ALD Automotive has launched ‘Trade Van’ as it expands its offer to the light commercial vehicle market.

The new product offers trade customers a range of conversions designed to provide fit-for-purpose vehicles to suit the exact needs and specifications of professionals such as electricians, plumbers and decorators.

Trade Van works across a range of vehicle manufacturers and aims to provide improved flexibility to companies that require a range of high quality internal fittings.

The new product is suitable for all sizes of businesses, from small to medium enterprises to major corporate operators, says ALD Automotive.

Businesses will be able to tailor each van according to trade and the internal conversions will be completed by engineers from Sortimo International Group, Europe’s largest manufacturer of secure in-vehicle storage equipment for light commercial vehicles.

The standard conversion includes non-slip floors, polyprop sides, door protection and Sortimo racking, with optional upgrades for roof systems, personal protective equipment and electrical equipment.

Bespoke signwriting can also be done at the same time as the conversion to ensure that the van is ready to work as soon as it is collected.

In addition, each vehicle is weighed once the conversion is completed so the operator is clear how much payload remains.

The conversions are grouped according to trade giving professionals tailored options and flexibility specific to their day-to-day needs.

Matt Dale, LCV operations manager for ALD Automotive, said “We’re very excited to launch Trade Van to our customers as we expand our presence in the trade market with a strong product designed to meet trade professional’s varied needs.

“We’ve worked closely with Sortimo to ensure each vehicle is fit-for-purpose and meets European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, so the customer can be assured they’re consistently receiving a quality product.”

Chris Jones, sales and marketing director of Sortimo International, added: “We’re delighted to work with ALD Automotive to bring the new and innovative Trade Van product to their customers.

"This partnership is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our understanding of trade professional’s needs by providing a high quality, bespoke product they can rely on.”