Less is more - Viewpoint - Brief Article - Column

Thoughts of recession and worries about shrinking markets do not appear to have reached Europe's LCV manufacturers. A better-than-expected 2001 for LCV sales in the UK has been followed by a broadside of launches, most of which were announced at the recent commercial vehicle extravaganza in Amsterdam.

Ford's `baby Transit' the Transit Connect was unveiled, aiming at the one-tonne market, whilst the latest embodiment of the Sevel vans from Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot broke cover too. Like the Sevel models a shared design between Renault and Nissan in the shape of the Master-based Interstar, was launched, and a forthcoming Trafic-based van will join it. Even Ford's Connect will sire an MPV. As in the car market, makers of LCVs are offering an ever increasing number of derivatives, from an ever decreasing number of base products. Will these economies of scale knock-on into lower LCV prices, or does less for more only relate to profit margins?

COPYRIGHT 2002 DMG World Media Ltd.
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