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.