Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been appointed by British biotechnology firm Genus Breeding Ltd to supply 350 Volkswagen Caddy vans as part of a landmark three-year deal.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles beat off competition following a successful one-year trial of its Caddy panel van and kombi models. The animal genetics company will take delivery of 134 vehicles this year, with the remainder of the fleet to be renewed over the three year term.
Genus Breeding Ltd is the leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services and udder and forage products to farmers. As a global-leader, it is critical that Genus Breeding Ltd can transport its products in controlled conditions maintain the quality
As part of its ‘Engineered for You’ programme, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles provided five Caddy panel vans which had been specially converted to ensure the careful passage of liquid nitrogen – used to preserve the semen in sealed, self-regulated units. As liquid nitrogen is toxic, the vans must be carefully engineered to maintain an air-tight seal in transit.
Following an extensive testing period to guarantee the safety of the equipment in the Caddy – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was able to meet Genus PLC’s strict health and safety requirements by converting the vans with a standard refrigeration unit. In an innovative twist, the unit was further adapted to remove the cooling apparatus, allowing the biotech firm to maintain a constant temperature and meet conditions for transporting liquid nitrogen.
Adrian Davies, at Genus Breeding, commented: “We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest of professional standards, and take both the pedigree of our genetic products and the safety of our staff very seriously.
“This was not an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution; Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has worked together with us to offer a truly bespoke conversion that fits our somewhat unusual transport needs.”
David Hanna, Head of Fleet for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles we work hard to offer the best possible solution for each and every business customer – it’s all part of delivering our brand promise of ‘Working with You’.
“I’m delighted that Genus Breeding Ltd has chosen the Volkswagen Caddy; with its versatile loadspace and reputation for reliability, it’s the right choice for such a discerning customer.”
With 73 dedicated Van Centres, and a further 25 Authorised Repairers, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ trained staff are in the unique position to offer outstanding customer care and tailor products and services for every business use.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles worked with Genus Breeding Ltd to develop a solution that would not only suit the customer, but could guarantee the refrigeration units beyond the term of the individual vehicle lease. When the vehicle comes up for renewal after three years, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will arrange for the unit to be transferred into a brand-new Caddy, effectively providing a second life for the conversion.
For more information regarding Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of vans and passenger-carrying products or to locate your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
SOURCE: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles