Vans, wilder: get ready: vans are getting cooler and more customized
ALMOST AS easy as furnishing a warehouse or office, customizing the interior of a van is simply a matter of selecting adjustable shelves, bins, drawers, workbenches, cabinets and more. The choices in 2006 include wood, metal or plastic racks; cargo organizers; overhead and removable bins; ladder racks and panels; and special seating configurations.
Many basic equipment packages are free for qualified buyers, such as racks and bins in the Ford E-Series, and a storage bin system in GMC’s Savana. Under GM’s Commercial Business Choice Program, bin packages and ladder racks are complimentary. Ford’s Commercial Connection Program supplies a no-charge package that includes a full partition, shelf units and drawers. Other programs provide protective, padded wall and ceiling paneling, and there are packages specifically designed for electrical contractors, delivery drivers and others.
If your van is used as an on-site workshop, you can order built-in shelves and storage lockers with outside drop-down doors, which can be propped open with support rods for easy access from the outside.
Need your van fitted with custom partitions, windowless side panels or a rear door? GM’s fleet and commercial program has advice on matching up specific furnishings and vehicles. Ford’s catalog of steel shelving, drawers and cabinets includes a safety partition that allows access to the back cargo area from the driver’s compartment. If your freight requires extra height, you can get a higher ceiling in Dodge’s- Sprinter. Dodge Caravan’s dual sliding doors offer a variety of glass and panel configurations for utility and visibility. If you don’t need swing-out doors on GMC’s Savana conversion van, you can opt for the 60/40-split left-hand, side-hinged doors for flexible loading.
While it is more convenient to order upfits when buying your new vehicle, some entrepreneurs find that their needs change as their businesses expand, and they need to add upfits later. In addition to your local dealer, several independent aftermarket companies can handle the modifications. Look for websites such as www.adriansteel.com and www.inlad.com, which are suppliers to Dodge, Ford and GM. If you need tools and equipment instead of upfits, GM’s business fleet and commercial customers are offered a $500 gift card from Lowe’s Home Improvement, or up to $1,000 off the vehicle’s purchase or lease price under the Business Choice plan.
JILL AMADIO is Enterpreneur’s “Wheels” columnist.
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ENGINE/      MAJOR
MODEL           TRANSMISSION   FEATURES
Audi           4.2-liter V-8/  AWD, parking assist, 8 air bags,
A8L            6-speed auto.   sunroof, cruise control, front-seat
massagers, power rear sunshades,
1 outlet, Bluetooth, DVD navigation
BMW            4.8-liter V-8/  6 air bags, ABS, stability/traction/
750i           6-speed auto.   roll control, cruise control,
navigation system, Bluetooth, lumbar
support, sunroof, power outlet
Cadillac       4.6-liter V-8/  6 air bags, stability/ride control,
DTS (DeVille)  4-speed auto.   ABS, traction control, remote start,
12-month OnStar, XM radio, DVD
navigation system
Infiniti       4.5-liter V-8/  8 air bags, DVD navigation, engine
Q45            5-speed auto.   immobilizer, ABS/stability, rear-view
monitor, Bluetooth, damping
suspension
Lexus          4.3-liter V-8/  8 air bags, Bluetooth, power rear
LS 430         6-speed auto.   sunshade, satellite radio,
ABS/traction/stability control,
cruise control, 14-way driver’s
seat, sunroof
Mercedes-Benz  4.3-liter V-8/  AWD/traction/stability control,
S-430          7-speed auto.   GPS, air suspension, hands-free
communication system, free sport
package option
FUEL ECONOMY
MODEL           CITY/HIGHWAY    PRICE
Audi             18/24 mpg     $66,590
A8L
BMW              17/25 mpg     $71,800
750i
Cadillac         18/27 mpg     $41,990
DTS (DeVille)
Infiniti         17/23 mpg     $56,400
Q45
Lexus            18/25 mpg     $57,175
LS 430
Mercedes-Benz    17/26 mpg     $78,025
S-430
INSURANCE FOR LESS: A clean driving record is one of the quickest ways to keep insurance costs down, as are safety features on your vehicles. A higher deductible is a third way to lower premiums. Ask for discounts, shop around, and check out websites such as www. intellichoice.com and www.insweb.com, where you can compare quotes. The Insurance Information Institute advises checking insurance fees before buying a vehicle. Another company, www.fleetriskadvisors.com, keeps tabs on drivers and estimates their cost to your business with regard to risk and profitability. One client found that newer hires, rather than long-term employees, were less of a driving risk. Many insurance companies offer low-mileage discounts. If you’re leasing, consider gap insurance that covers the difference between what your insurance company pays if your vehicle is totaled or stolen and what you owe the finance company on the vehicle.