CITROEN’S new Berlingo range has been expanded, with the launch of the L2.
The new variant has a longer rear deck, providing 250mm of extra length. It also has an additional 0.4cu.m load volume.
Twin side load doors are standard. The L2 LX also allows loads of 3.25m in length to be carried on the floor.
All Berlingo L2 vans are fitted with Trafficmaster Snartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking systems as standard.
Robert Handyside, Citroën’s commercial vehicle operations manager, said: ‘The new Berlingo L2 fits in our range between the existing Berlingo L1 model and the larger Dispatch.
‘In terms of load volume and load deck length, the Berlingo L2 is comparable with the previous model Dispatch – and it provides the benefit of even greater long load carrying capability.’
Prices start at £12,395, plus VAT and delivery. Two variants are offered – X and LX – with the same 90hp 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesel engine.
Used van values down
MANHEIM reports that average van values were down in October – by a significant 4.7 per cent.
This fall is on top of a further 4.8 per cent drop in September, and wipes out the gains made in August.
However, overall volumes of vans at auctions remains significantly up on 2007. The auction group says 22 per cent more vans were seen in October.
Breaking down the readings into categories makes for some grim reading
•   Car Derived Vans down 2.6 per cent
•   Small Panel Vans down 11.7 per cent
•   Large Panel Vans down 12 per cent
But at the same time, there were gains. Car vans were up a staggering 18 per cent, tippers increased by 5.3 per cent and large panel vans gained 0.1 per cent.
Alex Wright, sales director, commercial vehicles, Manheim Auctions said: ‘Although disappointing, this decrease does bring the average value back to what was reported in August. A fall of this magnitude is in line with seasonal expectations.’
Van of the Year for Ford – again
FORD has dominated the AFCO Van of the Year 2008 awards.
The fleet group says it’s Ford’s value for money and reliability that helped it win two crowns.
The Transit Connect won the ‘Fleet Light Van of the Year’ for the 6th time. The Transit, for the 14th year in succession, won the ‘Fleet Panel Van of the Year’.
Ford’s director, fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: ‘The Transit family is built tough. We have ensured over the years that any product bearing the Transit brand delivers up to and beyond customers’ normal expectations.
We are aware that there is a great deal of choice in the marketplace and to be voted best van by the members of ACFO makes us very proud of our investment. We will not rest on our laurels, in a market which is more dynamic than ever.’
‘ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: ‘Ford’s light commercial vehicles are known as the ‘backbone of Britain’ and for good reason. The steady evolution of the vehicles in terms of the engine choice, specification and range of derivatives continues to prove to be a winning combination for fleet operators.
‘With the onset of recession, cost management is the number one priority for fleet decision-makers and the winners both offer value for money.’
Dealers were key to the titles, said Jenner. ‘Aftersales service is crucial to fleets, and ACFO members particularly appreciate the level of professionalism from dealer networks.
‘A high quality aftersales experience is crucial to cost-effective hassle-free motoring for fleets.
