VWCV Launches "off the shelf" Conversions For Commercial Vehicles (UK)

[phaeton]

Volkswagen Launches "off the shelf" Conversions For Commercial Vehicles
February 20, 2007

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is once again demonstrating its commitment to van buyers by launching a number of 'off the shelf' conversions for its Crafter range. Rather than having to purchase a vehicle and then find a converter, buyers can now take delivery of the right van for the job direct from a UK Van Centre, safe in the knowledge that the vehicle and conversion are of the highest quality and covered by a three year bumper-to-bumper warranty.



To do this, Volkswagen has teamed up with two well-known converters – Boalloy and Ingimex – who are able to provide conversions for dropside, tipper and Luton vans. The recommended retail prices for these fully-converted Crafters are shown in the UK price list, again giving confidence to buyers who can see they are being charged a single transparent price with no unexpected extras. Marketed under the 'Engineered to go' strapline, the conversions once again strengthen the range of services available from all 67 of the UK’s dedicated Van Centres.

The conversions are currently available on the Crafter CR35 body with chassis or double cab (chassis cab only on Luton), and with a choice of power outputs from 88 to 163 PS from Volkswagen’s renowned 2.5-litre TDI engine. A Shiftmatic option is also available on the mid-range 109 PS unit, offering operators improved fuel economy, reduced wear and tear and a more relaxed driving experience.



Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Robert Hazelwood, commented: 'As part of our commitment to be 'Serious about vans' we are dedicated to identifying the needs of commercial vehicle operators and providing them with the service they expect and deserve from the UK's number one CV importer.

'Conversions which are available 'off the shelf', of a high quality, covered by warranty and competitively priced are clearly products which operators need, and we’re glad to be expanding into this market.'

As well as offering tipper, dropside and Luton bodies in the price list, Volkswagen has also introduced an accredited converter programme for more bespoke applications. To become accredited, suppliers must comply with commercial and technical requirements, including passing an FTA (Freight Transport Association) inspection.

At present, around 20 converters are accredited, including well-known names such as Mellor, Bott and Cold Consortium and with applications ranging from refrigeration through police and ambulance equipment to minibus. This number is likely to increase to around 30 when appropriate partners have been through the process. Marketed under the 'Engineered for you' strapline, although these products can not be bought 'off the shelf', Volkswagen's accreditation means buyers can purchase with confidence and maintain all relevant vehicle and conversion warranties.

Article and Pictures from

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2007/163_news070220_uk_volkswagen_commercial_vehicles/

[Altered Sprinter]

Interesting comments on the UK site for Crafter same as Mercedes almost, with one little thought as to why does Australia get a very standard old fashioned format from Luton! When Germany is offering this option ?
red-badged Sprinters on the U.S Side and they are shipped in from the German plants, in two sections and put together again at South Carolina plants in the US.



Ok to be fair Australians use the drop side trays , the Americans use the stake beds old fashioned, but that's their theme.
However built in tool boxes on the sides are a custom unit made by Cope Australia and in fiberglass not every ones cup of tea,
I've just come back from Europe and it blows you away as to the options over there, in comparison to the very limited options we are offered here.
Slightly off the topic, but the VW multi van has almost the same options here as in Europe, it's the same with Mercedes Vito's or the very upmarket Viana. Sprinters and Crafters are the underdog so to speak but cost a lot more to purchase.
Why is it so n: Thats the question to be.
Richard

[phaeton]

I'm guessing the added costs to get them converted then ADR approved would be more than getting them converted here.

Yes it does suck that Europe has so many options

[Altered Sprinter]

ADR Australian Design Rules are for the manufactures vehicle for compliance
After market add-ons are for the likes of bolt on or welded cargo cabins or ute style backs, like Lutons, they have to have a standard that meets Australian safety rules which the DOT has control of, referred to as Class 11 from memory.basically under duty of care they must comply to a standard, the reseller has to advise the customer who is buying the after market item care of duty, if the part comes off and causes an accident then don't sue the vehicle manufacturer or it's agents, but the installer of the product,
It does surprise me that no Australian manufacture has picked up on Euro design technology over the last decade or so by applying for licenses to build down under, Governments back this as it employs local content, thus reducing import tariffs and sending our deficit up through the roof.
Keep an eye out over the next twelve months with RV's campers especially with both Mercedes and VW Crafters and look at the Iveco?
Our favorite Manufactures have run fowl of the DOT, and Mercedes said quite literally said shove it, They said it, not me. So don't shoot the messenger. please
This might get a few scratching their heads
Richard
Sorry one is a Mercs unit but same chassis could not find a VW.

[phaeton]

1. Thanks for info on ADRs

2. Its blasphemy posting Fiats and Mercs here :j

Trakka Sandpiper


www.trakka.com.au & http://www.ballinacampers.com.au/horizon.htm do LT Campers

[Altered Sprinter]

True Fiats and well mercs! nar' the latter is related like brother and sister
I'm still working out down sizing of pics as Ihave more crafters down here than were ever sold on the mainland the VW Campers are like a plauge fair Dinkum I wouldn't lie
Even the trakka is in trouble for 2007 and 2008 with the body design unfortunatly at the moment the information I have is via the backdoor of D/C Australia so if you understand I need to be carefull as to fact and myth.
Richard

[phaeton]

Cool

I see your a big poster on Sprinter forums and you already have one T1N & a new NCV3

Hope the 3rd is a Crafter

[Altered Sprinter]

Youv'e been spying
It's the crafter I want honest but I'm still in the process of finding out what's been done under the chassis the engine has me wrapped as its an upgrade and big improvemnt over the old 5 inline Sprintshift is what I prefere for auto plus VW are talking half the price for nav sat and thats a bonus compared to the Big M wanting 9500 yes thats not a mis quote, dam crooks.
Richard

[phaeton]

Youv'e been spying
It's the crafter I want honest but I'm still in the process of finding out what's been done under the chassis the engine has me wrapped as its an upgrade and big improvemnt over the old 5 inline Sprintshift is what I prefere for auto plus VW are talking half the price for nav sat and thats a bonus compared to the Big M wanting 9500 yes thats not a mis quote, dam crooks.
Richard

Cool, have you read the latest Delivery mag ? the Crafter's auto Sprintshift is called QuickShift lol
Delivery mag say VW may have the edge with specs, engine and gearbox

WOW 9.5K thats a huge difference.

I'm hoping the Ambulance Services buy Crafters

[Altered Sprinter]

Sprinters in the ambo services are all over down here only grumble they have is the seats they want recaro now but I said to them that the new Sprinters have better seating now, He looked at me and said who can afford them!
We do have two VW Transporter ambulances but they are operated by private care poor guy nearly went broke but that's the politics of hospitals and preferred use of waiting for a GOV ambulance to turn up.
I'll chase up that mag today if it's still on the shelf
Power for the new Sprinters should be a selling point, for VW as the engine is a cross between the Mercs 4 inline or the mystery V6
Richard

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