The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused understandable disruption to the way we do a number of things, but if yours is a business that needs to keep moving – perhaps forming part of the essential supply chain to our emergency services or carrying out other vital deliveries – it might be important for you to know that you can still get a new van or pickup if you need to.
While showrooms are in lockdown, we’ve been investigating if it’s possible to buy a new van or pickup without leaving your house, whether that’s via an online service or otherwise.
The answer is certainly yes – and although not every manufacturer has an official process in place, especially when it comes to buying online, almost all of the those that have gotten back to us so far say it is still possible to get a new vehicle if you need one.
Here’s a brand-by-brand explanation of each of the responses we’ve received so far, listed in alphabetical order.
Important note: We would like to point out that a number of manufacturers were concerned that their continuation of vehicle sales at this time would look callous in the face of a crisis – when in fact what they are actually doing, and what this page is about, is supporting key workers and critical services that have a legitimate need to acquire a new vehicle or vehicles.
At a time when the world seems to be falling apart, van and pickup manufacturers do still have a role to play – whether that’s supporting existing vehicles through the continuing availability of parts and servicing, or the provision of new (and sometimes used) vehicles where required.
Citroen
No direct online buying, but you can still arrange to purchase
We’ve received a complete statement from Citroen, explaining its current position:
‘At present, we do not have a buy online facility for vans. We do have digital tools to assist with the research phase, including a full van configurator with monthly contract hire rates to act as a guide. Our retailers and Business Centres are not fully operational, in line with Government advice to protect the community, but we are aiming to keep key workers on the road with service centres and breakdown assistance. However, we are still able to take van orders, if a customer completes an online form such as sales enquiry, this will be followed up. Our customer contact team are on hand to offer advice and discuss options, orders will be processed as our sites become operational.‘
>> Find used Citroen vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Citroen review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Fiat Professional
No online or other means of buying at present
Starting with the bad news, Fiat has no online buying provision, and its dealer network is only open for servicing and emergency repair work at this time.
As you’d expect, emergency services are taking priority – particularly the large number of Ducato ambulances that are on active duty.
>> Find used Fiat vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Fiat review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Ford
No direct online buying, but you can still arrange to purchase
Ford doesn’t have the option to complete a van purchase online, but the online configurator can put you in touch with your local dealer, who will be able to help you complete a purchase the old fashioned way.
However, Ford also says that the only sales it completed during the April 2020 lockdown were to key workers. The vehicles available are also all from stock, since the factories are still shut at the time of writing (01/05/2020).
Still, to help anyone who does need a new Ford van or pickup, you can arrange up to six months’ payment holiday from the start thanks to the firm’s current ‘Peace of Mind’ promotion.
>> Ford payment holidays for new van buyers
>> Find used Ford vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Ford review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Maxus (LDV)
No direct online buying, but you can still arrange to purchase
Maxus is the new name for LDV in the UK, and it is continuing to provide new vehicles to customers who need them – and has in fact sold a number of chassis cabs and refrigerated vans to essential service providers in recent days. Here is its guidance to buying a new vehicle at the present time:
- > Customers can still purchase an LCV or fleet of LCVs at this time
- > The majority of Maxus (LDV) dealerships throughout the UK remain open for business for essential maintenance, repairs and sales of commercial vehicles
- > Some are working remotely, while others have a skeleton staff, all of whom are observing health and safety guidelines in relation to social distancing and cleaning protocols
- > The process of purchase is obviously somewhat different, and differs by dealership
- > Enquiries can be taken over the phone and for those dealers whose offices remain open, they can deal with customers in person
- > Vans can be delivered or, where feasible, collected by customers and again, all health and safety protocols will be adhered to
- > Tax, finance and all other administrative processes can be arranged online and remotely
- > We [Maxus] do ask customers who are not on the essential services list to comply with government guidelines in relation to making unnecessary trips at this time
- > In the event that you cannot contact your local dealer, please email the UK sales manager bill.laidlaw@myldv.co.uk
Maxus also notes that all its Scottish dealerships are currently closed; customers in that region should contact Bill Laidlaw on the email address above.
>> Find used LDV (Maxus) vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read an LDV (Maxus) review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Mercedes-Benz Vans
No direct online buying, but you can still arrange to purchase
Mercedes tells us that while it has no centralised website for online van purchasing, some of its dealers may be able to make this possible. Certainly you are still able to buy a new Mercedes van if you need one, with most dealers operating some kind of sales service to support critical workers.
As such, distance signing process have been put in place where required. In some cases, Mercedes is even recommissioning used vehicles back into fleets in order to support their operations where vital.
On top of which, all of Mercedes’ aftersales sites are still functioning, keeping up the supply of spare parts and service items, as required.
>> Find used Mercedes vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Mercedes review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Mitsubishi
Yes, you can buy online
Mitsubishi is all geared up for online purchases already, and has a website dedicated to the process that allows customers to pay with cash or arrange finance. So if you want to order a new L200 you can.
There’s even an option to trade-in your old vehicle. And in a recent development (as of 30/04/2020), Mitsubishi is also able to arrange delivery through participating dealers – all of which have been trained to follow appropriate hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
>> Find used Mitsubishi pickups for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Mitsubishi review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Peugeot
No direct online buying, but you can still arrange to purchase
We’ve received the following statement from Peugeot:
‘Currently our buy online facility does not extend to vans as customers tend to require more bespoke solutions. However, we do have digital tools available to our van customers to assist with the research phase, including a full van configurator, and monthly contract hire rates.
‘In line with current government advice, our Retailer and Business Centre showrooms are closed, but we aim to keep key workers on the road through our service centres and breakdown assistance. Our customer contact team is on hand to offer advice, discuss options and provide individually tailored quotations and we are still able to take van orders, which will be processed as our sites become operational.‘
>> Find used Peugeot vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Peugeot review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Renault
Online Stock Reservation tool that enables you to arrange purchase
Renault has reacted to the ongoing coronavirus situation by developing and implementing a new Online Stock Reservation tool, which is now live (as of 01/05/2020).
This allows you to browse Renault vans (and cars) that are in stock and make a reservation, before putting you in touch with the relevant dealer. Delivery ‘typically takes a couple of weeks’.
>> Find used Renault vans for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Renault review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Toyota Professional
No online or other means of buying at present
While you can buy a Toyota Aygo online, at the moment there is no provision for purchasing a Toyota van or Hilux pickup. Toyota’s entire dealer network is closed for sales, though the service network continues to support keyworkers.
So for the moment, Toyota will be able to help keep you going but it won’t be able to get you a new vehicle.
>> Find a used Toyota for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Toyota review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Yes, you can buy online
Volkswagen CV already had an online sales portal for retail contract hire in place, and this continues to function – though there are presently no plans to expand this to other forms of payment or beyond retail customers.
Similarly, showrooms are closed and most new vehicle handovers are suspended. However, where the purchase is for a critical worker or a business with a critical need, there are plans in place to find safe ways of completing handovers in line with all the latest government guidelines.
Indeed, there are ambulance trusts and pharmacy chains that have already benefitted from this sensible approach.
For the most part, though, if the customer’s existing vehicle is ‘still mobile’, VW is concentrating on finding alternative solutions to make sure they can keep going in that – rather than selling them a new set of wheels at the present time.
>> Find a used Volkswagen van for sale via Parkers
>> Read a Volkswagen review on Parkers Vans and Pickups
Also read:
>> Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for van and pickup drivers
>> Nine tips to keep your van in working order
>> How the coronavirus pandemic affects your van or pickup warranty
>> Does my van still need an MOT during the COVID-19 pandemic?
>> Payment holiday advice for vans and pickups
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