Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is working in partnership with the RSPCA on a project which aims to save the lives of thousands of animals across England and Wales.

The three-year partnership scheme, called ‘The Networking Project', will enable the charity to find new homes for pets by providing much-needed transport across the country for sick and injured wildlife, as well as rescued and abandoned animals.

The scheme will also be vital in ensuring the RSPCA maximises the use and efficiency of its centres when caring for animals, rather than relying on private care options when its shelters are full.

As part of the partnership, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will provide six Crafter panel vans which will be specially converted for use by Britain's biggest animal welfare charity. 

Each of the short wheelbase CR30 2.0-litre TDI 136 PS BlueMotion Crafters will be converted to exact specifications provided by the RSPCA's operations team, allowing for a variety of different animals to be safely transported around the country.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says the RSPCA will benefit from low running costs thanks to strong residual values and a fuel efficient engine that returns 39.8mpg (combined) and emits only 187g/km of CO2.  This helps to save money and reduces the fleet's impact on the environment.

The vans will be decorated in colourful wraps - winning designs from a national schools design competition which launched yesterday.  The campaign, which is focussed on educating children on animal welfare, is open until September 30.

Alex Smith, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “I'm delighted that we have been able to make such a valuable contribution to the RSPCA's very worthy cause.

“At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles we understand the importance of strong partnerships and we aim not only to provide products of the highest quality at outstanding value for money, but also to provide genuine business solutions and services which add real value to our customers. 

“This partnership with the RSPCA demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working in partnership with Britain's businesses and organisations.”

Matthew Cull, the RSPCA's high value giving manager, said: “The impact this commitment from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will have on the day-to-day management of our core animal welfare activity is huge. 

“The Networking Project allows our staff on the frontline at animal centres to make the best decisions and use all our available resources in the most cost effective and efficient way.  The Crafters are key to making this happen.”