Abri takes delivery of Volkswagen Transporter vans

Abri has received the first of 250 converted 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, said: “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, added: “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.”

With 1,185kg payload, the Transporter Startline LWB also has a range of driver assistance systems, including Brake Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking.