Buyers should look for new vans fitted with built-in communications systems to protect residuals says Alex Wright of Shoreham Vehicle Auctions.

Auctioneers are well placed to see trends in residual values. Shoreham sells between 300 and 400 vans every month and is already seeing vans fitted with built-in communications systems gaining an advantage on the rest.

What do the systems do?

Hands-free ‘phone functionality and built-in satnavs installed by manufacturers such as Nissan have been common features in van cabs for some time, but Shoreham is seeing indications that operators are looking for more.

Smart ‘phones are increasingly used as business tools; they double up as satnavs, they can be used for email, finding addresses, internet access and even for video conferencing. Business rely on them.

When 4G ‘phones arrive, the greatly enhanced connection speeds will just increase devices’ usefulness in these and other areas.

What should buyers look for?

Vans that allow drivers to step into a van without having to worry about how they will use these devices, and without having to keep track of cables or connectors will have an edge. Robust, safe stations or adaptive cradles that can take a range of communication equipment are what’s needed, and what the canny business van buyer should look for.

At the moment, many van operators buy a base vehicle and then retro fit their own communications kit. It takes time and costs money, and the result can be accessories and wiring that detract from the factory finish. Then at re-sale it’s got to be removed. A factory fitted system would address these issues.

“Manufacturers need to offer a flexible factory fitted solution that can accommodate devices like the iPhone”, says Wright. “Vans with these options are tending to make more money when it comes to resale time”. That’s useful business van news.