Volkswagen Crafter helps on last mile

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have completed a deal with Menzies Distribution who are expanding their nationwide fleet and using more than 100 new Volkswagen Crafters to be used completing retail, healthcare, and parcel deliveries across the UK.

Menzies Distribution are one of the oldest distribution companies in the UK having been established since 1833, and now run a fleet of more than 4,200 vehicle, operating 24/7, 365 days a year. Menzies introduced Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to its fleet in 2019, and the addition of more than 100 new Crafters will add further versatility to the operation, ensuring Menzies’ “last mile” fleet can operate anywhere across the country by complying with the latest emissions standards.

Adam Purshall, Fleet & Procurement Director from Menzies Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to expand our Crafter fleet, having been impressed with their reliability and aftersales from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles since we started our partnership in 2019. In addition to the expansion of our dedicated electric fleet, which we aim to roll out far ahead of any regulatory deadlines, it’s imperative that we upgrade our traditional fleet with the very best in class. Final mile and urban deliveries continue to be an important part of the work Menzies Distribution undertakes and we are pleased to be able to operate in any part of the country with a full Euro 6 fleet.”

Volkswagen Crafter Specification

The new fleet will be a mix of standard and long-wheelbase Crafters, all in Startline specification. The vehicles were chosen for their lowest-in-class aerodynamic drag, largest load compartment height of up to 2.196m, and largest side loading and opening width of 1.311m. Menzies will also take advantage of the Crafter’s state-of-the art driver assistance and safety systems, such as autonomous emergency braking.

Both variants ordered by Menzies are powered by 2.0TDI 140PS engines with emissions at Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC level. The vans were supplied by Lookers Volkswagen Van Centre in Glasgow, through its partnership with Lex Autolease, and have been fitted with a new livery to match Menzies’ recent brand refresh.