VOLKSWAGEN has launched a new range of off-the-peg van conversions called ‘Engineered to go’ to plug what it sees as a hole in its offerings.

The manufacturer had a record year in 2006, raising its CV sales by 12% and snatching the coveted third place in the van sales chart from rival Citroën.

Bespoke conversions are already available but Robert Hazelwood, Volkswagen’s director of commercial vehicles, said: ‘Two-thirds of light commercial vehicles have some kind of conversion and we felt we were missing out on a sizeable opportunity.’

The firm has teamed up with two conversion specialists – Boalloy and Ingimex – to produce three new Crafter models, a dropside, tipper and Luton body. The new models are available on the CR35 body with single or double-cabs (Luton body single only). Prices range from £20,135 to £30,971 ex-VAT and all carry a three-year warranty.

Volkswagen is also planning to extend its network of dedicated van centres from 67 to 85, making 90% of the country no more than 45 minutes’ drive from a centre.