Vauxhall and Renault launch versatile new Movano/Master full-size van overseas

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Vauxhall, UK

2010 Vauxhall Movano – Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the old days before the minivan came along? Well, Brits sure do. Because while America may move around in trucks and pickups, over in the British Isles, the full-size van is the workhorse of choice for movers, plumbers, electricians, bank robbers and just about anyone who’s got stuff to cart around and can’t fit into a compact panel van like the Ford Transit Connect. Now Vauxhall has launched a new full-size van with which it hopes to claim a larger share of the market.

Called the Movano, the Vauxhall van was co-developed with sister company Opel and with French automaker Renault, which gets its own version on The Continent called the Master. Thanks to a wide choice of cabs, wheelbases, cargo lengths and roof heights, the big van can be ordered in no less than 29 bodystyles. Buyers can even choose between front- or rear-wheel drive and three different outputs (100, 125 or 150 horsepower) available from the 2.3-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel. Now that’s what we can versatility.

While the Movano/Master is currently restricted to overseas markets, we can’t help but wonder – given the proliferation of the Mercedes-Benz/Dodge Sprinter since its launch on this side of the Atlantic – whether this van could make it in America. Currently neither of the parties (Opel/Vauxhall or Renault) are marketed in North America, but their sister companies do. Slap a Bowtie or the letters G-M-C on the grille – or a Nissan badge, for that matter – and Mercedes-Benz could end up sprinting the opposite direction.

Potential? Check out the details in the pair of press releases after the jump, have a look through the photos in the gallery below and share your thoughts in our comments section.

Gallery: Vauxhall Movano