All the newcomers are powered by 100hp 2.5-litre diesels and have been ordered in both short- and long-wheelbase guise. Supplied through dealership Pentagon of Derby, they are having their load areas lined and their corporate decals applied by Bott at its Bude, Cornwall, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, and Cumbernauld (not far from Glasgow) fitting centres.
The lining used is a combination of 12mm non-slip surfaced ply and polypropylene. Cargo track is being fitted to help keep items in place and the rear doors and driver’s door are being equipped with straps to stop them opening too far. Reversing sensors are being installed too. Liverpool-based Home Delivery Network runs 2,600 vans and 58 depots nationwide.
Elsewhere, Leeds-based Ravenheat Manufacturing has opted for five Vauxhall Combo vans powered by 1.7-litre diesels. Each one will cover up to 50,000 miles annually and they look set to stay in service for from two to three years. They were supplied through local dealership Evans Halshaw.
Ravenheat makes, installs and maintains condensing boilers said to be capable of cutting gas consumption by as much as one-third. The Combos are used by the firm’s service engineers.