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Julian Milnes checks out the latest lightweight offerings on display at IAA, and finds fuel efficiency a key selling point
LDV announced big plans for expansion at Hannover along with the unveiling of both electric-powered and extended-frame chassis-cab versions of its Maxus.It plans to launch in 10 markets in the next year, including Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and will look to add to the extra 219 people it recruited since GAZ Group acquired the company in 2006. The Birmingham plant will also be joined by a second factory in Russia by 2010. Evgeniy Vereshchagin, CEO of LDV Group, says: "We have transformed the Maxus range from just a van, to a full range of panel vans, window and crew vans." These plans follow on from the recent announcement by GAZ Group of the acquisition of 50% of LDV's engine supplier VM Motori. At the show, pride of place was reserved for the Maxus ECV1, which uses lithium-ion battery technology, co-developed with UK-based Eurofrigo, and has a range of 85 miles with a top speed of 55mph.
The packaging of the batteries between the chassis rails also means load volume is unaffected, while kerbweight is claimed to be just 250kg higher than the standard model. Maximum charging takes eight hours and a two-hour fast charge can be completed via a three-phase charging system. Vereshchagin adds: "Today has never been a better time for larger fleets with urban delivery operations to consider electric vehicles." Also grabbing the headlines was the extended-frame Maxus. Available in 3.5-tonne guise, it extends the existing long-wheelbase version by 750mm, and includes an uprated rear axle with an increased plated weight of 2,300kg, up from 2,120kg. Further features include a longer electric harness with plug-in connections for towbar and reversing sensors, along with a rear parabolic spring for increased free height.
Based on a hybrid system first debuted at Hannover two years ago, the Nissan Cabstar comes with a further developed version of the technology and includes a single-clutch system that incorporates a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 148hp, along with an invertor and lithium-ion battery technology. Designed for the urban delivery environment, it also incorporates stop/start technology, which also allows for energy recuperation, which is fed back to the battery. Furthermore, energy is also returned via the regenerative braking system. These returns can act as a boost to deliver extra torque alongside the diesel engine, which combines with the automatic manual gearbox to give a claimed 30% reduction in fuel consumption, depending on driving style.
Not content with fitting a hybrid engine to its Vito, Mercedes-Benz has come up with three tailored vehicle packages to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, depending on the distance covered, in this case short, middle and long, and the different driving styles that come with the aforementioned. Badged BlueEFFICIENCY, it looks at issues such as axle ratio, reduced steering-pump power, drag-efficient materials and low-rolling-resistant tyres, as well as start/stop engines. The packages will be introduced individually and will also see the technology used on the larger Sprinter. No launch dates have been confirmed.
Making its world debut was the Volkswagen Crafter BlueMotion, which applies the company's fuel reduction concept, previously seen elsewhere in its range. Prior to this it had been applied to the smaller Caddy, which was also on display. The 3.5-tonne, high-roof Crafter incorporates aerodynamic modifications, an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue technology for reduced emissions, energy-recovery braking system, and long gear ratios. Also on display was the CNG-powered Caddy Maxi EcoFuel, complete with a reserve petrol tank in case you're caught between filling stations, when combined it gives the Volkswagen a total range of 700km (570km on just CNG). The 2.0-litre engine produces a useful 108hp, while the cargo area remains unaffected the tanks being integrated under the floor in the rear.
Renault had plenty of new Kangoos on display including a Compact version sporting a retractable roof hatch for longer cargo, such as ladders. It also comes with Eco2 status, allowing it to operate on biofuel as well as having 95% recoverable materials at the end of life.
Ford gave a run-out of its stylish new shape Fiesta Van, packing a 1m3 load area and TDCi engine; it goes on sale in early 2009.
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