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Vans: Going with the plan

With manufacturers and dealers doing their utmost to bring the best products and support to the cargo vans space, this important last link in the logistics and cargo chain remains vital to the plans of the transport sector

Vans

In the fast-paced world of cargo and logistics, businesses need vehicles that offer reliability, efficiency and versatility. Cargo vans, such as those from IVECO, Peugeot and Toyota, are engineered to meet the demands of the Middle East’s dynamic business landscape, offering customised solutions for every need, from small urban deliveries to heavy-duty long-haul logistics.

For Italian giant IVECO, the Daily is the long-standing versatile offering in the van space – a vehicle that can do it all, from general purpose cargo and distribution to special applications.

Marco Torta, IVECO Business Manager Gulf Area, describes the model as a “business oriented vehicle that features larger volumes, a more accessible loading platform and lower fuel consumption”.

He adds that the Daily is designed and built to offer virtually endless bodywork options, making it easy to customise for specific needs. It offers the widest line-up in the industry and is the only van that goes up to 7-tonnes of gross vehicle weight, with cargo volumes up to 19.6 cubic metres.

“You can count on a front axle maximum load capacity of up to 2,700kg, if you opt for a twin wheel model with the reinforced QUADTOR suspension.”

Vans

When it comes to powertrain options, the Daily focuses on both performance and fuel economy together, offering the F1C 3.0-litre, heavy duty engine in both Euro III/IV and Euro V guises, putting out 146hp and 150hp of power respectively.

“The Daily driveline is completed by its excellent gearboxes: the Hi-Matic, developed with ZF, offering best-in-class flexibility, efficiency, fuel economy and driving comfort; and the new six-speed manual developed with FPT (Fiat Power Train) that offers an excellent driving experience with best-in-class shiftability and precision engagement, suitable for any kind of body,” describes Torta.

Daily van high on safety features

When it comes to safety, the Daily offers driver and passenger airbags, features such as Hill Descent, ASR and enhanced braking stability thanks to its ESP System, with self-adjusting brakes that regulate the braking forces on each wheel in crosswinds in order to compensate the transversal wind forces.

“The Daily is driver oriented, and is the first vehicles in its class to have the driver seat cushion, back rest and head rest in memory foam with 30% reduction in pressure peaks, resulting in greater comfort and lower risk of back pain. The head rest, also in memory foam, absorbs more energy in case of collision, reducing the whiplash effect,” Torta says.

Several Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions are also available with the Daily in the Middle East. The ADAS solution available are Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keeping, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control and Queue Assist and Reverse Detection devices such as a rear camera and back sensors.

Also, the new high-resolution colour display cluster provides a user-friendly, intuitive interface making it easy to interact with the Daily and access in real time all key settings and information needed to get the best from the vehicle.

“The Daily also features a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch screen, DAB radio, voice recognition, TomTom car and truck navigation system, and rear camera display. You can easily bring your digital life on board with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which enable you to mirror your device and enjoy your apps in full safety while driving,” Torta points out.

Vans

“Big logistics companies in the Middle East have the Daily in their fleets. In Saudi Arabia, our local dealer recently delivered 55 Daily (model 50C15V18 18m3 loading capacity) to Theeb Rent A Car Co., a major local player. Our Dubai dealer has sold units to global courier and logistics heavyweight DHL and to Petit Forestier, a worldwide logistics company specialised in refrigerated transportation,” Torta reveals.

“Our Middle East success owes a lot to IVECO’s extensive network, comprising 11 dealers, 18 sales points and 32 service points, which means customers are always close to support for their vehicles and fleet, ensuring high uptimes,” Torta says.

IVECO plans cleaner vans

And with its ongoing success in the region, IVECO also has an eye on a greener and cleaner future. “In the Middle East, our Euro V diesel engines are ready to use HVO fuels and we are working on expanding the availability of the all-electric eDaily to this region to provide the widest electric van and cab range in the commercial vehicles sector.”

Meanwhile, at another European giant, Peugeot, the broad offering of vans for the region’s logistics needs comprises the Partner and e-Partner, the Expert and e-Expert and the Peugeot Boxer, making up perhaps the widest range of models in the commercial vans space.

Represented by Al Naboodah – Swaidan Trading Co.in the UAE, Peugeot vans are ubiquitous on the roads, whether the smaller models or the big panel vans. Describing the range, a spokesperson for Peugeot vans at Swaidan Trading says: “The Peugeot Partner is designed for urban agility, the ideal choice for last-mile deliveries. Its compact build ensures easy manoeuvrability in city traffic, while offering ample cargo space for small businesses. It boasts a payload of 1-tonne and fuel economy of 21.3km/l. The e-Partner, its electric variant, comes with a 50kWh battery capacity, a range of up to 285km and payload capacity of 753kg.

Vans

“The Expert, a mid-sized van, strikes the perfect balance between cargo space and manoeuvrability. Whether you need a refrigerated van or passenger transport, the Expert adapts to specific requirements, offering a fuel efficiency of 17.3km/l. Its electric variant is, e-Expert, comes with a 75kWh battery capacity, a range of up to 285km and payload of 927kg.

“For businesses with large-scale operations, the Peugeot Boxer is the go-to solution. With one of the largest payload capacities in its class, the Boxer is built to handle heavy-duty, long-distance deliveries with ease, offering payloads of 1,870kg and a fuel economy of 13.7km/l.”

The Partner is available in cargo and passenger versions (Peugeot Rifter), perfect for urban deliveries, chiller conversions or ride-sharing businesses. The Expert is suited for cargo, passenger or refrigerated operations and is a versatile choice for SMEs looking for flexibility. Meanwhile, the Boxer, with its high-roof, flatbed and refrigerated options, is ideal for large-scale logistics and moving services and also customisable to be a mobile van for applications such pet-grooming or on-site vehicle maintenance.

Power options on Peugeot vans

Detailing the features and specifications of the Peugeot vans, the spokesperson says: “Peugeot vans come with both diesel and petrol engines along with all-Electric variants for the Partner and Expert. Safety features such as ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), airbags and hill start assist are standard across the range, ensuring the safety of drivers and cargo. Driver aids like rear-view cameras, parking sensors and cruise control with speed limiter further enhance safety, making the vans easy to operate in any condition.

Vans

“As Peugeot’s trusted partner in the UAE, Al Naboodah – Swaidan Trading Co. offers support for businesses, from pre-sales consultations to extensive after-sales services. Our commitment to providing genuine parts and expert maintenance ensures that Peugeot customers receive the best care for their vehicles, keeping their operations running without interruption.”

Uninterrupted support is also key behind the popularity of the Toyota Hiace van, the market leader in the commercial vans segment in the Middle East. Represented by the Al Futtaim Group in the UAE, the van enjoys the support of one of the premier business houses in the region.

“The Toyota Hiace van has been an outstanding people and goods mover for decades, with its dependable, hassle-free and spacious features becoming a staple of the mid-sized van segment,” says Jacques Brent – Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus. 

“The latest generation of Toyota Hiace boasts excellent cargo capacity and makes it easier for customers to load and unload cargo with all types of forklifts. The newer models have also moved the engine to the bonnet from the front axle, adding even more interior room, while the semi-bonnet adds reliability and toughness. The interior is comfortable and helps reduce driver fatigue on long-distance trips.”

Vans

Brent adds that the Toyota Hiace van is renowned for its reliability, versatility and durability. This combined with the variety of configurations available in the UAE and GCC markets – such as standard roof, high roof, commuter buses or luxury models – makes it capable of complying with the diverse needs of commercial customers.

“The spacious interior is perfect for moving large numbers of people or goods while the durability of the van allows it to tackle all types of conditions and terrain of the Middle East. Within the commercial vehicle category, the Toyota Hiace occupies a pride of place, enabling businesses across generations to move without restrictions and pursue endeavours ranging from agriculture and science to construction, cargo and logistics deliveries.”

Al-Futtaim backing for Toyota vans

This is further backed by the service quality of Al-Futtaim Toyota, he adds, which is committed to reducing vehicle downtime and total cost of ownership, making the ownership experience a highly satisfying one with flexible service contracts and maintenance plans of up to four years.

Also provided are services such as tyre replacements, headlight rejuvenation, detailing and polishing, and rust proofing and undercoating to protect vehicles, ensuring longevity and durability of customers’ Toyota Hiace.

The all-new Toyota Hiace van comes in various configurations, with two different wheelbases – Long and Super Long – and two different drivetrain variants, a dual VVT-i and a direct injection D4-S. A high-roof variant is also offered particularly for cargo operations.

Vans

“The Toyota Hiace comes in a Van variant for purely cargo transport purposes, the Crew-Van for cargo and some personnel, and the Commuter variants to transport people. The van is also highly customisable for specialised needs, like a chiller van or taxi van.

“The engine is a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and produces 176hp and 420Nm of torque at 1400 rpm. Standard safety features courtesy the Toyota Safety Sense suite of products include pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert, and Road Sign Assist, alongside standard driver and passenger airbags. It also features ABS, an engine immobiliser, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution,” Brent details.

Summarising the Toyota Hiace, he says it is positioned to help businesses and enterprises with more fuel savings, more cargo space and more kilometres. “That’s why we are confident that the Toyota Hiace will continue to exceed the expectations of our clients in the UAE and beyond.”