History of the van



The van vehicle is iconic throughout the World, especially in the UK where it is typically used for delivery and also builders. The van is usually a four wheeled vehicle often shaped in a box style, available in small or large sizes. The first concept of vans arrived during the 1960s where compact vans were created; they were similar in size and styles of Volkswagen camper vans. During these times, the motor company Ford had great influence over the design and manufacturing of vans. Originally the vans were rear engine with the engine being positioned behind the front two seats. As time passed, the nose of the vans became longer and the engine began to be fitted to the front of the vehicle. The increasing need for vans in recent times has meant there has been a demand on manufacturers to improve the quality and performance of vans. The majority of car manufacturers now provide some kind of van, varying from car sized right through to heavy goods vehicles which can carry large amounts of items at a time. The invention of the van has been revolutionary, large amounts of products can now be distributed easily; many businesses have started up as vehicle hire companies, offering vans on hire to people.
Vans are particularly useful for businesses, whether this be for distribution or for storage, hence why vans are particularly popular with trades people. In previous decades, vans were only available in a few sizes, although as years have passed and the demand for vans has increased, manufacturers have extended their production lines and increased the amount of van sizes.
For example small and large vans are still available but now manufacturers offer vans which are car size but offer the advantage of vans. In other words, the car has panelled backs rather than windows, offer just two front seats, with the rear being storage space; examples of this are the Vauxhall Corsa van and the Ford Fiesta van.
Another example of the developments which have occurred is the production of the pickup, which offers an open back which means things can be carried here including rubble or machinery. Pickups often also offer five seats which moves away from the traditional van which typically offers just two or three. The pickup is popular with builders, famers and families, manufacturers such as Mitsubishi and Toyota produce such vehicles.
Whereas the first vans were known for just being vehicles, modern day organisations over the past decades have the seen that the blank canvas of a van provides an ideal marketing opportunity. Due to this the majority of organisations and individuals advertise their products or services on the sides of the vans. As these vans are often travelling for a large amount of the time the amount of people who see them mean that this is ideal and free marketing. Many individuals and local firms often print their organisation name and phone number along with their trade to help gain contracts and work from people who see their vans.