Bevan Group has launched a ground-breaking Luton body for 3.5-tonne vehicles that offers a market-leading payload of more than 1,200kg and significantly improved fuel economy.

 It has been dubbed the ICON and was unveiled for the first time, fitted to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cab, on the opening day of the CV Show 2011.

Bevan is a leading supplier of dry freight bodies to some of the biggest names on Britain’s roads and has developed the ICON in partnership with independent aerodynamic experts.

Aimed at the home delivery market, the new body is stylish and modern in appearance and incorporates cutting-edge technology designed to increase productivity, and reduce the vehicle’s operating costs and environmental impact.

“The ICON’s impressive carrying capacity of more than 1,200kg puts it comfortably ahead of other recently launched products,” declares Bevan Group Managing Director Anthony Bevan. “This will certainly be a big attraction to operators keen to squeeze as many deliveries from their vehicles as possible. 

“Add the fact that our new body can help them to cut their fuel bills and carbon footprints, and also has a fantastic on-road presence, and the case for the ICON becomes compelling.”

Bevan Group made its CV Show debut and the competitively priced ICON proved to be a major attraction at the NEC.

The innovative, modular body design was created by specialists employing three-dimensional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technology able to simulate genuine road conditions, and then honed in a wind tunnel using a full-scale model.

Body panels manufactured in a lightweight and recyclable composite GRP material will be assembled at Bevan’s production facility in Halesowen, West Midlands.

The body incorporates a rear frame that allows for the fitment of conventional hinged rear doors or lightweight shutters. A wind diffuser can be fitted at the back of the vehicle to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency, while other options allow for the installation of load restraints, reversing cameras and Restfall ‘working at height’ safety equipment. Bevan Group also offers a full service covering vehicle painting and the application of liveries.

In addition to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the ICON is already compatible with VW’s Crafter and will be adapted for other vehicle models, including the Ford Transit. 

As well as launching its new Luton body, Bevan Group were also be promoting its market-leading aftercare service at the CV Show.

Anthony Bevan added: “Our aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Bevan21 truck body is already performing impressively in the colours of some of Britain’s most demanding fleet operators. And I have no doubt that with the exciting new Bevan ICON Luton body for 3.5-tonne vehicles, we’re going to have another winner on our hands.”