfull

S U Vs are an important sub-section of the Irish commercial vehicle market, particularly in the farming

and construction sectors where sturdy 4WD vehicles capable of towing heavy loads are essential. Whereas historically virtually any SUV could be converted and marketed as a Commercial merely by replacing the rear seats with a fl at fl oor and blanking out the rear windows, EU and Government legislation in recent years has placed much greater restrictions on what can be classed as a Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) Category C vehicle that is eligible for a fl at VRT rate of €200. Otherwise car-derived and SUV-derived vans are classed as VRT Category B and subject to 13.3% VRT at the time of fi rst registration.

Land Rover’s Discovery Commercial in its previous two seater guise is one of those that is no longer eligible for the €200 VRT rate, as a result of which it isn’t currently on sale here. In its place though Land Rover Ireland off ers the Discovery Utility, a factory built model that has N1 Commercial Vehicle classifi cation, and therefore is eligible for a VRT rate of 13.3% VRT. It’s an interesting model as this is a proper fi ve seater with clear rear sides windows, and diff ers litt le from the regular passenger version of the Discovery other than that model comes with seven seats as standard. Th e downside of this is that although an N1 Commercial, the Utility has to be taxed privately due to the fi ve seats and no bulkhead, and furthermore taxation is based on engine size rather than emissions, equating to €1,494 per annum. Nonetheless, with registered business users able to claim back VAT on the purchase price, there is no doubt that this is immediately a highly appealing vehicle for commercial users wanting to combine practicality and SUV ruggedness without compromising on luxury or passenger carrying capabilities.

With so many Sports Utility Vehicles on the road today, many of them no more than slightly raised hatchbacks, it can be easy to forget

just how competent a proper 4WD can be. Sit into the Discovery and immediately you are aware of the pedigree of the Land Rover brand. From the loft y driving position which just seems to off er a more commanding view of the road than other SUVs, to the plethora of switches that control the many off -road and towing modes, it is obvious that this is a serious machine designed to tackle heavy off -road and towing work. On the other hand it is also an extremely civilised car to drive, from the eight speed automatic gearbox that provides seamless changes (paddles on the steering wheel allow for manual control) to the high level of equipment and quality of materials.

For such a big and heavy machine, the Discovery exhibits surprisingly good road manners. Yes,

you have to treat it with the respect it is due, and don’t go barrelling into corners too fast, but handling is on a par with the best of its contemporaries. Engine wise Land Rover has fi tt ed the 3.0 litre 211 PS TDV6 to this vehicle rather than the more powerful SDV6, but the Discovery doesn’t feel under-powered in any respect, and should be more than up to the task of pulling trailers up to its class-leading 3.5 tonnes towing limit.

If maximum load space is your priority, a panel van rather than a Commercial SUV is probably a bett er bet, and the additional row of seats means that the

Discovery Utility is further compromised in this respect. Nonetheless, the lack of the third row of seats compared to the passenger version means the Land Rover will still accommodate a decent amount of load, accommodating up to 2,558 litres with the back seats folded.

You don’t expect a fully fl edged SUV to be economical, but a week with the vehicle returned an average consumption of 8.4 l/100 km (33.6 mpg), and a best of 7.6 l/100 km (37.1 mpg) on an extended cross-country run. Not bad for such a big vehicle.

Th ere’s an awful lot to like about the Land Rover Discovery Utility and it was one vehicle we were genuinely sorry to have to return at the end of our test drive. As a capable workhorse it is up with the best of them, while bringing new levels of equipment and refi nement to the Commercial SUV market.

Best of all worlds with Land Rover Discovery Utility

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013 Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fl eet.ie

18 | TEST 1

SPEC CHECKMake / Model: Land Rover Discovery UtilityPrice: €45,027 Ex-Vat €53,925 Inc-VatEngine: 3.0 TDV6 DieselPower / Torque: 211 PS / 520 NmPayload: 670 kgLoad Volume: 1,260 Litres to 2,558 Litres Towing Limits: 3.5 tonnes braked

Page 19: fv&usummer13_webfull

Part of your success: Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts.With overnight & twice daily* deliveries, to our nationwide network of Authorised Mercedes-Benz Van Dealers, you'll always have your Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts in time.

* The greater Dublin area.

Authorised Dealers available at www.mercedes-benz.ie

Page 20: fv&usummer13_webfull

T he mid-sized Car Derived Van (CDV) market has got decidedly interesting this year, with virtually

an entire new range of off erings. From Ford’s new Focus Van to the latest generation Toyota Auris Van, Opel’s return to the segment with the Astra Van, and the anticipated Mark 7 version of the Volkswagen Golf Van later in the year, buyers in this segment are spoiled for choice.

An interesting addition to the segment is Hyundai’s new i30 i-Pro Van. Th e Korean manufacturer has been making major inroads into the passenger vehicle market, with the family hatchback sized i30 a key model in spearheading that drive. Now Hyundai is hoping to achieve the same success in the CDV market.

If the i-Pro van got more reaction than any other vehicle we have test driven for a long time, the reason, as you can see in these photos, was undoubtedly down to the dramatic World Rally Car decals and styling. No, it’s not standard livery, although I’m sure Hyundai Ireland would be able to accommodate any requests, but as a means of promoting the new van it certainly is eff ective. Livery aside, the i-30 i-Pro is a smart looking vehicle, with the LED daytime running lights giving it a purposeful appearance. At a casual glance it is indistinguishable from passenger car versions, as the rear window glass has been retained and blacked out from the inside, something that will appeal to customers who don’t want it to be too obvious they are driving a van.

Where the i30 i-Pro stands out from its direct competitors is that it is the only three-door van in this class – all its rivals are now fi ve door off erings. Hyundai Ireland points out that vans in this segment all originally came with three doors, and it only is the fact that they don’t have suitable models in their current line-ups that is preventing rivals from doing the same.

Th e actual conversion from car to van is a tidy aff air with the rear passenger seats removed, and a fl at carpeted fl oor fi tt ed that is fl ush with the existing boot fl oor. A full length bulkhead separates the cabin from the load area with a solid lower and mesh upper half which allows the rear view mirror to be used. One slight criticism is that although there are four tie rings fi tt ed in the original boot fl oor, there are none in the forward section. Two more behind the bulkhead would be useful to ensure loads can be properly secured. Other than that the i-Pro off ers a payload of 510 kg and useful load space, with the wheel arches only intruding slightly. If you want to retrieve something from the front of the load compartment, it’s just about possible to stretch in far enough – though watch out if the rear bumper is dirty!

Using a 1.4 CRDi diesel engine that develops 90 bhp and 220 Nm of torque, the i30 i-Pro scores well on fuel economy. We returned an average consumption of 4.9 l/100 km (57.6 mpg) during our week with the vehicle – admitt edly with the van largely unladen – and on an extended run got as low as an impressive 4.3 l/100 km (65.7 mpg). Performance is more than up to the job, crucially there being enough torque to comfortably execute overtaking maneuvers. As a driving vehicle the Hyundai ticks all the boxes also, with ride and handling

on a par with any of its rivals.

A n area where CDVs often compare unfavourably with purpose designed vans is in interior layouts, which don’t tend to cater for the needs of busy commercial travellers. Th e i–Pro scores well in this regard, with a host of generously proportioned pockets and storage areas. Equipment wise, about the only thing that is missing from the Hyundai is air-conditioning. Otherwise with the likes of cruise control, bluetooth, iPod connections and a multi-function steering wheel, the i-Pro driver lacks for litt le.

Very competitively priced at €16,995 (€14,197 Ex-Vat), and off ering a fi ve years unlimited mileage warranty, the Hyundai i30 i-Pro is certainly a worthy addition to the CDV segment.

New Hyundai i30 i-Pro to shake-up CDV market

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013 Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fl eet.ie

20 | TEST 11

SPEC CHECKMake / Model: Hyundai i30 i-proPrice: €16,995 inc. VATEngine: 1.4 CRDiPower / Torque: 90 bhp / 220 NmTransmission: 6-Speed Manual, Front wheel driveQuoted Fuel Economy: 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg)Payload: 510 kgService Intervals: 32,000 km

Page 21: fv&usummer13_webfull
Page 22: fv&usummer13_webfull

B ecause of the absence of a precise addressing system in Ireland, logistics companies are wasting millions of every year searching for

addresses. An Post’s practice of adding postal sorting elements to addresses exacerbates this problem. David Fitzsimons CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland is recently quoted as saying that this situation was “making parcel delivery more expensive and if delivery companies didn’t have to spend hours trying to fi nd a particular address, they could fi t in more deliveries, and more deliveries would most likely lead to cheaper delivery costs.”

Since 2005, there has been much discussion about the introduction of a postcode in Ireland to help resolve the issue and open up competition. Unfortunately, however, three successive Ministers for Communications have been unable to deliver the solution. It now appears that postcode plans have stalled - most likely because interested parties had begun to realise that what was proposed was based on An Post’s own mail sorting model and would only have resolved an address to an area (with up to 50 properties) rather than to an individual property. Th is would not in any way have helped to resolve addressing issues and particularly would not have helped couriers deal with the growth of internet shopping which is expected to reach a value of €11.3 billion in Ireland by 2016. What is needed therefore, is not a postcode to help An Post sort mail, but a precise addressing system to allow couriers and logistics companies apply technology to effi ciently handle what will be a very signifi cant growth in business over the next 3 years.

Loc8 Code has already delivered the modern alternative to a postcode for Ireland (and Northern Ireland). It is a precise digital address Location Code system which can not only identify individual properties, but can also indicate which entrance should be used. Loc8

Codes use the benefi t of Electronic Mapping and GPS technologies to get away from old fashioned mail sorting postal codes. In that way, it delivers a precise addressing system which is of equal use to couriers and logistics companies, retailers, emergency services, tourists and service providers as it is to An Post and the new mail delivery companies emerging as a result of postal liberalisation since 2011.

Loc8 Code has been in operation now for more than 3 years and already has Irish State and commercial operations using its services including the HSE, REHAB, GAA, Cash & Carry Kitchens, Rentokil and Local Authorities amongst many others. Loc8 Codes is supported on all popular Garmin SatNavs now being sold in Ireland and the UK. Also the“point8”smartphone App supports navigation to Loc8 Codes as well as the generation of temporary Loc8 Codes on the spot in the event of vehicle breakdowns or road accidents. Loc8 Codes are used on more than 5,000 business websites throughout the country and are sought aft er for destinations by many tourists trying to fi nd their way.

Very notably, the Loc8 Code Electronic Point of Sale solution which plugs into an e-commerce website, not only generates and validates Loc8 Codes, but also provides unique anti-fraud functionality in the background.

It is believed that Loc8 Codes will become a standard requirement for all deliveries across the country and especially for the growing Irish home delivery market. Loc8 Codes have recently been adopted by UK based Paragon Soft ware Systems;- the vehicle routing and scheduling experts. Having supported Irish distribution for many years, Paragon is now ready to support the Irish home delivery market by adding Loc8 Codes to its route optimisation soft ware.

Paragon’s Marketing and Business Development Director, Charles Nockold, says “Whereas

most retail and logistics fl eets are delivering to a regular customer base, what makes home delivery far more challenging is the need to deliver to hundreds of new home addresses every day. For this, Paragon soft ware needed a way of automatically geocoding hundreds of new delivery addresses every day. Th is capability has now been provided, for the fi rst time in the case of Ireland, by incorporating Loc8 Code functionality in the Paragon soft ware. Once the customer addresses are coded, the Paragon route optimisation engine then automates the creation of accurate transport schedules that can be given to the home delivery fl eet the next day.”

Th is major cooperation between Paragon and Loc8 Code provides both operational and customer service benefi ts for those managing fl eets in Ireland and especially those in the home delivery business. It will enable companies to reduce transport costs by up to 20%, off er tighter delivery time windows with confi dence, meet scheduled arrival times more reliably, reduce delivery failures and increase truck utilisation and driver productivity.

So, with Loc8 Codes in popular use across Ireland, the State can save itself the €30 million plus estimated for its stalled postcode plan, and logistics companies, emergency services, tourists and all those delivering goods and services by road in Ireland can be confi dent of gett ing there quicker with less cost and of doing much more in a lot less time…..

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2013

22 | VAN STAND

Postcode Remains UnaddressedPostcode Remains Unaddressed• Loc8 Code Delivers by Gary Delaney, C.E.O. Loc8 Code Ltd• Loc8 Code Delivers by Gary Delaney, C.E.O. Loc8 Code Ltd

Page 23: fv&usummer13_webfull

For a full list of authorised Trade Link dealers visit www.tradelink.ie

Think Trade. Think TRADE LINK.Discount applicable to the trade only. Prices valid from 01/01/2013.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Genuine Parts “Fits First Time”.

Why Choose Trade Link?

Experienced and knowledgeable Trade Link teamExcellent on hand availabilityCompetitive pricesOn time delivery service

20 Volkswagen Commercial Trade Link Dealers Nationwide

Page 24: fv&usummer13_webfull

EFFICIENT, POWERFUL AND STYLISH. OTHERWISE KNOWN AS A WIN – WIN – WIN SITUATION.

www.kia.com

THE NEW KIA SORENTO.The new Kia Sorento is ready for action. With a new, distinctive and aerodynamic design the 2.2 197 hp engine has been refined to deliver lower fuel consumption and lower CO2 with annual road tax of just €390. With seven foldable seats, up to 1530 litres of cargo space and All Wheel Drive as standard, the 2013 Sorento is definitely ready for the challenges of business and family life. Add our outstanding 7-year warranty and prices from just €37,990 and the Kia Sorento is a definite winner.

*The Kia 7-year/150,000 km new car warranty. Valid in all EU member states (plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Gibraltar), subject to local terms and conditions. Fuel consumption (l / 100 km) / CO2 (g / km): urban from: 7.3 / 190 to 12.5 / 290, extra-urban from: 4.9 / 129 to 7.2 / 166, combined from: 5.8 / 153 to 9.1 / 212.