VOLKSWAGEN has increased prices of its LT commercial range by 3.1% and the Caddy Pickup by 1%, while cutting prices of the entire range of Transporter panel vans, chassis cabs and window vans. A Volkswagen spokesman said this was the first price change for the LT since its introduction 12 months ago and comparisons with equivalently-specified rivals will show the Volkwagen LT to be extremely price-competitive.

The manufacturer believes the Caddy Pickup will continue to dominate the half-tonne sector despite a 1% price rise to £7,070 (excluding VAT) and says the repositioning of the Transporter range will enhance the company's commercial vehicle success, which has already seen sales up 46% from January to June 1997. Prices of optional extras across the commercial vehicle range and the Caddy Van, which replaces the Golf Van, remain unchanged.

Sample new prices (excluding VAT) with old prices in brackets: Transporter 800 Special £10,995 (£11,057), Transporter 2.4SD lwb high roof panel van £13,904 (£14,421), Transporter swb 2.5 TDI panel van £13,839 (£14,355), Transporter Double Can Pick-up TDI £15,345 (£15,608). LT 28 swb panel van 2.5 SDI £14,285 (£13,855), LT 28 mwb high roof panel van 2.5 TDI £17,045 (£16,532), LT 35 lwb chassis cab 2.5 TDI £17,890 (£17,350), LT 35 double cab mwb 2.5 TDI £19,020 (£18,450).