In many places we read that MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles) are slowly but surely being replaced by the continuing demand for SUVs. Insiders say that VW will launch the successful third generation Sharan model in the style of a crossover, probably in 2021. The German car manufacturer will therefore not abandon the segment of so-called monocabs, as the model range of vans is also called. Whereas 517,000 vans were sold in the DACH-Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) in 2013, only around 411,000 units found buyers in 2018. At the same time, the SUV segment grew in the same period: sales of SUVs almost doubled in all three countries. Interesting detail: The registration figures for light commercial vehicle models designed for passenger transport such as the VW Multivan, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Fiat Ducato, etc. rose noticeably.

The future of VANs (Photo: autozeitung.de)

End of an era?

Late, however, BMW and Mercedes also decided to join the family van segment. Especially Mercedes with its B-Class and BMW with the family double pack of Active Tourer and Sports Tourer did not necessarily help the premium image with the family models suitable for senior citizens. BMW soon said goodbye to its 2-series Gran Tourer, Fiat discontinued production of the Ulysse and Chrysler Voyagers. Ford, who had withdrawn the B-Max and C-Max, thought about what to do with the larger S-Max and Galaxy vans. The Espace by Renault is no longer a van, but a crossover. According to calculations by analysts, every third vehicle in Europe is already an SUV with constant growing registration numbers.

Models such as the VW T6 Multivan or a Mercedes Vito / V-Class, Renault Traffic or Toyota Proace come closest to the MPVs in terms of versatility and interior. The vans are aimed at larger families and all those who require tidy loading space and more than five seats. The sales of vans registered as passenger cars and not as commercial vehicles in the DACH region alone rose from almost 30,000 in 2013 to more than 50,000 units in 2018.

Foretaste of the cold season

At the current tropical temperatures, DEZENT creates a little cooling. The new SUV winter wheel from DEZENT is edgy, sturdy and dynamic. The sophisticated double-spokes design is in perfect harmony with the modern look of cars such as the new Volvo XC 40 and XC 60, Audi Q2, Audi Q3 and Audi Q5 as well as the BMW X3. Technically, the new DEZENT TA silver is a 100 % fit for these models thanks to ECE and VTA approvals. The new rim, however, is also a perfect match for models of Asian manufacturers such as the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sportage. Picture: Photo DEZENT TA on Volvo.

DEZENT offers solutions for vans and the like

The DEZENT designers faced the challenge of creating an elegant light alloy rim featuring a very high load for this vehicle class. The result is “Van”tastic: The new light alloy wheel in the five-spokes design has a load of up to 1,350 kg, making it suitable for the majority of light trucks and vans. The availability of 5 and 6-hole versions in 6.5 x 16 inch makes it possible to supply the light alloy rim to nearly all light trucks and van models.