The brand, which returns to the show after last attending in 2011, has set up a ‘house’ with bespoke dining, lounge, kitchen and patio spaces, as well as a drive, garage and garden.
A total of 700 square metres of carpet and mats, nine sofas and 16 armchairs providing seating for 70 people, eight tables and four TV screens help to ensure there’s somewhere to sit, have a drink and a chat and learn more about the brand.
Messages about the brand’s pre- and aftersales services as well as its dedicated network of Van Centres and qualified staff fill the stand in original ways, whether on fridge notes, paint cans or coffee table coasters.
Head of marketing Kirsten Stagg commented: “We wanted to do something different, and create the right environment in which we could meet new and existing customers and tell them about what we do and how we do it, as well as listening to them and understanding their needs. We know that running a fleet of vans – whether it’s five or 500 vehicles – is about more than just great product, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity of telling our bigger brand story at our home at the NEC this week.”
The stand will be manned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ head office staff, who will be equipped with the new iPad sales aid. This ‘showroom in the hand’, which was piloted with 20 Van Centres early this year and will be rolled out across the network by the end of 2016, makes choosing the right products and services easy and transparent, and also enables any follow-up information to be passed on quickly.
In addition, a new Caddy with wheelchair accessible conversion will be on display, alongside a sixth-generation Transporter panel van with bespoke office interior. A highly-specced Caravelle and Amarok pick-up will also be available for visitors to view on the stand, along with a Crafter with tipper conversion and T2 heritage ice cream van.
