Rivus opens new flagship garage in Southampton

Rivus Fleet Solutions has opened a new flagship garage in Southampton – a development to its garage network.

The new site is 60% larger than its predecessor and can support HGVs. It also includes conference facilities which Rivus customers can use for training events and meetings.

In 2020, Aurelius announced it would close ‘loss-making garages’, reducing its garage network from 65 to 54.

Garages within the Rivus network have also been given a full-rebrand, which is displayed at the Southampton garage.

Geoff Allison, garage services director at Rivus, said: “The facilities at our new Southampton are a perfect example of how our network is developing from both technical and customer experience perspectives.

“With a bright clean reception area, availability of refreshments and facilities that you’d typically find in franchised car dealerships, we’re showing that it’s now possible to achieve those high standards for commercial vehicles too.”

The March edition of Fleet News will feature a profile interview with David Myers, CEO at Rivus and Michael Scheidler, Aurelius partner.

Also within the Rivus network, the Cardiff garage has been replaced with a larger HGV-compatible garage – meaning both new garages have multiple HGV lanes, with turning areas for trailers up to 13-metres, height clearance for double-deck trailers and parking space for the largest of vehicles, said Rivus.

The investment in the garage network also means that most Rivus garages are now equipped to service, maintain and repair (SMR) electric vehicles (EVs) from major manufacturers – with the remaining garages to follow suit in 2021, the company said. 

To achieve EV-readiness, technicians have undertaken training programmes to IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) standards and is supported by new diagnostic equipment for EVs, tooling and charging facilities, said Rivus.

Rivus said diagnostics have also been upgraded for traditional non-EVs.

Geoff added: “There’s a huge need from fleet operators to have first-class levels of resilience combined with a flexible approach – something which the pandemic has amplified.

“Our investment in the Rivus garage network will only strengthen our qualities in these areas, together with ensuring a seamless transition to EVs for our customers.”