Dispatches Do Brasil: Hanover Vans

Marcelo de Vasconcellos
by Marcelo de Vasconcellos

The bi-annual IAA Nutzfahzeuge, or, roughly, commercial vehicle salon, in Hanover, Germany is in its 65th edition. Efficiency, connectivity and automation seem to the main themes of the current fair. Picking and choosing among the various van, truck, bus and supplier offerings, I chose three to highlight.

The first is the Hyundai H350. For now a Euro-special only, this one is especially interesting to Brazilians as there are strong rumors it will soon be built here in our tropical country. It follows traditional European van design, while adding some Hyundai visual cues. Its interior is quite simple, offering up enough content to be a contender. It can be equipped with independent air conditioning, refrigerated glove box, rain, darkness and parking sensors, Android-based multimedia center, and cruise control. Hyundai highlights construction flexibility possibilities, coming in three body styles (Bus, Cargo and truck) and two lengths (5.5 and 6.2 m). The rear-drive van makes either 148 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque or 168 hp and 311 lb-ft from its 2.5L 4-cylinder diesel engine. The sole transmission option is a 6-speed manual.

FCA showed off its Fiat Doblò. Taking the RAM ProMaster City as its inspiration, changes are concentrated in the frontal design and interior. The grill is now larger as are the headlights, and the bumper is new and more conventional in design than before. The interior continues the spread of the interior FCA first bestowed in American Chrysler offerings. Also new, there is a three-person, multifunctional front seat arrangement. Engines are turbo and naturally aspirated, gasoline, diesel or methane and include 1.3s, 1.4s and 1.6s, ranging from 75 horses to 120 hp. Traction comes from the front wheels and the model can be equipped with a new traction control system for slippery surfaces. Body styles are very configurable, being four and it can be had with two different lengths and heights.

Finally, Iveco, FCA’s world commercial vehicle division (light and heavy duty trucks and vans) presented its version of what future Euro vans may look like. Called “Vision” it is, of course, an environmentally-friendly van that Iveco claims is a laboratory for future solutions and technical innovations.

The Vision is equipped with two modes of propulsion. One is purely electrical with zero emissions, and the other is a hybrid that reduces consumption and CO2 emissions by 25 percent. Making true to its name, the concept van has large windows, the front pillars are see through and there is a backup camera that projects its image onto a panoramic screen at the top of the windshield.

Inside there is a sensor based cargo management system that identify its placement in the hold and fire off contention systems impeding movement of larger items.





Marcelo de Vasconcellos
Marcelo de Vasconcellos

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  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Sep 29, 2014

    I'm curious Marcelo, which would van would you prefer the Hyundai or the Fiat?

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    • Marcelo de Vasconcellos Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Sep 29, 2014

      @28-Cars-Later NP. This Hyundai and Doblo are incomparable. Depends on application. As is, for our market, the Ducato is highly adapted. seems to be doing well in the US, too. Commercial buyers are relatively more rational than private ones. If the Hyundai gains traction in Europe, means it's a good van. If not, would think not.

  • Slow_Joe_Crow Slow_Joe_Crow on Sep 29, 2014

    That Hyundai van looks a lot like knock-off Sprinter, I wonder if they will try selling it in the US. If they do then the next question is what badge, Hyundai, Kia, Bering (medium duty trucks comparable to Isuzu or Mitsubishi Fuso), or some combination?

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    • Bd2 Bd2 on Sep 30, 2014

      Looks like a typical Euro commercial van - whether it be MB, Ford, etc.

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