A tightening of emission standards, safety issues in cities and new product mean the next 12 months will be a time of intense focus for commercial vehicle managers.
Here we look at some of the upcoming developments to give CV fleets an essential heads-up.
Euro 6
Euro 6 emissions standards become mandatory for light commercial vehicles from September 1.
They are the last of the pack to face these standards - trucks had to comply by September 1, 2013, followed by cars last year.
Most van manufacturers have updated their engines to reflect the new regulations, which may result in list price increases in some cases. Some fleets have also told us that Euro 6 engines are not as efficient, often returning a few mpgs less than their Euro 5 equivalents.
The regulations mean that a number of Euro 6 vehicles will require the use of the Adblue additive – which will add to running costs. Remember to add this into your wholelife cost calculations.
City compliance
Demand for recognition and fleet accreditation from suppliers is a growing part of the procurement process for many companies, and safety concerns remain high on the agenda of fleets operating in cities, particularly London.
With a number of professional standards, such as FTA Van Excellence, and safety initiatives like CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety), fleets need to make the choice about which ones to support based on their business priorities.
They also need to be aware of urban emissions standards which are expected to be introduced to a number of cities over the next couple of years, following the template established by London.
New product
Volkswagen’s new Crafter large van is set to arrive in mid-2017, with its sister MAN TGE – the first van for the truck brand - following not far behind.
Fiat has significantly updated its van range with a raft of new and facelifted models.
The Fiorino city van gets a facelift, interior update and new engines. New is the Talento medium panel van, which replaces the Scudo, while Fiat has also launched the Fullback double cab pick-up truck.
Meanwhile, Toyota is launching the new Hilux pick-up and Proace medium panel van.
Find out more
Fleets can put the latest models from Fiat, DAF, Toyota and LDV to the test at Commercial Fleet Van & Truck, held at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, on September 20 and 21.
You will also be able to find out about all the other key issues set to affect your operations over the coming year during seminar sessions and in the sold-out exhibition, where more than 30 suppliers will be on hand to discuss latest fleet products and services.
Plus you will be able to meet and network with other fleet operators and share best practice advice.
Commercial Fleet Van & Truck is free to attend - reserve your ticket - Van & Truck - A Commercial Fleet event
(The views and opinions expressed by the authors of these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Freight Transport Association)
