Van Models: A Guide to International and Chinese Brands

Vans, encompassing minivans (for passengers) and light commercial vans (for cargo), are essential vehicles worldwide. The market is divided between established global automakers and dominant Chinese manufacturers, particularly in the light commercial segment. This guide lists 7-10 major brands and highlights 3-5 key model series from leading players.

1. Major International Van Brands & Models

These brands are known for global platforms, advanced engineering, and strong safety standards.

• Mercedes-Benz (Germany):
  • V-Class / Vito: Luxury multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and its commercial counterpart.
  • Sprinter: The iconic large van for cargo and passenger transport, a benchmark in Europe and North America.
  • Citan: Compact van based on the Renault Kangoo platform.
• Ford (USA):
  • Transit: A full range of vans (Custom, Transit, Transit Jumbo) covering medium to large sizes. A global best-seller.
  • Tourneo Custom: The passenger version of the Transit.
  • Transit Connect: A compact front-wheel-drive van.
• Volkswagen (Germany):
  • Transporter (T6.1 / T7): The legendary mid-size van, also sold as the Caravelle (passenger) and Multivan.
  • Caddy: A compact van based on car platforms.
  • Crafter: A large van developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz (Sprinter).
• Renault (France):
  • Trafic: A popular mid-size van.
  • Master: A large van for heavy cargo.
  • Kangoo: A compact small van.
• Fiat (Italy):
  • Ducato: A large van platform also used for motorhomes, rebadged as Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper.
  • Doblò: A compact van.

2. Major Chinese Van Brands & Models

Chinese manufacturers excel in the light commercial and affordable MPV segments, dominating the domestic market.

• Wuling (SAIC-GM-Wuling): The undisputed champion of mini-vans and MPVs in China.
  • Hongguang (荣光) Series: The iconic microvan/mini-truck, one of the best-selling vehicles in the world.
  • Journey (征程): A larger MPV/light van.
  • Almaz (凯捷): A premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
• Changan (长安汽车): A major player in commercial vehicles.
  • Honor (金牛星 / 之星): A popular microvan series.
  • Ruixing (睿行) M60/M80/M90: Light commercial vans in various sizes.
• JAC (江淮汽车):
  • Refine (瑞风) M3/M4: A well-known MPV/light van series for both passenger and cargo use.
  • Shuailing (帅铃) T6/T8: More focused on the pickup truck segment, but part of the light commercial family.
• Maxus (上汽大通 - SAIC Motor): SAIC's brand for global vans.
  • V80: A large van competing directly with the Transit and Sprinter.
  • G10/G20/G50: MPV series for passengers.
  • V90: A newer, more premium large van.
• Foton (福田汽车): A giant in commercial vehicles.
  • View (风景) G7/G9: Light vans for urban delivery.
  • Tumvan (图雅诺): A mid-to-large size van similar to the Sprinter/Transit.

Van Brand and Model Series Overview Table

Conclusion: The van market is distinctly segmented. International brands (Mercedes, Ford, VW) dominate the global market for mid-size to large commercial and premium passenger vans with advanced technology. In contrast, Chinese brands rule the high-volume, value-oriented segments. Wuling is synonymous with the ultra-popular microvan, while Maxus, Foton, and JAC are aggressively competing in the larger commercial van space both domestically and through exports. The choice between brands depends heavily on the required size, payload, intended use (commercial vs. passenger), budget, and target market.