BYD is entering the pickup market with the Shark, the newly confirmed plug-in hybrid pickup that will be coming to Europe. The Chinese manufacturing behemoth has teased its forthcoming model while confirming that it will wear the Shark badge. This ties in with BYD’s use of aquatic names for its models, including, in the UK, Dolphin and Seal. The front end of the BYD Shark is reminiscent of the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup, with a similar light signature and bold, blanked-off grille with a large corporate logo in the centre. The rest of the pickup follows the general trend for the genre, with sl ..read more

Isuzu has partnered with accessory supplier ARB UK to launch a new dealer program called ARB HUB. As part of the ARB HUB program — part of Isuzu’s effort to improve service and offer more 4×4 accessories to customers across the UK — select Isuzu dealers will receive specialised training to become centres for ARB 4×4 accessories. These hubs will provide a full range of ARB products and services, catering specifically to the needs of off-road and vehicle camping enthusiasts. ARB, an Australian company known for its quality 4×4 accessories, offers a variety of products that improve off-road perfo ..read more

Ford has introduced a monthly subscription service for Ford E-Transit vehicles through its Ford Drive program. The service is aimed at business owners wanting a flexible option for fleet expansion and for those keen to see how an electric van fits into their business without committing to buying. The subscription includes a comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair plan covering all components, tyres, and breakdowns, plus additional Ford Pro benefits like mobile servicing. The subscription is indefinitely renewable with a minimum commitment of just one month, making it ideal for businesse ..read more

Isuzu has shown off a rugged go-anywhere concept for its D-Max pickup, taking the popular Arctic Trucks AT35 version and making it bigger and bolder to create the AT37. More than just a slightly larger number, the AT37 benefits from an adjustable Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system with 10 different settings, upgraded front and rear differentials, additional front and rear elevation increases, and enormous 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tyres. All told it stands 140mm taller than a regular D-Max. As with the existing AT35 model, the concept AT37 receives extensive re-engi ..read more

B-On used the Commercial Vehicle Show to launch its new Pelkan van in the UK, and took the opportunity to announce a new partnership with Chinese behemoth Chery. After a difficult period that saw the production of the Max and Giga cease, with some parts of the company filing for insolvency in 2023, B-On has partnered with Chery to form a joint venture and launch the new Pelkan electric light commercial vehicle. B-On Pelkan Electric Van Based on the Karry Penguin — one of Chery’s Chinese market models — the Pelkan is a mid-sized all-electric offering with impressive payload limits of up to 1,35 ..read more

Isuzu has used the 2024 Commercial Vehicle Show to start sales of its limited edition D-Max V-Cross Steel Edition pickup. Limited to just 300 vehicles, the Steel model is loaded with cosmetic touches to separate it from the regular D-Max models. As well as an exclusive Steel Grey Mica colour, the special edition also gains dark grey wheel arch extensions, roof rails, and Isuzu badging, alongside electric folding mirrors, a tailgate damper, and ‘STEEL’ branding everywhere you look. The rest of the pickup is shared with the top-of-the-range V-Cross trim level, which sees the truck fitted with a ..read more

Ford has boosted its E-Transit electric van with a larger battery pack, extending its range to as much as 249 miles. Europe’s best-selling large electric van will be available with an 89kWh battery pack — a 30% increase in capacity from the 68kWh fitted to the standard range model — and faster charging performance, improving the vehicle’s capabilities for customers in multiple scenarios. Chagrin speeds have increased significantly, with the updated E-Transit able to charge at a rate of 180kW, up from 115kW. With a suitable rapid charger, a ten-minute top-up can add as much as 72 miles of range ..read more

Isuzu has renewed its support of the Spartan Race for a second year. As the Official Automotive Partner for the extreme obstacle course series, the partnership will run alongside the pickup brand’s ongoing collaboration with Tough Mudder. Isuzu uses the Tough Mudder partnership to showcase the D-Max as a tough and capable 4×4 pickup, with the range-topping D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 mirroring the ethos of the extreme race series. As Isuzu moves into the extreme adventure sector, a limited-edition Spartan-branded D-Max AT35 has been provided to the series. In addition to displaying the course gra ..read more

Kia has confirmed that its forthcoming Ford Ranger rival will be called Tasman. The name, which has been associated with the truck since last summer, is inspired by the rugged Tasmania region of Australia, which will also be the first territory to take delivery of the pickup. The Kia Tasman will be the brand’s first C-segment pickup, offering a balance between practical workhorse performance and the luxury and comfort of a luxury lifestyle vehicle. Kia hasn’t confirmed any technical details, but the pickup is expected to be available with the 2.2-litre diesel engine that powers the Kia Sorent ..read more

Kia outlined a comprehensive strategy at its 2024 CEO Investor Day, held in Seoul. It placed a strong emphasis on its Platform Beyond Vehicles (or van) range, confirmed new PBV models and launch windows, and targeted an ambitious annual sales figure of 250,000 units by 2030. This strategic focus is part of Kia’s broader vision to evolve into a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider’ and cement its position in the global electrification era. While many of the forthcoming commercial vehicles had been announced earlier in the year, Kia confirmed two key PBV models, the PV5 and PV7, slated for r ..read more