Abri, a not-for-profit housing provider based in Hampshire, has ordered 250 converted Volkswagen Transporter* panel vans.
Abri receives the first of 250 customised Volkswagen Transporter panel vans
Responsible for maintaining over 40,000 homes and assets across the South of England, Abri required a new fleet of vehicles that combine class-leading payload, with comfort and practicality, to support with customer visits and in-house maintenance.
In particular, the new fleet needed to provide a flexible – yet highly-standardised – shelving system designed to carry materials, tools and equipment for a variety of trades.
The conversion was a joint development process between Abri, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and TGS Automotive, with first orders received in July 2023.
Andy Pearce, Group Fleet Manager at Abri, commented: “We had that rare opportunity of replacing a large proportion of our existing fleet in one tranche. Working with vehicle users, we were determined to best support the service we offer our customers, through much improved on-board stock management, whilst offering a desirable, fit-for-purpose working environment to our vehicle users. Fixing issues first time is what our customers want and a correctly specified vehicle, supporting skilled tradespeople, enables us to do this.”
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We’re delighted that Abri has selected our Transporter panel van to support its Housing Partners with customer visits. We’re confident that the vehicle’s impressive payload, alongside a custom racking solution by TGS Automotive, will enable this vital work to continue.”
The award-winning Transporter first arrived in the UK over 65 years ago, setting the benchmark for efficient and reliable vans that get the job done. With 1,185kg payload**, the Transporter Startline LWB has ample space, as well as a range of driver assistance systems, including Brake Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking.
*Trimline: T32 Panel van Startline LWB 150 PS 2.0 TDI 6sp Manual with Business Pack in Reflex Silver
**For T32 Panel van Startline LWB 150 PS 2.0 TDI 6sp Manual trim
