VAN Management 71

The eye also wants something We have had lengthy discussions about it in the editorial office (after working hours, of course), but white smoke has not yet come out of our chimney. It seems quite obvious to all of us that a van should be practical first and foremost. Fun to drive? Hmm, that's a difficult one. Where opinions really start to differ is whether the aesthetic aspect should be at the top of the agenda when developing a new model. Inquiries with a few manufacturers - the established values ​​- teach us that professionals do not buy design, they buy a tool. 1-0 for the non-believers. Allow me to counterattack for a moment: a few other manufacturers - the established values ​​of tomorrow, who knows - agree wholeheartedly, but add subtly that smart packaging does make a difference if you cannot rely on a bombastic brand name. The fact is that we can continue to talk about it endlessly, but in the end there is only one party that can settle the matter: the customer. Judging by the premieres that will soon be presented at the IAA in Hannover, the fans of shapely implements seem to be getting their revenge. Ford has struck commercial gold with its new Transit Custom, and they owe that largely to its fresh appearance. Ditto for Mercedes, which adds a touch of frivolity to its rock-solid range with its Citan. It is often the wallet that decides, but it is the eyes that make you dream…