Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd takes delivery of a further 28 VW Crafter Panel Vans.

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles secures new contract with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd.
• Fleet bolstered by 28 Crafter panel vans
• Reliability and aftersales support key to securing contract 

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd (NIE Networks) has renewed its long-standing partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, adding 28 Crafter panel vans to its already sizeable fleet. These were chosen due to the vehicles’ excellent quality and reliability, as well as the brand’s high level of aftersales support.

NIE Networks is responsible for managing 47,000 kilometres of overhead and underground cables that deliver electricity to 850,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland. 

As part of its regular replacement vehicle programme, the fleet, which currently comprises over 400 vehicles, has been boosted by the additional 28 new Volkswagen Crafter models.

The company opted for the Crafter CR35 MWB panel van due to its ample load space, rear-wheel drive functionality to help access remote areas, and ability for bespoke conversion. 

Each Crafter will be equipped with specialist racking solutions, depending on purpose and equipment carried. 

The new vehicles will be used within the connections side of the business, to help join new customers to the electricity network or alter existing connections for homes and businesses across the country.

NIE Networks is a business that puts its customers first, and as part of this commitment a number of the new Crafters will be used as 24/7 emergency response vehicles. 

To help reduce costly vehicle downtime, Volkswagen’s award-winning aftercare support will keep NIE Networks’ engineers on the road, and assist by sourcing a like-for-like courtesy vehicle if a van is off the road for more than a couple of hours.

David Corry, Supply Chain and Fleet Manager, NIE Networks, commented: “As the network company, we have a responsibility to ensure homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have a reliable electricity supply. 

It was the reliability and the first-rate aftersales service offered by Volkswagen which helped to make it an easy decision when it came to replacing vehicles on the fleet. We have had excellent experience in the past with Volkswagen, and we’re pleased to continue the relationship.”