The one tonne, short wheel base van is the core of the used light
van market. It is the van the secondary market desires the most,
over and above the more specialised MWB and LWB vans. Consequently
it is the most competitive sector at auction and there is a huge
choice of stock readily available from a variety of vendors to
satisfy this demand. The one tonne van remains the principal model
for many buyers and every manufacturer therefore covets this
sector.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Transit remains the dominating force in the used SWB market but
becoming more closely followed of late by Vauxhall’s Vivaro and
then new model VW Transporter. The Transit comes in a wide range of
payload variants, a choice of power units, three roof heights and a
huge range of options – it has something for everybody. Transit has
become synonymous with this size of van and is one name that you
really cannot go wrong with in the used van market. The very latest
models have taken the market by storm and since launching into the
used sector a year ago remain highly desirable.
Buyers prefer the manual shift and the vast majority are perfectly
content with Ford’s excellent diesel engines. There are a few
dual-fuel versions in the market place and these do best when sold
in reach of London’s congestion charge zones.
The Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro launched in 2001, with
Nissan’s Primastar (the ‘retail’ version) following a year later.
The radical and modern stylings made no pretensions that these vans
were going after the Transit’s customer base. Designed specifically
as a one tonne van they were immediately accepted in this
competitive sector of the used market. Vivaro is the major volume
player, and consequently the most widely available – with its
sportier looks and standard whistles and bells, the Sportive models
are the pick of the bunch. Buyers tend to favour the relatively
rare Trafic, while Primastar is rarely seen from corporate
sources.
For scarcer models, prices can rise sharply for
well-presented examples, particularly short wheel base versions of
the Iveco Daily, VW LT and Mercedes Sprinter.
Specification is very important and is not lagging far behind what
motorists expect in their own cars. Consequently, vans that have
air-conditioning, full electric packs and metallic finishes in
subtle colours (blues, reds, silvers) are favoured over more basic
white models.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataIn terms of body specification, a side-loading door is essential
(two is even better) and a bulkhead is seen as necessary protection
for the driver and passengers. The interior must be protected with
ply-lining to stop inside-out damage.
Those fitted with a tail-gate rather than standard rear-doors will
generally sell at a premium purely through rarity, while glazed
rear doors are not liked – because they are seen as a security risk
for any contents carried in the van.
Livery removal is essential, but if you are a seller don’t just get
the vinyl stickers removed and leave it at that with your company
name showing in outline! Make sure your remarketing partner can
deliver a quality machine-operated polish to finish the job
properly, leaving a completely clear and clean panel for the next
used owner to rebrand as he or she sees fit.
Duncan Ward, UK business development manager – commercial
vehicles, BCA
