Since October 2014, Datsun styling, reliability and economy have been the preserve of fans of the Datsun GO in South Africa. Now Datsun brings these hallmarks to young entrepreneurs looking for a business vehicle that reflects their fresh approach to commerce and life. The vehicle that answers this call is the Datsun GO+ Panel Van – the latest offering in the Datsun family to reach our shores.

Formally announcing the introduction of the Datsun GO+ Panel Van in Johannesburg on 31 August 2016, Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun, said the new panel van, although a work-horse, has enough style to double as an after-hours leisure vehicle for the young business person investing all they have in a business venture.

“Since we re-introduced the Datsun brand into South Africa in late 2014, we have stayed true to our mission of bringing reliable, attractively priced vehicles to the market to primarily meet the needs of motorists looking for value in difficult economic times.

“The introduction of the Datsun GO+ Panel Van is an indication that we are meeting our commitment to extend our brand offerings to serve the needs of the wider South African market. Our panel van is a watershed in our entry into the light commercial vehicle category.  Alongside this, we are also launching the Datsun GO+, a 5+2 – versatile 7 seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which marks our appeal to the upper A-segment and lower B-segment MPV markets at the same time.”

The Datsun GO+ Panel Van is ideal for small business owners looking for a city runabout that is capable of moving anything from flowers, catering supplies, to a range of other small to medium sized parcels. It offers a whopping loading capacity of 542 kilograms, and has a loading volume of 3.43m3.

Easy access to loads is offered through the two rear doors on both sides, and the high opening rear hatch, for those quick deliveries and pick-ups. A solid partition separates the cargo area from the driving compartment. The divider is topped with a sturdy mesh grill, that ensures loads stay where required, and provides the driver with the ability to quickly visually check loads.

“The distinctive Datsun styling with its characteristic high shoulder is a feature that makes the new panel van attractive to business owners who may wish to add a vehicle wrap and signage to the Datsun GO+ Panel Van, creating a mobile advertising platform for their businesses,” added Des Fenner, General Manager of Datsun South Africa

The vehicle’s strongest selling point, however, is the Datsun GO+ Panel Van’s total cost of ownership. At an extremely appealing selling price, the cost per kilometre will surely assist any start-up and business-conscious entrepreneur.

“We are aware of the cash constraints facing most of our potential customers within the small to medium sized business sector and pleased to offer the Datsun GO+ Panel Van at a recommended selling price of R149 900 (including VAT), which will certainly assist entrepreneurs and fleets alike” said Mr Fenner.

“Complementing this is the legendary Datsun reliability, fuel efficiency, and most appealing maintenance costs and new parts basket in South Africa. These integral parts of our offering will provide fleet and individual owners with an unbeatable package that suits any company’s budget,” said Mr Fenner.

The Datsun GO+ Panel Van offers entrepreneurs and fleets:
• Stylish exterior design
• Driving comfort with air conditioning as standard
• Spinal support seats that offer unsurpassed comfort and support for long working days spent in city traffic and inter-city driving
• Driver’s side airbag
• Electric front windows as standard
• A roomy cab for driver and co-driver
• Choice of two colours
• Dark tinted, smash and grab on all rear windows 
• Remote door entry for rear loading door
• Level galvanised steel floor and partitioning with wire mesh
• Upgraded “Gas stays” for rear door – higher opening aperture
• Total loading capacity of 542 kg
• Total loading area of 3.43m3
• Cost per kilometre of R0.16
• Claim back 14% VAT if a registered business owner
• An economical 1.2 litre petrol engine that delivers 50kW at 4 000 rpm
• Fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100km in an urban/country cycle
• Mobile docking station

“We are very excited about the introduction of the Datsun GO+ Panel Van, which we believe will become a firm favourite in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, mirroring the successes already achieved by the Datsun GO in the A-segment. Although we are entering a competitive sector, we believe that the panel van’s class-leading loading capacity will be a major factor in its success.

“After all, business owners want to grow their enterprises while keeping their operating costs down. This means having access to vehicles that can grow with their businesses. The ability of the Datsun GO+ Panel Van to carry loads of up to 542 kilograms offers this flexibility,” said Mr Fenner.

For more information visit Datsun.co.za or you can follow the conversation on #DatsunGO or #Datsun2016.