20-08-2010

Vans made in China are to hit the UK market for the very first time. Dongfeng Motor Corporation has appointed Coastal 4x4 as the sole distributor of its DFM line-up of micro vans and single and double cab pick-ups in the UK. Coastal, based in Somerset, already has experience as an independent importer of Japanese vehicles.

The new Dongfeng range of vans represents a direct challenge to Piaggio’s Porter; all the DFMs employ the same 1.3-litre 83 hp petrol engines and five-speed manual gearbox, with a diesel version still yet to be announced.

Unsure as to the level of demand for the newcomer from the Far East, Coastal aims to sell 50 of the new micro vans this year, gradually building its sales to 1,000 a year, with plans for further expansion.

With prices starting at a very reasonable £6,995, the overall proposal is an attractive one with insurance premiums also expected to be at a minimum due to the size and low purchase price of the van. A two-year / 30,000-mile factory-backed warranty is provided, the terms of which may have to be made more generous in order to match the expectations of UK buyers.

Looking to beat global sales figures of 240,000 last year, Dongfeng is aiming to find 300,000 buyers of micro vans in the next 12 months. With existing joint ventures involving Nissan and Honda, among others, the arrival of Dongfeng - one of China’s leading vehicle manufacturers - is expected to be greeted anxiously by the current players in the market.

If you intend on being one of the new owners of a Dongfeng Micro Van, speak to Van Compare today about cheap van insurance quotes and ways to lower the cost of your cover. We scour the market and compare van insurance quotes from over 20 of the leading UK van insurance providers to find you a great deal.