In a five-year deal, Volkswagen Financial Services and its partner, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has been chosen to supply 372 new vans to leading infrastructure service provider McNicholas. 

The contract will support the significant growth in the McNicholas telecommunication team’s contract to install and service high speed fibre optic broadband and digital television across the UK.  

Employing more than 1,700 people, McNicholas is one of the leading providers of services to the UK’s multi-utility, telecommunications, gas, power, water, renewable energy, and rail sectors.

The agreement comprises 262 Caddy Maxi and 110 Transporter T26 models, with the Caddy Maxi chosen due to the flexibility offered by its longer wheelbase.

The extended body length will enable McNicholas engineers to transport equipment including ladders using bespoke racking within the vans as opposed to on the roof; this reduces potential damage to the exterior as well as making the equipment easier to access and aiding fuel economy.

The contract secured through Volkswagen Financial Services includes all servicing and maintenance.

Each van will be supplied and supported by Citygate Volkswagen Van Centre, and come fully prepared and converted in accordance with McNicholas’ requirements including graphics, racking and safety beacon installation.

 Spencer Ward, head of fleet, plant and insurance services at McNicholas, said: “Choosing the right vehicle partner was relatively easy.

“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ vans are renowned for both their efficiency and reliability, and this was a major factor for us in terms of our commitment to service for our clients. This, combined with the aftersales support provided by the company’s dedicated van centre network and competitive finance packages offered by Volkswagen Financial Services, definitely helped to seal the deal.

“The broad range of vehicles offered by Volkswagen also enabled us to choose vans that directly suited our specific needs without compromising on specification or performance.”