Uncover the little-known stories behind your favourite cars & vans.
Citroën
- Founded in France in 1919 by André Citroën.
- Revolutionised car comfort with hydropneumatic suspension that self-levels.
- Famous for the 2CV, nicknamed the “Tin Snail,” designed to carry eggs across a ploughed field without breaking them.
- Commercial vans: Dispatch, Berlingo, Jumpy, Jumper.
- Known for quirky designs, e.g., the DS luxury car, considered ahead of its time.
- Produced the Traction Avant, one of the first mass-production cars with front-wheel drive.
- Citroën has a long history in motorsport, including rally championships with the Xsara and C4 WRC.
Ford
- Founded in Detroit, USA in 1903 by Henry Ford.
- Revolutionised manufacturing with the moving assembly line, making cars affordable for the masses.
- Iconic cars: Model T, Mustang, Focus.
- Commercial vans: Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect, Tourneo.
- Introduced the 8-hour workday, improving worker welfare.
- Produced military vehicles and tanks during both World Wars.
- The Ford GT is renowned for its performance and racing pedigree, including Le Mans victories.
Maxus
- Originally part of LDV, now owned by SAIC Motor (China/UK).
- Commercial vans: eDeliver 3, EV80, V80.
- Focused on eco-friendly, efficient commercial vehicles.
- Popular with UK fleets and small businesses.
- Offers versatile vans with modern technology, including electric and hybrid options.
- Maxus vans are increasingly used in urban delivery fleets for their low-emission benefits.
Mercedes-Benz
- Founded in Stuttgart, Germany, the company’s roots trace to Karl Benz’s first petrol car in 1885.
- Pioneer of safety innovations: crumple zones, ABS, airbags.
- Cars: A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class.
- Vans/LCVs: Sprinter, Vito, V-Class, eVito, eSprinter.
- Vehicles featured in films such as James Bond.
- Rich motorsport heritage: Formula 1, endurance racing, DTM.
- Mercedes also produces luxury electric vehicles under EQ branding.
Nissan
- Founded in Yokohama, Japan, one of the first Japanese brands to succeed internationally.
- Iconic cars: GT-R, Leaf, Qashqai, Juke.
- Commercial vans/LCVs: NV200, NV300, NV400, Navara pickup.
- The GT-R is nicknamed “Godzilla” due to its dominance in racing.
- Early EV pioneer with Nissan Leaf, one of the first mass-market electric cars.
- “Nissan” comes from Nippon Sangyo, meaning Japanese Industries.
- Nissan vehicles are widely used in UK fleets, especially for urban deliveries.
Peugeot
- Founded in France in 1810, originally producing tools, bicycles, and coffee grinders.
- Commercial vans: Partner, Expert, Boxer.
- Cars: 208, 308, 508.
- The lion logo symbolises strength, flexibility, and reliability.
- Produced one of the first steam-powered cars in the 19th century.
- Strong motorsport and rally heritage.
- Peugeot vans are used extensively in trades, deliveries, and commercial fleets across Europe.
Renault
- Founded in Paris, France, known for its practical and reliable city cars.
- Commercial vans/LCVs: Trafic, Master, Kangoo.
- Cars: Clio, Megane, Captur, Zoe (EV).
- Early innovator with turbo engines and electric vehicles like Zoe.
- Renault vehicles were used as army vehicles during World War I.
- Known for affordability, durability, and efficiency.
- Renault has a strong presence in the UK commercial and fleet markets, especially for van users.
KGM (UK commercial vehicle specialist)
- Specialist in custom commercial vehicles in the UK.
- Produces vans, tippers, and 3.5t LCV conversions.
- Works closely with businesses for fleet-specific adaptations.
- Known for reliable, long-lasting vehicles.
- Supports industries such as construction, delivery, utilities, and trades.
- Focuses on providing bespoke solutions where standard vans may not suffice.
Toyota
- Founded in Aichi, Japan, originally a loom company.
- Pioneer of lean manufacturing, studied worldwide.
- Cars: Corolla, Yaris, Prius.
- Commercial vans/LCVs: Proace, Proace Verso.
- Corolla is the best-selling car in history.
- Leader in hybrid vehicles, including Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.
- Toyota vehicles are used in UK fleets, including small businesses and humanitarian missions.
Vauxhall
- Founded in London in 1857, originally making pumps and engines.
- The Griffin logo originates from a medieval noble family.
- Cars: Corsa, Astra, Insignia.
- Vans/LCVs: Vivaro, Combo, Movano.
- Popular for UK fleets and family cars.
- Astra awarded Car of the Year multiple times.
- Vauxhall has a long-standing presence in UK motorsport, including touring car championships.
Volkswagen (VW)
- Founded in Wolfsburg, Germany, a town built for factory workers.
- Cars: Golf, Polo, Passat, ID.3 (EV).
- Vans/LCVs: Transporter, Caddy, Crafter.
- Beetle designed to be affordable, reliable, and practical for everyday people.
- Owns Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Skoda.
- VW vans are widely used in delivery, camper conversions, and trades.
- VW is a global leader in electric vehicle production, with ID. series EVs.
Leyland / Luton Vans
- Named after Luton, Bedfordshire, where the body style originated.
- Luton-style vans are typically custom bodies on van chassis, such as Ford Transit, Renault Master, VW Crafter.
- Designed to maximise cargo space while remaining road-legal.
- Popular for furniture removals, delivery companies, and tradespeople.
- Longstanding British commercial vehicle heritage, trusted for decades.
- Still widely used for reliable fleet operations across the UK.
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