The tipper, dropside and Luton-bodied versions of the Crafter account for around 90% of conversions, and all three are available as a factory-build under VW’s Engineered-to-go banner. “We’re putting a great deal of focus on our Engineered-to-go range,” VW’s Caddy and Crafter product manager David Foster told What Van?
The firm has also accredited converters to work in partnership on the more bespoke conversions that make up the other 10% via the Engineered-for-you branding.
“We’ve gone into partnership with accredited convertors so if a customer goes into a van centre and asks for a minibus or other conversion, they have a list of accredited convertors who can talk confidently with them,” said Foster. “We have done tests on quality, warranty, accreditation, checked the financial status of company and aftersales so we can authorise building a vehicle that gives the customer the best product they can possibly have.”
Foster admitted VW Commercial Vehicles hadn’t been active enough in the conversion sector. “But if we are to grow in this sector we have to start to focus on this,” he said.
VW preaches to the converted
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is looking to increase its share of the conversion market, with a renewed push timed to coincide with the launch of the facelifted Crafter.