VWCV reports strong demand for ID Buzz Cargo but awaits EV roadmap

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles remains in discussion about its electric vehicle roadmap with no news yet on full electric versions of the Caddy, Transporter or Crafter.

Left-hand drive eCrafter, which went on limited sale in the UK two years ago ahead of an anticipated launch of a right-hand drive version, has been taken off the market leaving the company with no electric option within its main van line up.

However, VWCV reports strong interest in the Fleet News award-winning full-electric ID Buzz Cargo, with a rising number of demonstrators leading to a growing order bank.

“A few fleets have now tried the BEV to build their confidence through the demonstrators – that has been key,” said David Hanna, VWCV head of direct sales. “We expect to see some noteworthy ID Buzz orders soon.”

He added: “We are still in discussion over the EV roadmap. The factory is far on with their plans; it just has to be communicated at a local level.”

Hanna predicts supply of VWCV light commercial vehicles will meet levels of demand by the end of the year. Production volumes are steadily increasing following a difficult period during which VWCV took the decision to reject any orders that it couldn’t immediately fulfil.

“Businesses have to make informed decisions; we can’t leave them in a challenging position,” he said.

“So we have not accepted orders and we instead go back to them when we are confident we can build the van. Now we are following up those conversations. Some have waited, some went elsewhere on the promise of supply, but they often didn’t get it and have come back to us.

“The instinct is to take the order, but ‘working with you’ means having open conversations.”

He added: “We are now seeing fleets starting to plan further ahead – we are having more conversations about mid 2024 replacements.”

VWCV has opened the order book for the new Amarok, the first time it has had a pick-up in the range since 2019. “We’ve taken deposits for reservations, mainly in the private market, but fleets can now have demonstrators for testing,” Hanna said.

The vanmaker has “rejigged” its account management team and appointed ex-Scania head of customer workshops Colin De Kock as fleet aftersales manager.

He is working closely with leasing companies and larger customers on network performance and aftersales packages to support the sales team.

“The relationship starts with the sale, but we have to make sure the in-life experience is the best it can be,” Hanna said. “We have to deliver on the premium products.”

VWCV has expanded its mobile service vans from 19 to 25 over the past couple of years and expects the network to grow further due to demand. The challenge is to recruit technicians, particular ones who are confident dealing with people rather than being back of office.