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We've all seen the stickers... "no tools left in this vehicle overnight" but it turns out that for a lot of tradespeople that's really not the case.
A surprising number of van drivers are in fact leaving their precious tools in their vans overnight.
That's despite 1 in 5 UK businesses falling victim to crime from their vans last year. According to research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 19% of van drivers had their vans broken into and tools stolen.
Year-on-year, crime from vans is down but a Freedom of Information request revealed that 15,464 individual cases were reported to police.
Read our guide on how to keep your van safe from tool theft and van theives
Understandably a lot is at stake for a business, but there's a lot to gain for the criminals too. The average value of stolen equipment per van stands at over £1,700. Multiply that out and that could mean that UK tradespeople are facing a bill of up to £1.64 billion in stolen gear.
Worse still is that more than a third (37%) of van owners say that they leave tools in their vans with a value of more than £2,000.
A majority (57%) of tradespeople surveyed reported being unable to work entirely while their vans are restocked with tools and repairs are made after a break-in.
That downtime costs an estimated £550 a day per van, and there's also a high probability of an increase in future insurance premiums after such a loss.
John Ricardo-Neto, head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The cost of theft is more than just the price of the tools stolen, it’s the downtime while van drivers replace the stolen equipment, the higher insurance premiums and lost revenues, so it’s imperative that UK tradespeople be vigilant to tool theft.
“We urge those who own expensive equipment to take extra precautions – securing or removing tools overnight and parking in a well-lit, CCTV-monitored area. For those who wish to further increase the security of their vehicles, our range of theft prevention technologies can offer extra protection, allowing van drivers to get back to focusing on their businesses.”
In an effort to remind van drivers about the risks, VW says that its Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo comes fitted with an anti-theft alarm system as standard. When activated, the anti-theft alarm system sounds the horn and activates the hazard lights to help alert the break-in.
We’re pretty sure having a van in this condition is a sure-fire way of getting yourself pulled over by Old Bill, but some innovative vehicle wrappers have pulled out all the strops with a “Rusty” Volkswagen Caddy at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers’ Conference (NAPFM).
Earlier this month, the show in Telford got an unexpectedly rotten reveal of the rust wrapped Caddy van.
Despite its mucky brown looks, the van’s bright shining, immaculate alloy wheels are a dead giveaway that all is not as it first seems for this small van.
Bluelite Graphics, a Sussex-based vehicle wrapper, wanted to do something that would catch the attention of the conference goers – needless to say if it were on the streets it would certainly turn the heads of any passing traffic cop. They have been wrapping police, fire and ambulance vehicles for more than 30 years and apparently also helped develop the original battenburg livery.
Although wrapped in vinyl, people still couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. Apparently by the end of the show the van was also covered in fingerprints, rather than rust, as showgoers felt the urge to touch the rusty van to make sure it was a hoax.
While definitely not illegal to wrap your work vehicle in rust, it’s perhaps not the best advertisement for your business. Although a great conversation piece.
Staying on the right side of the law is hard enough, especially when speed limits are different in vans, so keeping the beady eye of the law off your van is probably for the best.
Maybe a rust wrapped van would make a good deterrent against unwanted attention from would-be criminals, though.
One thing is for certain, if you see a van with a real-life rust problem like this van then be sure to avoid it. Rusting vans can be a huge problem, particularly with older models, and few will be as obvious as this one.
It’s a good idea to read out need to know facts about buying a used van at an auction if you’re thinking of picking up a bargain van, as rust comes as a pretty high priority of things to look out for.
It's been 70 years since the Volkswagen Transporter first arrived in the UK, making it's public debut at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl's Court, in 1954.
Six generations later, the Transporter is now about to get its seventh generation when it is revealed at the IAA Hannover trade show in September. The newest version will share a platform with the Ford Transit Custom - the first time the VW Transporter has paired up with a partner.
It will get distinctive Volkswagen styling on the inside and out, but will share the same range of engines inlcuding plug-in hybrid and a full battery electric vehicle version.
Since first arriving, the Transporter has sold more than 13 million units across the world and has grown from just 786 UK sales in 1954, to a whopping 17,521 in 2023.
The most recent update was to the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1, launched in 2019, which got a new dashboard, improved connectivity and under went a facelift with updated headlights and grille.
Here's a brief history of the rest of the VW Transporter range.
T1: 1950 to 1967
Revealed as a hand-built panel van prototype in 1949, the T1 eventually launched as a rear-engine panel van, passenger van and eight-seat vehicle. The engine and gearbox came from the Volkswagen Beetle and it offered a maximum payload of 750kg. In 1951, the iconic "Samba" model was revealed with all-round windows and folding sunroof, and a year later a pick-up version was unveiled. Production moved from Wolfsburg to Hanover in 1956, with some models built in Brazil. By 1967, around 1.9 million people had purchased the T1 with its "splittie" windscreen, making it a global success.
T2: 1967 to 1979
With the T1 forging its name as something of a cultural icon during the swinging sixties era, the successor had a lot to live up to. The T2 took the design and utility of the van forward with a new front end and air intake grille. A sliding door was now standard, and the pop-up roof camper version became an instant hit with globetrotters. In 1972, the T2 went electric with a zero-emission version available to buy. During its run, 2.14 million vehicles were built at the Hanover plant. Production continued until 2013 at the Volkswagen plant in Sao Paulo.
T3: 1979 to 1992
The T3 took the famous vehicle into the modern era with a wider body offering, more passenger and cargo space and improved safety. A flat engine, available in diesel, was introduced adding to the spaciousness while a new chassis offered car-like handling. In 1985, a raft of innovations were added: catalytic converters, turbochargers and all-wheel drive, while the California and Caravelle became popular. In total, 1.3 million T3s were made in Hanover.
T4: 1990 to 2003
This generation marked a technical revolution with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles making the T4 front-engine and front-wheel drive for the first time. With this came a new design, longer front end, new suspension, more varied engine choice and even better handling. The Transporter was also available in two wheelbases for the first time. Following a 1996 mid-model refresh, the T4 was phased out in 2003 having sold 1.9 million models across the range, which had grown to feature the panel van, kombi, double cab, pickup and chassis with single and double cab, Caravelle, Multivan and California.
T5: 2003 to 2015
The T5 was an evolution of exterior design with greater focus placed on the interior and the driver's workplace as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engines and an all-wheel drive system. The California was built in Hanover for the first time, while Caravelle and Multivan continued to be popular choices alongside a number of limited-edition models. In total, 1.65 million T5s were produced.
T6 / T6.1: 2015 to 2019 / 2019 to present
New engines, intelligent driver assistance systems, new infotainment and a front-end redesign have defined the modern T6 era - while the two-tone paint scheme serves as a nod to the original model. In 2019, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought the iconic van into the digital age with a new dashboard design, a raft of technology and connectivity updates as well as a new power steering system and additional efficient, clean turbodiesels.
The first proper details of the upcoming Volkswagen Transporter have been released ahead of its reveal at the IAA Hannover commercial vehicle trade show in September.
The digital renderings released by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles show minor details of the what will be the seventh-generation Transporter including the headlight and rear light design as well as alloy wheels and the PanAmericana name currently used on high trim level Volkswagen Amarok pick-up trucks.
Accompanying two official graphics of the alloy wheel design and PanAmericana name badge is a short video where viewers get a glimpse of the new headlights and electric vehicle charging point, and the rear light cluster.
The new model will be made by Ford and is based on the Ford Transit Custom and Ford E-Transit Custom but VW says the new Transporter “seamlessly follows the classic Bulli DNA” adding that they have “systematically enhanced the design – as is perfectly demonstrated by the new PanAmericana”.
“The new Transporter combines a high degree of utility with the distinctively clean and iconic style of Volkswagen Design. It is not just the vehicle’s overall lines, but also its individual elements that have become hallmark features of the product line,” says says Albert Kirzinger, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ chief designer.
For the first time in the history of the Transporter, the PanAmericana will be launched with 19-inch wheels as standard. It will get a diamond-cut rim and black spoked star – a nod to the Indianapolis wheel recognisable as a Transporter design.
“The headlights and tail light clusters have long been more than just sources of light. Even the first Transporter had round headlights that made it look like the commercial vehicle had eyes, giving the front end a face. The new Transporter also has an unmistakable face – and this is once again thanks to its striking light design,” Kirzinger adds.
PanAmericana trim will also include the top-spec version of the new LED headlights, however, even the entry-level new Transporter vans will also have LED headlights.
Watch the video of the new Volkswagen Transporter PanAmericana teaser below.
Full details of two new models in the Volkswagen ID Buzz range have been revealed.
The sporty ID Buzz GTX will get 21-inch black alloys, an electrically dimmable panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, memory power seats, special Black Artvelour microfleece seat fabric and a leather wrapped heated steering wheel.
As well as being the most powerful Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model, with 337hp and a 0-62mph time of just 6.1 seconds, the four-wheel-drive GTX also gets an exclusive grille design to make the model stand out.
The ID Buzz GTX with normal wheelbase is available with five seats and gets a 40:60 split three-seat bench in the second row, or can be had as a six-seater with two individual seats each in the second and third rows.
The GTX also gets a unique front bumper to go with its gloss black honeycomb grille. There’s new side air guide elements and GTX lettering. Models come with the option of a new Cherry Red solid paint finish that will be exclusive to the ID Buzz GTX.
Alternatively, it can be specified with Mono Silver metallic as a two-tone paint finish.
Pricing details for the ID Buzz LWB (long wheelbase) have also been released with a starting price of £59,545. The longer wheelbase ID Buzz gets space for up to seven passengers as standard and a larger 86kWh battery to give it a combined range of up to 291 miles on the WLTP combined cycle.
The range starts with the 86kWh ID Buzz Life LWB 286PS with a better equipped 86kWh ID. Buzz Style 286PS available for £64,345 – and a slightly reduced range of 286 miles. Both LWB models get the same 283hp single motor as the normal wheelbase versions.
The ID Buzz dimensions for the LWB are improved over the standard model and now measures 4,962mm in length, compared to 4,712mm for the normal wheelbase version.
The increased length has been achieved by stretching the wheelbase from 2,989mm to 3,239mm.
The additional 25 mm has been added to the wheelbase and the sliding rear doors, which have been widened by 192mm.
The ID Buzz width is 1,985mm (excluding its exterior mirrors) and it has a height of 1,927mm.
In the five-seater ID Buzz LWB has luggage space for up to 1,340 litres, compared to 1,121 litres in the normal model.
With the second and third row seats folded, the ID Buzz LWB rear stowage space increases to 2,469 litres, and when using all seven seats, the ID. Buzz LWB still has 306 litres of space.
Volkswagen Crafter pricing details have been released ahead of the new model reaching customers later this summer.
Order books for the Volkswagen Crafter Commerce and Volkswagen Crafter Commerce Plus models are now open with first customer deliveries expected in mid-August.
Prices will start from £45,660 for the Commerce trim and £52,704 for the Commerce Plus.
New standard driver assist systems on the Crafter included Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking including Cyclist and Pedestrian Monitoring), Lane Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, a speed limiter and rear parking sensors – also known as Park Distance Control.
Travel Assist will be available as an option for the Crafter for the first time, as will Emergency Assist.
The exterior of the van remains largely unchanged but the interior has been revamped with a new dashboard. This now includes more connectivity options.
On the inside of the new Crafter there is a now a new Composition Colour 10.4-inch infotainment screen with App-Connect, an integrated eSIM and mobile online services.
The Crafter also gets wireless smartphone charging and USB-C connections and there’s the option of a Discover Media satellite navigation system which adds a larger 12.9-inch colour touch-screen.
There’s a redesigned steering wheel, and the electronic handbrake switch and gear selector for the optional automatic gearbox have also been redesigned and relocated.
Controls for the light functions, the heating and ventilation controls and all the air vents have been changed too.
The Crafter will be available in three body lengths and four roof heights. Commerce trim models can be specified as a medium wheelbase with a high roof or long wheelbase with a high roof configurations. The Commerce Plus models will come as either a Maxi long wheelbase with high roof, while there’s also the option for special orders of the low roof and super high roof options.
A total of three gross weight weights will be available with CR30 (3,000kg GVW) models available exclusively with front-wheel drive and a 140PS 2-litre TDI engine paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The CR35 (3,500kg GVW) adds the option of a 177PS 2-litre TDI with either front-wheel drive or 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
CR35 can also be ordered with a middle power outputs of 163PS 2-litre TDI powering the rear wheels. This engine and drivetrain layout is also the only option for the Crafter CR50 (5,000kg GVW) which can also have the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
There are currently no plans for a new version of the Volkswagen e-Crafter which will likely be relaunched when the next generation of vans is produced by VW in 2028.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released the first picture of its new generation of Transporter van.
“We are transferring the DNA of our icon into modern times with the completely new Transporter,” said Albert Kirzinger, chief designer at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
“The details of the seventh Bulli generation pick up the characteristic design features of its six predecessors and give them a new interpretation. This has a tradition – every new Volkswagen Transporter has always represented a new visual beginning, a stylistic bridge between a long history, the present and the future. This is precisely what has kept this product line updated for over eight decades, making it the most successful van series in its class in the world,” Kirzinger added.
Sales of the new VW Transporter have already begun in Europe where prices start from €36,780.
The full vehicle will be revealed at the Hannover IAA trade show in September, ahead of vehicles hitting the road in the first part of 2025.
The latest Volkswagen Transporter is also based on the Ford Transit Custom and will eventually have a fully electric version that will share the Ford E-Transit Custom driveline.
Bulli DNA: “One second is all it takes to immediately recognise the Transporter – which has been redesigned from the first to last millimetre – as the successor to the T6.1 and as a member of the Bulli family,” says Albert Kirzinger. The Chief Designer continues: “The design consistently follows the iconic Bulli DNA. This is already evident in the main body, which has the characteristic contour for the product line below the side windows – we call it the Bulli line. This unique DNA can be found in all areas of the exterior design and also makes the new Transporter the original in its class.” The design of the new Transporter in detail:
Front: The T5 can be seen briefly in the shape of the radiator grille, the T6.1 in the headlights and the T1 in the iconic clarity – but all these features have evolved significantly into a new Volkswagen Transporter appearance. At the same time, the design is also embedded in the current Bulli family’s range. The Chief Designer adds: “The front design of our seventh Transporter immediately makes it clear that it is a member of the Bulli family and complements the Multivan and ID. Buzz duo.”
Silhouette: The side view of the Transporter, which is between 5,050 mm and 5,450 mm long, shows the design clarity typical of a Bulli. “As with the T6.1, we have extended the upper contour of the headlights as a line into the sides. This continues all the way to the rear and creates a pronounced linear curvature above it – the Bulli line. This line separates the upper and lower areas of the body and is a tribute to the T1,” says Kirzinger. The range of 16-, 17- and 19-inch Transporter wheel rims has also been redesigned. Particularly striking is the 19-inch Indianapolis alloy wheel with its diamond-cut rim flange as well as six black spokes and inner surfaces. Optimally accessible once again is the fuel filler flap integrated in the area of the B-pillar of the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, as on the T6.1 and large Crafter. The charging socket flap of the models with plug-in hybrid and all-electric drive is located under the right-hand headlight.
Rear: The rear end of the seventh Volkswagen Transporter has a homogeneous design and thus has the clear and characteristic features of a Bulli. The commercial vehicle will once again be available with a tailgate and rear wing doors. Although completely redesigned and technically revamped, the striking shape of the tail lights with LED dots towards the sides creates a stylistic bridge to the T5. “With a horizontal line below the rear window and a black handle strip above the number plate, we form a smooth horizontal strip between the C-shaped tail light clusters, which we also use here to emphasise the iconic clarity of the new Transporter,” says Albert Kirzinger. He continues: “As always with a Volkswagen commercial vehicle, there is no line that is not logical. The described horizontal lines below the rear window and above the handle strip are a good example of this, framing the Volkswagen logo and extending into the tail lights with millimetre precision.” Form thus again always follows function on the seventh Transporter. The tailgate or wing doors are another example: their recess extends far into the bumper, resulting in a low load sill height of only 575 mm to 638 mm (depending on version).
Property maintenance and zero-carbon retrofitting specialists Wates Group has made a significant upgrade to its fleet with the addition of 60 new vans including the new Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo.
The new fleet includes 30 all-electric Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo vans capable of an impressive 254-mile electric range, allowing Wates to navigate urban environments with minimal emissions while complying with Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) regulations.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo dimensions give it a cargo space of 3.9 cubic meters with a 1.7m width, 1.3m height, and 2.2m lenght. The ID Buzz Cargo offers ample storage for Wates' maintenance needs.
The purchase is said to reflect the company's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
To address the requirement for larger vehicles, Wates also invested in 30 Volkswagen Transporter vans. Renowned for their class-leading payload capacity of 1,185kg the Transporters provide spacious interiors and superior flexibility, making them ideal for tackling larger-scale maintenance projects.
This investment in a diversified fleet underscores Wates Group's dedication to both environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a range of attractive monthly contract hire offers to entice British businesses into a new Volkswagen van.
Buyers looking for everything from the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo van through to the largest Volkswagen Crafter can benefit from a range of finance offers. New competitive contract hire prices for the entire Volkswagen Commerical Vehicles range are available, including the Volkswagen Amarok, but it's the headline grabbing deal for the ID Buzz that will turn many heads.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo SWB Commerce is available from £379 per month on a three-year Business Contract Hire deal.
On Personal Contract Purchase, the ID. Buzz Life Pro 77kWh has a 4.9% APR with £5,500 deposit contribution from Volkswagen Financial Services, as well as one year’s free insurance, three free services and an MOT included.
Other offers include the Amarok Style 205PS pick-up truck which is available from £459 per month on a four-year business contract hire agreement. The Amarok also comes with Volkswagen’s 5+ Promise, which includes five Services and three MOTs, five years’ warranty and five years’ roadside assistance.
A full breakdown of the deals on offer can be found here:
| Model | Derivative | Business Contract Hire Monthly Rentals (exc. VAT at 20%) | Customer initial rental | Servicing |
| Caddy Cargo Commerce | Caddy Cargo Commerce 2.0TDI 102 PS 6-speed manual | £349 | £2,094 | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%). |
| Transporter | Transporter 6.1 T28 panel van Startline SWB 2.0TDI 110PS 5-speed manual | £399 | £2,394 | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%). |
| Transporter 6.1 T30 kombi Startline SWB 110PS 2.0 TDI 5-Speed Manual | £440 | £2,640 | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%). | |
| Crafter | Crafter high roof panel van Commerce Plus CR35 MWB 2.0TDI 140PS FWD 6-speed manual | £549 | £3,294 | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%). |
| ID. Buzz People | ID. Buzz Life 77kWh Pro | £395 | £2,370 | 3 services and an MOT included |
| ID. Buzz Cargo | ID. Buzz Cargo SWB Commerce | £379 | £2,274 | 3 services and an MOT included |
| Multivan | Multivan Life Standard 2.0 TDI 150PS 7-Speed DSG | £499 | £2,994 | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%). |
| Amarok | Amarok Style 205PS | £459 | £5,508 | - |
According to Volkswagen, new deals currently on offer include £4500 desposit contribution on the price of a new Crafter, and £2000 on an Amarok.
| Model | Derivative | Retail finance (inc. VAT) | Servicing |
| Caddy Cargo Commerce | All models | £1,500 deposit contribution 6.9% APR Representative^^ | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%).5 |
| ID. Buzz Cargo | All models | £2,000 deposit contribution 4.9% APR Representative^^ | 3 services and 1 MOT as standard3 |
| Transporter | All models | All models: 6.9% APR Representative¥ | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%).5 |
| Multivan | All models | £1,000 deposit contribution on Life or £1,500 on Style models 6.9% APR Representative^^ | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%).5 |
| Crafter | All models | £4,500 deposit contribution 6.9% APR Representative^^ | 2 services for £199 (exc. VAT at 20%).5 |
| Amarok | All models | £2,000 deposit contribution on 2.0 litre variants only 6.9% APR Representative^^ | 5+ Promise4 |
Production of the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 is coming to an end which will also see production of the Volkswagen California using the current platform finish too. To commemorate the last of this generation of California camper vans, Volkswagen is to produce a special "Last Edition" model for the final 1500 production units of their hugely popular California.
The last 1,500 VW California camper vans will roll off the production line in Hanover-Limmer by the end of the summer and to celebrate their departure VW is adding a little finishing touch.
Each of the last camper vans will receive a sticker on the D-pillar with the designation "Last Edition".
The California 6.1 has been on sale since 2019 and was the latest in a long line of dedicated camper van models from the Volkwagen van line-up. A the time, new features included a touchscreen in the roof console to control all the essential camper settings.
All models of the Volkswagen California, in the Beach, Coast and Ocean trim options are now sold out.
Speculation as to what will replace the California has been rife after Volkswagen entered into a product sharing agreement with Ford for their commercial vehicles.
The next generation of Volkswagen Transporter will be built by Ford and based on the latest Ford Transit Custom. Volkswagen has also developed its own mid-sized platform that would be suitable for a camper model. The Volkswagen Multivan is an obvious choice for the next generation of California as it is available in multiple powertrains including a Multivan PHEV.
An extension to the California range was also expected using the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo platform, however, VW Commercial Vehicles CEO Carstan Intra recently confirmed that the ID Buzz California would not be an immediate priority and won't arrive until later this decade. Intra also revealed that VW would continue to build its own large vans with an electrified Volkswagen e-Crafter model arriving by 2028. Previously, Volkswagen has chosen to produce a Grand California version using the Volkswagen Crafter platform.
The world premiere of the next Volkswagen California will take place on May 7, 2024 in Berlin.
