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SLOW, LOUD BUT LOYAL

28th January 1988
Page 36
Page 36, 28th January 1988 — SLOW, LOUD BUT LOYAL
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• As industry pundits line Freight Rover up with its competitors for possible mergers, and discuss the final specification for 1990 Sherpas, an almost imperceptible point has been missed. The Solihull manufacturer still has to sell the existing 200 and 300 Series vehicles for at least the next three years to make enough money to pay for the new model's development, so managing director Graham Morris will have to make the most of his existing products before he gets the go-ahead for any future moves, whatever they may be.

The Van Care warranty schemes and the new Multipart parts service are designed to fill the holes in the Sherpa's sales back-up, while GKN glass fibre and thermosetting epoxy rear springs, and the new direct-injection, two-litre Perkins Prima diesel engine, should be equally effec tive improvements for the 200 Series Sherpas. The 300 Series remains something of a Cinderella in this story, with only an uprated trim to its name. It is due to get a blower for its Land Rover diesel engine by the end of the year, but GKN has failed to resolve the problems of composite springs at 3.5 tonnes gross weight, and the 300 Series looks likely to retain its steel springs.

The 300 Series is a fleet van which sells in large numbers to the Post Office, local authorities, and public utilities. As such it comes in a wide range of standard models, with special versions available to order. There is a choice of two wheelbases, two roof heights, three power 'ts, three gross weights, and panel van, chassis cab, or dropside body options. We have tested the biggest selling model: a 350 long-wheelbase, low-roof dieselengined panel van.

It looks wide, which isn't surprising because the load space is wider than it is high. Load capacity is a generous 8.9M3, which compares well with the equivalent Ford Transit's 8. 4m3 and the SEVEL van's 9.8m3 (but only in its high-roof, long-wheelbase guise). Our test vehicle has a side loading door (on the offside) and twin 180° rear doors. We were impressed with the locks and hinges on both doors, and the welldesigned plastic restraint strap on the rear doors seems strong.

The rear door lock is easy to use and features a bright orange interior release catch to enable anyone inside to get out.

Closing the side door is a two-handed

Tags

Organisations: Post Office
People: Graham Morris

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