In France, the market for light commercial vehicles is doing rather well, with 5.2% growth in the first 10 months of the year. It should be known that 75% of the production is intended for professionals. The opportunity of a spotlight on the models that are selling the best, but also on the trends in terms of modularity, on-board technologies and engines.
According to the Committee of French Automobile Manufacturers (CCFA), which relies on the data from the statistics research organization AAA DATA, sales of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) on the French market are up 5 , 2% compared to 2018, over the period from January to October. For the ULV strictly for professionals, this represents approximately 295 000 registrations since the beginning of 2019. The Committee of French Automobile Manufacturers highlights that nine of the ten best sales of LCV in France (all customers combined) on this same period are tricolor mode
Sales: French models at the party
If one analyzes in detail the classification of the CCFA, one observes that Renault trustees the first places, even taking the podium with in order the Kangoo, the Master and the Traffic. The PSA group is tracking the diamond firm in this top 10, with no less than five representatives aligned, including the Peugeot Partner (4th), Citroen Berlingo (6th) and Peugeot Expert (7th).
The Fiat Ducato, which ranks 5th, is the only foreign representative in this top ranking. Then you have to wait 13th to see the Mercedes Sprinter and other badged vehicles of foreign brands, such as the Ford Transit Custom (15th) or the Volkswagen Transporter (17th).
Beyond this top 20, it should be noted that in terms of overall sales volume, it is the PSA team that ultimately caps the Renault group at the pole, with 34.7% of the market share of 10 first months of the year, comp
Design: LCVs better adapted to the uses
What is the strength of today's light utility vehicles is, among other things, their ability to suggest to craftsmen, VSEs and SMEs, vehicles with configurations closer to the business uses.
The Berlingo Van de Citroën, named "Utility of the Year 2019", describes this trend quite well. The chevron sign has two main variants: the Driver or the Worker, with cabins and loading areas specifically designed for the pros, depending on whether they operate more on the road or on construction sites.
.Many other LCVs now have the same concern for the terrain. The Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 for example, which has an ingenious loading method for long loads. The Ford Transit Custom, meanwhile, is available in several useful volumes and in three choices of bodies (van, cabin or kombi). It should also be noted that most brands also offer their customers quasi-custom-made chassis, in partnership with expert VUL processors, such as Gruau or Durisotti.
On-board technologies: driving aids and fleet monitoring
The news of the segment is also marked by the contribution of embedded technologies. Cameras, digital dashboards and touch screens are slowly becoming the norm. This is the case in the new Ford Transit. The van with blue oval benefits from the latest developments in terms of driving aids (lane maintenance, parking assistance, among others). Iveco cares for his flagship in the same way. For its 40 years, the Daily welcomes an adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
The upscaling of the sector is also illustrated through increased connectivity. To meet the needs of professionals, Ford integrates the "FordPass Connect" application into its utility, designed to help fleet managers in their day-to-day management. For its part, Iveco's Telematic Box intends to support fleets via real-time monitoring (remote diagnosis, preventive maintenance, etc.) of the circulating Daily.
Nissan, meanwhile, offers drivers of its bestseller e-NV 200 to optimize their travel through a smartphone interface named NissanConnect EV.
Motors: the electric rising
Finally, let's take a look at the engines of light commercial vehicles. Although the share of LCV diesel remains colossal within companies (92%), the Arval Mobility Observatory (formerly Observatory of the Business Vehicle) notes at the same time a growth of alternative energies.
From January to the end of September, the electric models recorded a 13% increase compared to 2018, with 5,436 new vehicles marketed. A rebound that could increase with the imminent arrival of new vans and vans. On October 17, the PSA group announced that the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy and Opel Vivaro would have a 100% electric variant from 2020. Toyota, in partnership with PSA, will do the same with a Proace zero emissions.
The same ambition drives Renault. The European leader in electric LCV is about to increase the potential of its existing vehicles. A few days ago, the diamond company has indeed indicated that the autonomy of its range will be extended thanks to a fuel cell fueled with hydrogen. Two first models so well prepared are expected: the Kangoo Z.E Hydrogen by the end of December, and the Master Z.E Hydrogen during the next six months.
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