Van
63679
225775982
2008-07-15T10:14:51Z
122.49.136.237
/* Models of vans by manufacturer */
{{otheruses1|the road vehicle}}
{{Unreferenced|date=July 2007}}
[[Image:Morris minor van.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Morris Oxford]] van]]
[[Image:Dodge-Sprinter.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Dodge Sprinter]]]]
[[Image:Sava 213.jpg|250px|right|thumb|1965 [[Sava (Spain)|Sava]] 213 vans]]
A '''van''' is a kind of vehicle used for [[transport]]ing goods or groups of people. It is usually a box-shaped vehicle on four wheels, about the same width and length as a large [[automobile]], but taller and usually higher off the ground, also referred to as a Light Commercial Vehicle or [[LCV]]. However, in North America, the term may be used to refer to any [[truck]] with a rigid cargo body fixed to the cab, even up to large sizes.
In the UK usage, it can be either specially designed or based on a saloon/sedan car, the latter type often including derivatives with open backs (such as [[pick-up truck]]s). There are vans in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the classic van version of the tiny [[Mini]] to the five metre long (LWB) variants of the [[Mercedes Sprinter]] van. Vehicles larger than this are classified as trucks (or lorries in [[British English]]).
== Word usage and etymology ==
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Dacia Logan Van .jpg|thumb|left|250px|Dacia Logan Van]] -->
[[Image:Lublinn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Poland|Polish]] [[Lublin van|Lublin III]] van]]
The word ''van'' is a shortened version of the word ''[[wikt:caravan|caravan]]'' which originally meant a covered vehicle.
The word ''van'' has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of [[English language|English]]. While the word always applies to boxy cargo vans, the most major differences in usage are found between the different English-speaking countries.
=== United Kingdom===
British English speakers will generally refer to a passenger [[minivan]] as a ''people-carrier'' or ''MPV'' (multi-purpose vehicle), and a larger passenger van as a [[minibus]]. Ford makes a distinct line of vans with short hoods ("bonnets" in [[British English]]) and varying body sizes. Minivans are the same Vans but smaller. The word ''van'' may also refer to an enclosed freight railway vehicle (US [[boxcar]]).
The driver's mate of a delivery van was sometimes referred to as a "vanguard".
=== United States ===
[[Image:94-97RamVan.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Full-size van in the United States]]
[[Image:2001-2004 Dodge Grand Caravan.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Minivan in the United States]]
In the United States, a ''van'' can also refer to a box-shaped trailer or [[semi-trailer]] used to carry goods. In this case there is a differentiation between a dry van, used to carry most goods, and a [[refrigeration|refrigerated]] van (a ''reefer'') used for cold goods. A railway [[car]] used to carry baggage is also called a ''van''.
A vehicle referred to as a '''full-size van''' is usually a large, boxy vehicle that has a similar platform and powertrain to their [[light truck]] counterparts. These vans may be sold with the space behind the front seats empty for transporting of goods (A '''cargo van'''), or furnished for passenger use by either the manufacturer ('''Wagon''') or another company for more personal comforts, such as entertainment systems ('''Conversion van'''). Full-size vans often have a very short hood, with the engine block moved to within the passenger cabin.
The term ''van'' may also refer to a '''[[Minivan]]'''. However, minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size and traditionally [[front wheel drive]] powertrain, although many now are being equipped with [[four wheel drive]]. Minivans offer similar seating capacity (traditionally seven passengers), and better fuel economy than full-size vans, at the expense of power, cargo space, and towing capacity. In addition, many new minivans have dual side sliding doors.
=== Japan ===
Early Japanese vans include the [[Mazda Bongo]] and the Subaru 360 van. The Japanese also produced many vans based on the American flat nose model, but also mini-vans which for the American market have generally evolved to the long-wheelbase front wheel drive form factor first pioneered by the [[Nissan Prairie]] and [[Mitsubishi Chariot]]. [[Microvan]]s, vans that fulfill ''[[kei car]]'' regulations, are very popular for small business.
=== Australia ===
In [[Australian English]], the term ''van'' is commonly used to describe a [[minivan]], a passenger [[minibus]], or an Australian [[panel van]], manufactured by both [[Holden]] and [[Ford Australia|Ford]] at various times.
A [[full size van]] used for commercial purposes is also known as a ''van'', however a passenger vehicle with more than 7 or 8 seats is more likely to be called a ''minibus''.
Finally, the term ''van'' can sometimes be used interchangeably with ''caravan'', which in the U.S. is referred to as a [[travel trailer]].
The British term ''people mover'' is also used in Australian English to describe a passenger van. The American usage of ''van'' to mean a cargo box trailer or semi-trailer is used rarely, if ever, in [[Australia]].
== Examples ==
[[Image:NewburyComicsVanHarvardSq.jpg|222px|thumb|right|[[Newbury Comics]] van in [[Harvard Square]], [[Cambridge, Massachusetts]]]]
The first generation of American vans were the 1960s [[compact van]]s which were patterned in size after the [[Volkswagen Type 2|Volkswagen Bus]]. The [[Corvair]] based entry even aped the rear mounted air cooled engine design. The [[Ford E-series|Ford Falcon]] had a flat nose with engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The [[Dodge A100]] had a similar layout and could accommodate a V-8. Chevrolet also switched to this layout. The Ford, Dodge and Corvair vans were also produced as pickup trucks.
The ''standard'' or ''full size'' vans appeared with Ford's innovation of moving the engine forward under a short hood and using pickup truck components and taillights. The engine cockpit housing is often called a ''dog house''. Over time, they evolved longer noses and sleeker shapes. The [[Dodge Sportsman]] added a plug to the rear of a long wheelbase to create the 15 passenger van. They have been sold as both cargo and passenger models to the general public and as [[cutaway van chassis]] versions for [[second stage manufacturer]]s to make box vans, ambulances, campers and other vehicles. Second stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create [[custom van]]s for the general public.
In the 1970s, songs like "[[Chevy Van]]" and nicknames like "sin bin" became part of the culture as owners transformed them into rolling bedrooms and lounges. Conversion vans became a large market with plusher accommodations than factory seats.
Dodge ended production of their full-size vans in June of 2002 (as 2003 models), and replaced it with the [[Dodge Sprinter]], which is based on a narrower, more fuel efficient European design pattern with a {{convert|150|hp|abbr=on}} diesel turbo I5. Typical versions of the Sprinter are taller than other unmodified vans (tall enough to stand in), with a more slanted (aerodynamic) profile in front. They have been adopted primarily for delivery and lightweight Class-C van cab motorhome applications.
== Usage ==
In urban areas of the United States full-size vans have been used as ''commuter vans'' since 1971, when Dodge introduced a van that could transport up to 15 passengers. Commuter vans are used as an alternative to [[carpool]]ing and other ride sharing arrangements.
Many mobile businesses use a van to carry almost their entire business to various places where they work. For instance, there are those who come to homes or places of business to perform services or to install or repair appliances.
Vans are also used to shuttle people and their luggage between [[hotel]]s and [[airport]]s, to transport [[commuter]]s between [[parking]] lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibuses.
Vans are also used to transport elderly and mobility-impaired worshipers to and from church services or to transport youth groups for outings to amusement parks, picnics, and visiting other churches.
[[Image:United States Postal Service Truck.jpg|300px|right]]
[[Image:Fedex-truck-Chicago.jpg|300px|right]]
===Step Van===
Another type of van, peculiar to North America, is the ''step van'', so called because of the ease with which one can step in and out of it. Widely used by delivery services, courier companies and the parcel division of US Mail and Canada Post, they are often seen driven with the door open, especially in big cities.
===Rollover safety===
Recently, the larger passenger versions have appeared in news stories for having a tendency to roll over, particularly in the case of inexperienced operators. The van body is taller than the cab and bed of the pickup that uses the same style frame and powertrain resulting in the basic van having a higher [[center of gravity]] than a similarly loaded pickup from which it is derived. The suspension is also higher because of the extreme weight capacity of 15 passengers of between {{convert|150|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|200|lb|abbr=on}} each which may be over one ton of passengers alone. The seats in the passenger version raise the load, passengers, above the floor, further raising the center of gravity (and often shifting it rearward). The bench seats allow passengers to slide if [[safety belt]]s are not used. In the United States it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their [[safety belt]]s, perhaps because belted passengers feel they can still lean and shift a large amount. However, the NHTSA, cited below, has determined that belted passengers are about 4 times more likely to survive in rollover crashes.
Safety can be greatly improved by understanding the unique characteristics of 12- & 15-passenger vans and by following a special set of guidelines developed for drivers, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A summary of this information is available at [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/studies/15PassVans/index.htm Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans.]Among other things, this document advises that carrying 10 or fewer passengers (preferably towards the front of the van) greatly reduces the risk of rollover crashes, and it suggests that repeated operation by the same drivers tends to increase their ability to handle these vehicles more safely over time. Car rental companies have also started adding stickers to warn renters about the difference in handling while compared to standard cars. Items should not be added to a roof rack of an already top-heavy vehicle.
==Models of vans by manufacturer==
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'''[[Buick]]'''
* [[Buick Terraza]]
'''[[Chevrolet]]'''
*[[Chevrolet Astro]]
*[[Chevrolet Beauville]]
*[[Chevrolet Corvair|Chevrolet Corvair 95 Greenbriar]]
*[[Chevrolet Express]]
*[[Chevrolet G20|Chevrolet G10/G20/G30]]
*[[Chevrolet Lumina APV]]
*[[Chevrolet Nomad]]
*[[Chevrolet Sport Van]]
*[[Suzuki Supercarry|Chevrolet Supercarry]]
*[[Chevrolet Venture]]
'''[[Citroën]]'''
*[[Citroën 2CV]]
*[[Citroën Berlingo]]
*[[Citroën C15]]
*[[Citroën Jumpy]]
*[[Citroën Jumper|Citroën Jumper/Citroën Relay]]
'''[[Dacia]]'''
*Dacia Logan Van
'''[[Daihatsu]]'''
*[[Daihatsu Atrai]]
*[[Daihatsu Hijet]]
*[[Daihatsu Extol]]
*[[Daihatsu Delta]]
'''[[Dodge]]'''
*[[Dodge A100]]
*[[Dodge B Series]] B100, B150, B200, B250, B350
*[[Dodge Caravan|Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan]]
*[[Dodge Coachman]]
*[[Dodge MB Series]] MB-250, MB-350
*[[Dodge Ram Van]]
*[[Dodge Ram Wagon]]
*[[Dodge Sportsman]]
*[[Dodge Sprinter]]
*[[Dodge Tradesman]]
'''[[Fiat]]'''
*[[Fiat Doblò]]
*[[Fiat Ducato]]
*[[Fiat Fiorino]]
*[[Fiat Scudo]]
'''[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]'''
*[[Ford Aerostar]]
*[[Ford Econoline]]
*[[Ford Econoline#1961-1967|Ford E100 (Falcon)]] 1961-1967
*[[Ford Freestar]]
*[[Ford Club Wagon]]
*[[Ford Transit]]
*[[Ford Transit Connect]]
*[[Ford Windstar]]
'''[[Freight Rover]]'''
*[[Freight Rover Sherpa]]
*[[Freight Rover 200 Series]]
*[[Freight Rover 300 Series]]
'''[[FSC]]'''
*[[Żuk]] A 03, A 05, A 14, A 09, A 11, A 15, A 07, A 18, R, M, A 151 C, A 16 B
*[[Lublin van]]
'''[[FSO]]'''
*[[Nysa van|Nysa]] N57, N58, N59, N60, N61, N63, 501, 503, 521/522
'''[[GAZ]]'''
*[[GAZelle]]
'''[[GMC Truck|GMC]]'''
*[[GMC Gaucho]]
*[[GMC Gypsy]]
*[[GMC Rally]] STX, Wagon
*[[Chevrolet Astro|GMC Safari]]
*[[GMC Savana]]
*[[GMC Vandura]] 1500, 2500, 3500
'''[[Honda]]'''
*[[Honda Acty]]
*[[Honda Elysion]]
*[[Honda Life Step Van|Honda Life]]
*[[Honda Mobilio]]
*[[Honda Odyssey]]
*[[Honda Step WGN]]
*[[Honda Vamos]]
'''[[Hyundai]]'''
*[[Hyundai Entourage]]
*[[Hyundai Grace]]
*[[Hyundai H-1]]
*[[Hyundai Starex]]
'''[[Isuzu]]'''
*[[Isuzu Oasis]]
*[[Nissan Caravan|Isuzu Como]]
*[[Nissan Elgrand|Isuzu Filly]]
'''[[Iveco]]'''
*[[Iveco Daily]]
'''[[Kia]]'''
*[[Mazda Bongo|Kia Bongo]]
*[[Kia Carnival/Sedona]]
*[[Kia Carstar|Kia Carstar MPV/Kia Joice]]
*[[Kia Towner]]
*[[Kia Pregio]]
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'''[[LDV]]'''
*[[LDV Pilot]]
*[[LDV Convoy]]
*[[LDV Cub]]
*[[LDV Maxus]]
'''[[Mazda]]'''
*[[Mazda Bongo|Mazda Bongo/Bongo Brawny]]
*[[Mazda Bongo Friendee]]
'''[[Mercedes-Benz]]'''
*[[Mercedes-Benz Vaneo]]
*[[Mercedes-Benz Vario]]
*[[Mercedes-Benz Viano]]
*[[Mercedes-Benz Vito]]
*[[Mercedes-Benz Sprinter]]
*[[Mercedes-Benz V-Class]]
'''[[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]]'''
*[[Mercury Vanster]]
*[[Mercury Villager]]
'''[[Mitsubishi]]'''
*[[Mitsubishi Delica/Delica Space Gear]]
*[[Mitsubishi Minica]]
*[[Mitsubishi Town Box]]
'''[[Nissan]]'''
*[[Nissan Caravan]]
*[[Nissan Interstar]]
*[[Nissan Kubistar]]
*[[Nissan Primastar]]
*[[Nissan S-Cargo]]
*[[Nissan Silkroad]]
*[[Nissan Vanette]]
'''[[Oldsmobile]]'''
*[[Oldsmobile Silhouette]]
'''[[Opel]]/[[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]]'''
*[[Opel Combo]]
*[[Opel Corsavan]]
*[[Opel Astravan]]
*[[Opel Movano]]
*[[Opel Vivaro]]
'''[[Peugeot]]'''
*[[Peugeot Boxer]]
*[[Peugeot Expert]]
*[[Peugeot Partner]]
'''[[Plymouth (automobile)|Plymouth]]'''
*[[Plymouth Voyager]]
'''[[Pontiac]]'''
*[[Pontiac Montana]]
*[[Pontiac Trans Sport]]
'''[[Renault]]'''
*[[Renault Kangoo]]
*[[Renault Master]]
*[[Renault Trafic]]
'''[[Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika]]'''
'''[[SEAT]]'''
*[[SEAT Inca]]
'''[[Subaru]]'''
*[[Subaru 360]]
*[[Subaru Domingo]]
*[[Subaru Sambar]]
'''[[Suzuki]]'''
*[[Suzuki Carry]]
*[[Suzuki Supercarry]]
*[[:ja:スズキ・エブリィ|Suzuki Every]]
*[[Autozam Scrum]]
*[[Bedford Rascal]]
*[[Bedford Rascal|Holden Scurry]]
*[[Maruti Versa]]
'''[[Toyota]]'''
*[[Toyota Dyna]]
*[[Toyota Granvia]]
*[[Toyota Hiace]]
*[[:ja:トヨタ・レジアス|Toyota Hiace Regius]]
*[[:ja:トヨタ・レジアスエース|Toyota Regius Ace]]
*[[Toyota Liteace]]
*[[Toyota Noah|Toyota Noah/Voxy]]
*[[:ja:トヨタ・マスターエース|Toyota Master Ace Surf Wagon / Van]]
*[[Toyota Probox]]
*[[:ja:トヨタ・クイックデリバリー|Toyota Quick Delivery / Urban Supporter]]
*[[Toyota Succeed]]
*[[Toyota TownAce]]
'''[[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]]'''
*[[Bedford Beagle]]
*[[Bedford CF]]
*[[Bedford Chevanne]]
*[[Vauxhall Combo]] see opel
*[[Vauxhall Corsavan]]
*[[Vauxhall Astravan]]
*[[Beford Rascal|Vauxhall Rascal]]
*[[Vauxhall Vivaro]]
*[[Vauxhall Movano]]
'''[[Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles]]'''
*[[Volkswagen Caddy]]
*[[Volkswagen Transporter (T4)|(T4) Transporter / Kombi / Caravelle / Eurovan / Mutlivan]]
*[[Volkswagen Transporter (T5)|(T5) Transporter / Eurovan / Kombi / Caravelle / Mutlivan]]
*[[Volkswagen California]]
*[[Volkswagen LT]]
*[[Volkswagen Crafter]]
*[[Volkswagen Type 2|Volkswagen Type 2 ("VW Bus")]]
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===Alternative propulsion===
Since light trucks are often operated in city traffic, hybrid electric models are useful:
* [http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom/0,,0-5-7165-1-456546-1-0-0-0-0-0-243-7165-0-0-0-0-0-0-0,00.html Dual-Drive Sprinter - Mercedes Van equipped with hybrid drive systems]
* [http://www.micro-vett.it/english/isuzuing2.html Electric 35-50 q]
* [http://www.micro-vett.it/english/bimodaleing.html Micro-Vett Hybrid Daily]
===Wheelchair accessible===
Some vans can be converted into wheelchair accessible vans for mobility impaired people:
* [http://www.wheelchairvan.info Wheelchair Van Information]
The following vehicles may be used in yards or in historic city centres:
* [http://www.graf-carello.com/www/de/fahrzeuge/transporter.php Graf Carello Transporter]
* [http://www.elektrocar.it/showcase/scheda.php?marca=AIXAM-MEGA&modello=MEGA Aixam Mega]
* [http://www.elektrocar.it/showcase/scheda.php?marca=ALKE%27&modello=ATX Alke' ATX]
* [http://www.elektrocar.it/showcase/scheda.php?marca=Tasso&modello=Domino Tasso Domino]
==See also==
{{commonscat|Vans}}
* [[Public light bus]]
* [[Ambulance]]
* [[Campervan]]
* [[Conversion van]]
* [[Minivan]]
* [[Panel van]]
* [[Sedan Delivery]]
[[Category:Car body styles]]
[[Category:Car classifications]]
[[Category:Vans| ]]
[[cs:Dodávka]]
[[da:Varevogn]]
[[de:Kleintransporter]]
[[es:Furgoneta]]
[[fa:وانت]]
[[id:Van]]
[[it:Furgone]]
[[ja:ライトバン]]
[[pl:Van]]
[[pt:Van]]
[[ru:Фургон]]
[[simple:Van]]
[[fi:Pakettiauto]]
[[sv:Skåpbil]]
[[tr:Panelvan]]