Supply better but no sight yet of more EVs, says Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is optimistic about meeting the growing demand for its light commercial vehicles as production volumes steadily increase.

David Hanna, head of direct sales at VWCV, predicts that the supply of their vehicles will meet demand by the end of the year.

After a challenging period, during which VWCV prioritized fulfilling immediate orders and declined those it couldn’t meet, the company is now following up with customers who have shown interest.

Hanna emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and having open conversations with customers to support them during the transition to electric vehicles.

VWCV is also focused on delivering a premium customer experience and has expanded its mobile service van fleet to meet rising demand.

The left-hand drive eCrafter, which was briefly available for sale in the UK two years ago, ahead of an anticipated launch of a right-hand drive version, has been removed from the market. As a result, the company currently lacks an electric option within its primary van lineup.

However, VWCV has observed a significant level of interest in the award-winning full-electric ID Buzz Cargo, with an increasing number of demonstrators leading to a growing order bank.

Talking to Fleet News and AM group editor Stephen Briers, Hanna said: “We expect to see some notable orders for the ID Buzz soon.”

Recently, VWCV announced a long wheelbase version of the ID Buzz Cargo, and Hanna added: “We are still in discussions regarding the electric vehicle roadmap. The factory has made progress with its plans; it just needs to be communicated at a local level.”

Hanna predicts that the supply of VWCV light commercial vehicles will meet the levels of demand by the end of the year. Production volumes are gradually increasing after a challenging period during which VWCV made the decision to decline any orders that it couldn’t immediately fulfill.

“We believe businesses need to make informed decisions, and we can’t leave them in a difficult position,” he explained. “So, if we cannot immediately build the van, we do not accept the orders. Instead, we go back to them when we are confident that we can fulfill the order.”

He conceded that some customers will have gone to other brands due to VWCV’s supply issues.

Hanna stressed the importance of delivering the best possible in-life experience for customers, saying, “The relationship starts with the sale, but we have to ensure that the overall experience is of the highest quality. We must deliver on our promise of offering premium products.”

VWCV has expanded its mobile service van fleet from 19 to 25 over the past few years and anticipates further growth due to rising demand. The challenge lies in recruiting technicians, particularly those who are confident in dealing with people rather than being confined to the back office.