FORD's evergreen Transit has for years been the benchmark the others measure themselves against.
That should be no surprise. Ford took the utility workhorse and turned it into something a bit more glamorous and now they say the 2009 model is cheaper, when inflation is taken into account, than it was in 1995.
The short wheelbase Transit with a 900kg payload cost £12,270, equivalent to just over £17,000 using the latest RPI index.
The similar 2009 model costs £14,290 and that comes with a host of comfort and safety extras not available a more than a decade ago.
The range also features a range of greener and meaner engines, making them more efficient to run and kinder to the environment.
They now come with a range of developments that include stability programme (ESP), to aid over-ambitious drivers, anti-skid brakes as well as driver's airbag and a steel bulkhead as standard fit.
Other goodies that are now standard in the cab, like power steering, electric windows, central locking and CD/radio would have added would have added thousands to the base price.
As you would expect, side wallets, cup holders and cubbyholes are plentiful, a prerequisite for someone on the move.
Ford commercial vehicles director Steve Kimber said: 'A loaf of bread cost seven pence in 1995 and today is more than 17 times dearer. With vans, customer expectations in terms of driver comfort and safety have risen considerably since 1995, but the price hasn't. I can't think of a better value proposition for a van that is still the best business partner you can buy.'
So he clearly thinks the range is a bargain. The truth is it needs to be good because there is a lot of competition that is very good indeed.
But Ford do seem to stay ahead of the game and the range offered is comprehensive.
At a launch in the south of England, the company showcased a number of models, which included the double cab utility, the 350 EF Box Van, favourite of supermarkets for home delivery and featuring a powerful 200PS engine with masses of torque, 470NM, an engine that is also featured in 350M chassis cab three-way tipper, as well the 350L double chassis utility cab dropside, a favourite with scaffolders.
For the taller loads, the 460EL Jumbo high roof van also offers the same engine.
All tailored to particular needs and with varying payloads.
Like many commercial vehicles, most have car like qualities and handle well.
All models tested handled well with taut suspension and felt comfortable at motorway speeds limits. Obviously noisier than car, the 3.2-litre Durotorq sounded clattery under acceleration, but otherwise is a pretty refined unit as is the 2.4 litre version as an alternative.
Something for most businesses, but Ford have also added model for the man in a hurry.
The 260SWB SportVan offers the performance the name implies, with the well-known cargo carrying capacity.
Offering a 2.2-litre, 140PS engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox the van offers rapid acceleration with suave looks. The black livery and bright chrome give it a sporty look.
It is capable of out-accelerating many cars and offers something a little bit different to those who see their van as more than just a workhorse.
Ford has also introduced a new programme that means state education facilities such as schools and colleges can get a preferential discount of up to 14 per cent when they buy a Ford Transit minibus.
The Transit minibus range starts with the nine-seat Shuttle bus and includes 12-,15- and 17-seat minibuses. All models are designed to carry everyone in a light, spacious, well-equipped interior.
Standard safety features on a Ford minibus include ABS, ESP, driver and passenger airbag on all models with additional generation seatbelts that suit adults and children on 15- and 17-seat models.