Van

A van is a vehicle used for transporting goods or groups of people. It is generally a rather box-shaped vehicle on four wheels, about the same width and length as a large automobile, such as Chevrolet Spark, Honda City, Renault Symbol, Isuzu Gemini, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Swift Hatchback, Hyundai i20, Hyundai Accent, BMW 3 Series, Checker Marathon, Daewoo Lanos, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Checker Aerobus, Daewoo LeMans, Ford Bronco II, Vauxhall Corsa, Volvo S80, Honda Civic, Volvo S70, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cruze, Audi 100, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, Dodge Colt, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Nissan Quest, Chevrolet Malibu, JAC Heyue, JAC Binyue, Volvo S60, Volvo C70, Ford Pinto, Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco, Volkswagen Eos, Opel Cascada, BMW M6, Renault Talisman, Mitsubishi Lancer, Acura ILX, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Morris Oxford, Mahindra Bolero, Hindustan Ambassador, Refine M6, JAC Refine M4, Land Rover Defender, Daihatsu Terios, Opel Meriva, Fiat 500L, JAC Heyue Tongyue, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Renegade, Renault Fluence, Peugeot 2008, Suzuki Jimny, Bentley Arnage, Renault Mégane, Mazda6, Audi A8, JAC Heyue A30, BMW 2 Series, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Toyota Vellfire, JAC Refine A60, Lexus CT, Buick Skyhawk, Citroën C3 Picasso, Citroën C5, Vauxhall VXR8, Citroën C1, Toyota Crown, Jeep Wagoneer SJ, Morris Cowley, Dodge Aries, JAC Heyue A20, Toyota Yaris, Ford Pinto, JAC Rein, Hindustan Landmaster, Kia Venga, Jeep Patriot, Renault Espace, Nissan Xterra, Bendix SWC, Lincoln MKS, Ford B-Max, Audi A8, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Chevrolet Tavera, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, JAC Refine M3, Lincoln Navigator, Range Rover, JAC Refine M2, Chevrolet Suburban, Hindustan Contessa, BMW M5, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Chrysler Pacifica (RU), Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, Citroën C4 Grand Picasso, Rolls-Royce Corniche, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera, Lincoln Town Car, Volkswagen Passat, Austin Allegro, Chevrolet Orlando, Ford C-Max, JAC Heyue A20, Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Scénic, Cadillac Escalade, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes-Benz Vaneo, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Proton Saga, Toyota Innova, Chevrolet S10 Blazer, Vauxhall Victor, Ford Country Squire, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90, Chevrolet Cavalier, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Bentley Brooklands, Nissan Leopard, Toyota Avanza, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Touran, JAC Yueyue, Ford LTD, Ford Mondeo, BMW i8, JAC Refine M5, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Fiat Grande Punto Abarth, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, Peugeot 508, Audi A6, Fiat Punto, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT5, Mercedes-Benz Viano, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003), Tesla Model S, Dacia Logan, Lincoln Continental, Dacia Sandero, Ford Flex, Morris Minor, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Chrysler Town and Country, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Ford LTD II, Ford Taurus, Holden Caprice, Fiat Punto Evo, Citroën C4, Citroën C3, Toyota Avalon, Dodge Caravan, Ford Windstar, Renault Twingo, Fiat 500, Kia Picanto, and Toyota Camry but relatively smaller than a truck/lorry (all types: box truck, concrete mixer truck, cutaway van chassis, water tanker truck, oil tanker truck, milk tanker truck, dropside truck, fire engine truck, container truck, tow truck, dual drive/steer truck, logging truck, garbage truck, stakebed truck, dual drive/steer truck, vacuum truck, platform truck, bucket truck, flatbed truck, sprinkler truck, food truck, semi-trailer truck (tractor), ice cream truck, and dump truck), such as Ashok Leyland U-Truck, Ashok Leyland eComet, Avia D, Bedford TK, Bedford TL, Bedford TM, Chevrolet Bison/GMC General, Chevrolet Kodiak, DAF LF, DAF CF, DAF XF, Dodge Bighorn, Dodge LCF series, Dongfeng KR, Ford Cargo, Freightliner Business Class M2, Ford LTL-9000, Ford LCF, International CF600, Ford F-650, Freightliner FLA, Freightliner FLC 120, Freightliner FLD, Freightliner Argosy, Freightliner Cascadia, Ford F-MAX, Freightliner FLB, Foton Aumark, Foton Ollin, Foton Auman, GMC Topkick, GAZ-3307, GMC W6/W7 Forward, Hino Dutro, Hino Ranger, Hino Profia, Hino 600, Hyundai HD120/HD210, Hyundai Mega Truck, Hyundai Trago, Hyundai Xcient, Hyundai Pavise, Isuzu Forward, Isuzu H-Series, Iveco EuroCargo, Iveco Stralis, Iveco Trakker, Iveco S-Way, Isuzu Elf, Isuzu Giga, International TerraStar, International TranStar, International LoneStar, International WorkStar, International ProStar, International DuraStar, KamAZ-4308, KamAZ-5308, Kenworth W900, Kenworth T-180, Kenworth T-280, Kenworth T-380, Kenworth T-480, Kenworth T-800, Kenworth T-880, Kenworth T-170, Kenworth T-270, Kenworth T-370, Kenworth T-470, Mercedes-Benz Actros, Mercedes-Benz Atron, Mercedes-Benz Atego, Mercedes-Benz Axor, Mercedes-Benz Arocs, Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, Mercedes-Benz Antos, Mack Granite, Mack Pinnacle, Mack MD, Mack Super-Liner, MAN TGA, MAN TGL, MAN F2000, MAN TGS, MAN L2000, MAN G90, MAN F90, MAN M2000, MAN TGX, MAZ-4370, MAZ-4371, MAZ-4471, MAZ-5440, MAZ-6430, MAN TGM, Nissan Atleon, Nissan NT500, Nissan Diesel Condor, Peterbilt 337, Peterbilt 325, Peterbilt 330, Peterbilt 359, Peterbilt 379, Peterbilt 389, Peterbilt 537, Renault Midlum, Renault Premium, Renault Kerax, Renault Magnum, Renault Trucks K, Renault Midliner, Renault Trucks T, Renault Trucks C, Renault Trucks D, Scania T-series, Scania L series, Scania P series, Scania 4-series, Scania R-series, Scania G-series, Sterling A-Line, Sterling 360, Sterling Bullet, Sterling L-Line, Sterling Acterra, Tata LPT 613, Tata LPT 1116, Tata LPT 1618, Tata SE, Toyota Dyna, Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FL, Volvo FE, ZIL-4331, and ZIL-5301 or bus (all types: Coach bus, Offroad bus, Training bus, Gyrobus, High-floor bus, Bi-articulated bus, Police bus, Guided bus, Hybrid bus, Type A School bus, Type B School bus, Type C School bus, Type D School bus, Shuttle bus, Neighborhood bus, Single-decker bus, Articulated bus, Minibus, Minicoach, Double-decker bus, Single-decker bus, and Low-floor bus), It can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck, such as Agrale Marruá, AM General Humvee C-Series, BAW Luling, Bremach T-Rex, Chang'an Star Truck, Chevrolet S-10, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet D-Max, Chevrolet C/K, Chevrolet LSSV (Milverado), Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, Chevrolet Montana, Dacia Duster Pick-Up, Datsun 220, Daewoo Damas/Labo, Daihatsu Hijet Truck, Dongfeng Rich, DR PK8, Evo Cross 4, Fisker Alaska, Ford F-150, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford F-150 Raptor, Ford Maverick, Fiat Fullback, Foday Lion F22, Ford Ranger, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Ford F-450, Ford F-550, Fiat Toro, Fiat Strada, Fiat Titano, Foton Tunland, GMC Canyon, GMC Hummer EV, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra 2500, GMC Sierra 3500, GMC Sierra Hybrid, Gonow GA200, Great Wall King Kong Cannon, Great Wall Deer, Great Wall Pao, Great Wall V240 (Wingle 3), Great Wall Wingle 5, Great Wall Wingle 6 (Steed), Hafei Ruiyi, Hino Briska, Datsun 220, Higer Longwei, Holden Colorado, Honda Acty Truck, Honda Ridgeline, Huanghai N3, Hyundai Porter Truck, Hyundai Santa Cruz, IKCO Arisun, Iran Khodro Bardo, Isuzu D-Max, International Harvester Travelette, JAC Hunter, Jeep Gladiator (SJ), Jeep Gladiator (JT), Kia Bongo Truck, Lordstown Endurance, Lincoln Mark LT, Mazda BT-50, Mahindra Scorpio Pickup, Mahindra Bolero Truck, Maxus T60, Maxus T90, Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Mitsubishi Minicab, Mitsubishi Triton, International MXT Cargo, International MXT-MVA, Nissan Clipper, Nissan Frontier, Nissan NP200, Nissan Hardbody Truck, Nissan Navara, Nissan Titan, Polarsun SZS, Qingling Taga, Radar RD6, Ram 750, Ram 1000, Ram 1500, Ram 1500 Laramie Limited, Ram 1500 Rebel, Ram 2500, Ram Power Wagon, Ram 3500, Renault Duster Oroch, Rivian R1T, SCAM Iveco Daily 4x4, SsangYong Actyon Sports, Subaru Sambar Truck, SsangYong Musso, Toyota Stout, TAV Gurkha Pickup, Tata Ace, Tata TL, Tata Xenon, Tiger Star, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser 79, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, UAZ Pickup, Uri Desert Runner, VIS-2349, VIS-2346, Volkswagen Saveiro, Volkswagen Amarok, Workhorse W-15, ZX Admiral, ZX Grandtiger, and ZX Grandtiger F1 and SUV, such as Acura MDX, Aeolus AX7, Aeolus Haoji, Aeolus Sky EV, Aeolus Yixuan GS, Aion LX, Aion V, Aion V Plus, Aion Y, Aiways U5, Aiways U6, Alfa Romeo Milano, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Alfa Romeo Tonale, Alpina XB7, Alpina XD3, Alpina XD4, AM General Humvee C-Series, Aston Martin DBX, Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Audi Q3 Sportback, Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Audi Q5, Audi Q5 Sportback, Audi Q6, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi RS Q3, Audi RS Q3 Sportback, Audi RS Q8, Audi SQ2, Audi SQ5, Audi SQ5 Sportback, Audi SQ7, Baojun 510, Baojun 530, Baojun RS-3, Baojun RS-5, BAW Yusheng 007, Beijing BJ30, Beijing BJ40, Beijing BJ40L/Plus, Beijing BJ80, BAIC BJ90, Beijing X3, Beijing X5, Beijing X7, Bentley Bentayga, Bestune E01, Bestune T33, Bestune T55, Bestune T77, Bestune T99, Besturn X80, Bisu T3, Bisu T5, BJEV EC5, BJEV EX5, BMW iX, BMW X1, BMW X2, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW X4 M Competition, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M, BMW XM, Borgward BX5, Borgward BX7, Brilliance V3, Brilliance V6, Brilliance V7, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore, Buick Encore GX, Buick Envision, Buick Envision Plus, Buick Envision S, Buick Velite 7, BYD e6, BYD Song Plus, BYD Song Pro, BYD Tang, BYD Yuan, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac XT4, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chana CX70, Chana CX70, Chana X70A, Changan CS15, Changan CS35, Changan CS35 Plus, Changan CS55, Changan CS55 EV, Changan CS75, Changan CS75 PHEV, CS75 Plus, Changan CS85, Changan CS95, Changan UNI-K, Changan UNI-T, Changfeng Black King Kong, Changfeng CS6, Changfeng CS7, Changfeng DUV, Changfeng Feiteng, Changfeng Qibing, Chery eQ5, Chery Tiggo, Chery Tigo 3, Chery Tiggo 3x / Tiggo 2, Chery Tiggo 3xe, Chery Tiggo 5 / Grand Tiggo, Chery Tiggo 5x / Tiggo 4, Chery Tiggo 7, Chery Tiggo 8, Chery X1, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Menlo, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Tracker, Chevrolet Trailblazer (SUV), Chevrolet Trailblazer (Crossover), Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Trax, Citroën C3 Aircross, Citroën C3-XR, Citroën C4 X, Citroën C4 Aircross, Citroën C4 Cactus, Citroën C5 Aircross, Knight XV, Cowin X3, Cupra Formentor, Dacia Sandero Stepway, Daihatsu Rocky, Daihatsu Terios, Datsun Cross, Denza X, Dodge Durango, Dodge Hornet (2023), Dongfeng Fengdu MX6, Dongfeng Fengguang 580, Dongfeng Fengguang 580 Pro, Dongfeng Fengguang S560, Dongfeng Fengon E3, Dongfeng Fengon ix5, Dongfeng Fengon ix7, Dongfeng Fengxing T5, Dongfeng Fengxing T5L, Dongfeng Fenxing Jingyi X5, Dongfeng Oting, Dorcen G60, Dorcen G60s, Dorcen G70S, DR 3, DR 5.0, DR EVO 3, DR EVO 4, DR EVO 5, DR EVO 6, DR F35, DS 3 Crossback, DS 7 Crossback, Elaris Beo, Enovate ME5, Enovate ME7, Eterniti Artemis, Exeed TX, Exeed VX, Ferrari Purosangue, Fiat 500X, Fiat 600, Fiat Fastback, Fiat Pulse, Fisker Ocean, Foday Explorer, Foday Landfort, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford EcoSport, Ford Edge, Ford Equator, Ford Equator Sport, Ford Escape, Ford Everest, Ford Evos, Ford Expedition, Ford Expedition Max, Ford Excursion, Ford Explorer, Ford Kuga, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford Puma (crossover), Ford Territory, Forthing T5 EVO, Foton Sauvana, Freightliner Sport Chassis, Geely Binyue, Geely Boyue, Geely Haoyue, Geely Icon, Geely Xingyue, Geely Xingyue L, Geely Yuanjing X3, Geely Yuanjing X6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70, Genesis GV80, Geometry C, Geometry EX3, GMC Acadia, GMC Terrain, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon Denali, GMC Yukon XL, Gonow Aoosed G3, Gonow GS1, Gonow New Jetstar, Gonow Aoosed G5, Gonow Aoosed GX5, Haima S5, Haima S5 Young, Haima 8S, Hanteng X5, Hanteng X7, Hanteng X8, Haval Big Dog, Haval Chitu, Haval F7, Great Wall Haval H6, Haval H6S, Haval H9, Haval Jolion, Haval M6, Haval Shenshou, Hawtai Shengdafei, Honda Avancier, Honda BR-V, Honda Breeze, Honda CR-V, Honda HR-V, Honda Jazz Crosstar, Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, Honda UR-V, Honda WR-V, Honda XR-V, Honda ZR-V, Hongqi E-HS3, Hongqi HS5, Hongqi HS7, Hongqi E-HS9, Huansu S3, Hycan 007, Hycan Z03, Hyundai Alcazar, Hyundai Bayon, Hyundai Casper, Hyundai Creta/ix25/Cantus, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai ix35, Hyundai Nexo, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Venue, IKCO Reera, Infiniti ESQ, Infiniti QX50, Infiniti QX55, Infiniti QX60, Infiniti QX80, Isuzu MU-X, Sehol QX, JAC S1/Rein, JAC Refine S2, JAC Refine S3, JAC Refine S4, JAC Refine S7, Sehol X4, Sehol X7, Sehol X8, Jaguar E-Pace, Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar I-Pace, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Avenger, Jeep Renegade, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Commander, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jetour X70, Jetour X70 Coupe, Jetour X70 Plus, Jetour X90, Jetour X95, Jiangling Yusheng, Jinbei Konect, Jinbei S70, Jonway A380, Kantanka Otumfo, Karry K60, Kawei W1, Kia Borrego/Mohave, Kia EV6, Kia KX1, Kia KX3, Kia KX5, Kia KX7, Kia Niro, Kia Rio X-Line/KX Cross, Kia Seltos, Kia Sonet, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Kia Sportage (China), Kia Stonic, Kia Telluride, Kia XCeed, Lada Niva, Lada Niva Travel, Lada Xray, Lamborghini Urus, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Defender (L663), Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover LRX Concept, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Landwind Rongyao, Landwind X2, Landwind X6, Landwind X8, Landwind X9, Landwind Xiaoyao, Leopaard Coupe, Leopaard CS10, Leopaard CS3, Leopaard CS9, Leopaard Mattu, Lexus GX, Lexus LX, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Lexus UX, Li Xiang One, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Nautilus, Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Navigator L, Lotus Eletre, Luxgen U6, Luxgen URX, Lynk & Co 01, Lynk & Co 02, Lynk & Co 05, Lynk & Co 06, Lynk & Co 09, Mahindra Alturas G4, Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Bolero Neo, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Thar, Mahindra XUV300, Mahindra XUV700, Maserati Grecale, Maxus D60, Maxus D90, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5, and Zhongxing Landmark, but taller and usually higher off the ground. It can either be a specially designed vehicle or be based on a saloon/sedan car, the latter type often including derivatives with open backs (pick-ups etc). Vans really are offered 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-Benz Sprinter van. Vehicles larger than this are classified as trucks (or lorries in British English), however, cargo vans tend to be larger than box trucks and smaller than tractor-trailers, such as MAN F2000, Volvo FH, Renault Trucks K, Ashok Leyland U-Truck, Peterbilt 389, Isuzu Giga, Peterbilt 359, Peterbilt 379, Mack Super-Liner, Renault Trucks T, Bedford TM, Scania 4-series, Volvo VN, Mercedes-Benz Axor, Freightliner FLD, Ford LTL-9000, Hyundai Trago, Ford F-MAX, Freightliner Cascadia, Iveco S-Way, Renault Trucks C, Renault Premium, DAF CF, MAN TGA, MAN TGX, Renault Magnum, International LoneStar, International ProStar, Dodge Bighorn, MAN TGS, DAF XF, Mercedes-Benz Arocs, Kenworth W900, Freightliner FLA, Freightliner FLB, Iveco Stralis, Chevrolet Bison/GMC General, Freightliner FLC 120 and Mercedes-Benz Actros with movable trailers.

Word usage and etymology[]

The word van is a shortened version of the word caravan which originally meant a covered vehicle.

The word van has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of 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 and varying body sizes. Minivans are the same Vans but smaller.

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 refrigerated van (a reefer) used for cold goods. A railway car used to carry baggage is also called a van.

The term van is also used to refer to a Minivan. However, minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size (190 to 200 in long), unibody architecture, and front wheel drive powertrains. Minivans have essentially replaced the large family station wagon, many luxury family sedans, and short wheelbased full-size vans that do not require extreme volume, towing, or passengers beyond 7. By comparison with full sized vans, they get good gas mileage, do not require overheight parking, have comfortable flexible seating accommodations such as folding middle or 3rd row seats, lowering windows on passenger doors on left and right side, and power hatch.

However, when it is necessary to tow a large mass, such as a camper, a full size van may be preferred for its larger engine, converted from cargo form to a family vehicle, referred to as a conversion van. A conversion van receives a full interior, extra seats, and comfort options such as air conditioning, indirect lighting, premium sound system, and a video screen system. While a minivan can tow between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, a full size van can tow in excess of 8,000 pounds, as well as its own weight.

Full size vans are noted for their short nose, which creates a unique engine location. The engine block is located between the two front seats, next to the legs of passengers. An enclosure known as a doghouse covers the engine, and often has an inner padding, as the engine produces a lot of heat.

Japan[]

Early Japanese vans include the Mazda Bongo (see Bongovan.com) 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 Dodge Caravan. These are also popular around the world.

Examples[]

The first generation of American vans were the 1960s Compact vans which were patterned in size after the Volkswagen Bus. The Corvair based entry even aped the rear mounted air cooled engine design. The Ford Econoline had a flat nose with engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The Dodge A100 had a similar layout using Dart components 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 manufacturers to make box vans, ambulances, campers and other vehicles. Second stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create custom vans 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, now part of Daimler-Chrysler quit making their model in June of 2002 and replaced it with the Dodge Sprinter, which is based on a narrower, more fuel efficient European design pattern with a 150 hp 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 carpooling 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 hotels and airports, to transport commuters between parking lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibuses.

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 150 and 200 lb 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 belts are not used. In the United States it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their safety belts, 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 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. Items should not be added to a roof rack of an already top-heavy vehicle.

Alternatives[]

Vans have been optimized to provide maximum cargo carrying capacity. With this comes certain tradeoffs such as increased fuel consumption (because of greater air resistance and increased vehicle mass) and a greater requirement for other resources such as steel, brake blocks, oil, etc. Modular vehicle concepts (eventually using semi-trailers) and low-energy vehicles may help reduce those compromises in the future. Today, some vans are available in versions using more environmentally friendly fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or high-ethanol mixtures (such as E85).

Depending on the application, towing a trailer may make it possible to transport bulky goods without the need to propel a large vehicle all the time. Of course there are tradeoffs with trailers as well, such as increased difficulty in parking, possibly reduced security of the cargo, and extra engine/transmission wear in lighter vehicles not designed to routinely tow cargo.

For craftsmen in cities, workers may be able to arrive via public transit, to use bulky or heavy materials which is delivered for them separately and perhaps stored at the worksite from day to day. Thus costs such as parking fees, tolls, and fuel may be reduced.

For carrying smaller loads over shorter distances, some people use human-powered transportation, such as freight bicycles with trailers.