Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a new initiative to minimise vehicle downtime with the introduction of three Mobile Service Clinics.
These are specially-outfitted Crafter vans that can bring a range of servicing facilities directly to the customer, in an effort to save fleets time and money.
There are just three to start with, operating out of Cordwallis dealerships in Heathrow, Maidenhead and Oxford, but VW plans to have 10 in place with various partners by the end of March 2017, and full nationwide coverage by the time 2018 rolls around.
What can VW’s Mobile Service Clinics do?
Aimed specifically at fleet customers, Volkswagen says the MSC vans are equipped to carry out servicing, inspections, air-conditioning maintenance, MOT repairs, minor warranty work and software updates.
Most critically, they exist to do this at a time and place that’s most convenient to the customer – the idea being that this will help get their vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible. The aim is to reduce unscheduled downtime that VW says can cost fleet operators in excess of £600 a day.
What’s in the van?
First and foremost: a qualified VW service technician to carry out the work on site.
To help them do so, the Mobile Service Clinic Crafters are loaded with spares, diagnostic systems and tools – including a mobile air jack – plus a basin with running water for washing up afterwards.
The conversions were carried out by Winton Engineering in Surrey. Presumably the team there will be looking forward to getting stuck into converting the all-new Crafter for the same role as soon as it arrives in the UK.
Is VW pleased with progress so far?
VW Commercial Vehicles service development manager, David Bodily said: ‘I’m delighted with the Mobile Service Clinic vans; they look fantastic and will provide a great alternative to fleet customers.
‘We’ve found the main concern for fleet customers is downtime and how long their vehicles are off the road. The Mobile Service Clinic van is a convenient alternative for these businesses and demonstrates how we are dedicated to fulfilling our “Working with You” promise to customers.’
How do you book a VW Mobile Service Clinic?
‘Customers simply call or email us to arrange a suitable time to book the work,’ added Bodily. ‘It saves them money, time and inconvenience.’
Is this all VW is doing to improve its LCV service?
No. Head of CV servicing and parts Trevor Hodgson-Phillips has confirmed that 2017 will see VW ‘offering extended servicing hours to all our customers from 2017.’
