Autoglass offers wet weather aid for fleets

Autoglass has introduced a new bespoke wet weather aid called the Vanbrella - an extendable canopy fixed to its mobile technician’s vans.

Specifically designed to facilitate repair and replacement services in wet weather conditions, Autoglass says it will increase the speed of service for fleet partners across the UK.

With Britain experiencing rainy weather approximately 145 days of the year, this can adversely affect vehicle glass repair and replacement services.

For example, the time needed for the chip repair healing process - usually 30 minutes - or that needed to bond a replacement glass - usually 1 hour - may significantly increase in wet conditions and this could compromise the quality of the result.

As 90% of the work carried out by Autoglass is mobile, with customers choosing the service to be carried out at a location of their choice, the appointments of an estimated 80,000 customers each year are impacted by weather conditions.

In such circumstances Autoglass previously offered customers the options of either taking their car in to a branch or a later appointment.

However, the Vanbrella now provides an alternative solution and will ensure reduced downtime for fleet managers, keeping their stock in prime condition and on the road whatever the weather.

Jeremy Rochfort, national sales manager at Autoglass, said: “We are always looking for new ways to offer our fleet customers better service and whilst we can’t control the weather, we can make sure our experts offer a full service come rain or shine.

“Trials have been highly successful and the feedback from customers and technicians alike has been extremely positive.

“The Vanbrella is just one of the new innovations we are introducing this year to ensure our service is seamless on the road, and within our service centres.”

Designed and patented by the in-house technical research department at Autoglass, the canopy solution will be fitted to 400 vans by the end of this year, with the initial roll out of 200 Vanbrellas hitting the roads by May.