Horsham, West Sussex -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/04/2015 -- The iconic Volkswagen camper van is set to make a comeback, but in this incarnation an electric engine will power it.

Volkswagen launched their Westfalia camper van in 1951, and sold them right through to 2003 when the last one rolled off the production line in Brazil. Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser at the New York Auto Show made the announcement. He said that the plan was to run the vehicles on batteries and have the electric motor send the power through the front wheels.

The new camper van is expected to look very different from the original type 2 Volkswagen van. However, certain classic design features will be carried through into the new version. Dr Neusser explained to the press at the show which features the new camper van would still feature. He said:

"First the wide, solid, D-Pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section; and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short."

Volkswagen has already built an electric powered van. In 2011, they built an electric concept van called the Bulli that was somewhere between a small van and a microbus. Currently, there are no plans to produce this concept van.

It is a busy time for Volkswagen's van production team. In early April, the new Transporter T6 was officially launched in Amsterdam.

This new panel van is designed for the minivan market, but there will also be a Caravelle MPV version available. This is the 6th incarnation of the famous transporter panel van. The first version, the 'Splitty' was first sold 65 years ago.

As well as a different look, the new T6 features a host of new security and safety features. It has a full Driver Alert System fitted as standard as well as adaptive cruise control.

The launch of new vans always generates a high number of trade ins, which means that used VW dealers in West Sussex,and most parts of the UK will see an immediate uplift in business. This uplift is likely to continue as used versions of the transporter 6 filter through into the used van market.

For more information visit the website http://www.smgvw.co.uk/

For Media Contact:
First Name: Gary
Last Name: Hawkins
Business Name: Southern Motor Group Cowfold
Address: Henfield Road, Cowfold
City: Horsham
County: West Sussex
Postcode: RH13 8DT
Country: United Kingdom
Phone No.: 01403 581228
Email: gnicholls@smguk.co.uk
Website: http://www.smgvw.co.uk

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Volkswagen has been talking about the release of their new Transporter since the middle of last year, but the firm has been quite secretive about how it will look. Until recently, that is, they have now released a teaser sketch of the new T6.

Horsham, West Sussex -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2015 -- The black and white sketch does not give much away, but it looks like the new Transporter will be built on Volkswagen's MQB platform. This has come as a surprise to many in the commercial vehicle sector because the Tristar that was released in Frankfurt last year was built on the old T5 chassis.

The release of the T6 is expected to generate a flurry of VW T5 Transporter special offers as dealers clear their forecourts of the old model. Volkswagen is expected to unveil the new T6 on the 15th of April.

This will be the 6th generation of the Transporter. The first version was released in 1950. Volkswagen has said that their new commercial van will be built in Hanover and that the cab will be more luxurious than the current T5 with a huge choice of trims. This falls in line with Volkswagen's attempts to make their commercial vehicles more comfortable and give them a more car like feel.

It is expected that the T6 will have a 2.0 litre 224 PS engine or a 231 PS 2.0 litre diesel engine. There is also likely to be the option of all wheel drive.

Given the pressure that many countries are putting on commercial vehicle owners to reduce their emissions the new T6 is expected to have much better green credentials than the T5. It is therefore, highly likely, that the T6 will be considerably lighter than the T5, which means that it should offer much better fuel economy.

Sales of the T6 should be strong in the European market. In the UK, there is currently strong demand for commercial vans. During February 2015, van sales were up by 17.9% on February 2014. From a year to date perspective sales of vans in the UK are up by 20.2%. The fact that the UK economy is improving means that this upward trend is likely to continue throughout 2015.

For more information visit the website http://www.smgvw.co.uk/used-vans/volkswagen/transporter

For Media Contact:
First Name: Gary
Last Name: Hawkins
Business Name: Southern Motor Group Cowfold
Address: Henfield Road, Cowfold
City: Horsham
County: West Sussex
Postcode: RH13 8DT
Country: United Kingdom
Phone No.: 01403 581228
Email: gnicholls@smguk.co.uk
Website: http://www.smgvw.co.uk

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Strong demand means used vans are keeping their value, says Horsham-based specialist.

Horsham, West Sussex -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2015 -- Strong demand means used vans are keeping their value, says Horsham-based specialist.

According to figures recently released by auction company BCA, average values for used vans rose to new highs at the end of last year, with values increasing for three consecutive months.

Strong demand for vans is being partly driven by the boom in online shopping, which is leading to more vans being needed for courier and delivery work. The government announcement of money for new infrastructure, road-improvement and building projects is also expected to drive demand for more vans to serve the construction sector.

Demand for popular vans such as the VW T5 Transporter is expected to remain high this year, both from end users and larger fleet buyers. Horsham dealer Southern Motor Group believes that the VW van range offers a strong value proposition for any size of business thanks to its quality and reliability, with strong residual values being an added bonus.

These same advantages also make the VW, bought either new or used, a strong choice with private buyers who are looking for a multi-seater to accommodate a large family or for a camper-van conversion.

About Southern Motor Group Cowfold
Southern Motor Group specialises in supplying new and used VW vans, as well as providing parts, servicing and accessories. It's a Volkswagen-authorised van centre, and its servicing and MOT technicians are VW-trained. The company offers attractive and flexible finance and leasing deals for business users, and it has an e-commerce site where customers can buy accessories online.

For more information please contact:
Name: Gary Hawkins
Business Name: Southern Motor Group Cowfold
Address: Henfield Road, Cowfold
City: Horsham
County: West Sussex
Postcode: RH13 8DT
Country: United Kingdom
Phone No.: 01403 581228
Email: gnicholls@smguk.co.uk
Website: http://www.smgvw.co.uk

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm