Bevan Group has unveiled the first of a new breed of Luton van body that boasts impeccable environmental credentials and an outstanding, market-leading payload of more than 1,200kg.

 The futuristic Bevan ICON represents a major breakthrough in terms of both productivity and fuel efficiency.

Taking pride of place on the Bevan Group stand at the opening day of the CV Show 2011, the streamlined body proved to be a major attraction for visitors to the NEC, particularly those involved in the home delivery sector and keen to reduce their carbon footprints.

Bevan has developed the ICON in partnership with independent aerodynamics experts from Cranfield University and Hatcher Components. Stylish and modern in appearance, it incorporates cutting-edge technology designed both to increase productivity and to reduce the vehicle’s operating costs and environmental impact.

The new body is competitively priced and comes with a package of six-monthly inspections and services, carried out on-site by Bevan Aftercare, for the first three years.

The ICON’s innovative, modular 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 – moulded cab deflector and collar, side walls and roof – are manufactured in a lightweight and recyclable composite GRP material and will be assembled at Bevan’s production facility in Halesowen, West Midlands.
 
Bevan is a leading supplier of dry freight bodies to some of the biggest names on Britain’s roads and already an acknowledged leader in the field of environmentally compatible transport, through its eco-friendly Bevan21 truck body.

“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.”

The new body comes as standard with a ‘plug and play’ lighting system with LED interior light and a lightweight shutter door with maximum security lock. Alternatively, conventional hinged rear doors can be fitted, as can a rear, roof-mounted wind diffuser to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

Other options allow for the installation of a tail-lift, load restraints, reversing cameras and ‘working at height’ safety equipment. Bevan Group also offers a full service covering vehicle painting and the application of liveries.

The first ICON has been mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cab – the Motor Transport Fleet Van of the Year has a prominent swage line and this is extended along the side of the body. The ICON is also compatible already 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 promoting its market-leading Aftercare service at the CV Show.

Anthony Bevan added: “Our aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Bevan21 truck body is now 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.”