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.
The company opted for the Crafter CR35 MWB panel van due to its 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.
A number of the new Crafters will be used as 24/7 emergency response vehicles. To help reduce costly vehicle downtime, Volkswagen’s 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."