Pick-ups VS Vans

More fleets choosing pick-ups over vans.

The arrival in the pick-up sector of prestige models, such as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, is leading to a growing proportion of buyers choosing them in preference to vans. That’s according to Arval, whose LCV Product Manager Eddie Parker observed:  “More and more smaller fleets have decided to swap their company van and their private car for a pick-up with a double cab, potentially moving from two vehicles to one.” Given that pick-ups incur much less benefit-in-kind than company cars, the driver for change has often been tax. 

But Eddie Parker believes their increasingly civilised nature is making the switch even more attractive now.  “Many pick-ups can be specced up to match the kind of equipment levels that you might find on a £40-50,000 prestige car or SUV, yet the benefit-in-kind is still based on a relatively low flat rate,” he said.  “Even a 40% tax payer will only pay around £100 per month. 

Also, the fuel economy is probably comparable with a 4x4, so they are not expensive to run.” Added to that are the pick-up’s towing capacity, off-road ability and comparatively good payload – although there are still some reasons why businesses may continue to prefer a van. Eddie Parker continued:  “Generally, pick-ups are not as good to drive as vans, often providing a harsher ride, combined with less load space.  

If you need specialist fitments, few are available, and while the majority of pick-ups are fitted with a load cover, security is inevitably not as strong as a panel van.  Vans also come in a great many variants of size and shape which allows businesses to tailor the vehicle they select to their specific needs. “However, for a lot of people, these compromises are worth it because of the overall quality and image of the vehicles now becoming available, plus the tax position.”