VOLKSWAGEN'S promise to van operators to cut costly downtime on fleets has taken a practical turn.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled its first three Mobile Service Clinic vans, part of an initiative which will save customers money by reducing the time vehicles are off the road being serviced or repaired.

The Mobile Service vans have been designed specifically for the needs of fleet customers and will be capable of delivering service work, inspections, air conditioning servicing, MOT repairs, minor warranty work and software updates remotely at the fleet base location.

As part of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' ‘Working With You' promise, reducing costly downtime is a key focus for the brand.

This has been the driving force behind the launch of the new vehicles, with the first three Mobile Service Clinic vans now active and operating from their bases at Maidenhead, Heathrow and Oxford.

With commercial vehicle customers needing to meet even more demanding service delivery promises for their own customers, the Mobile Service Clinic ensures that vehicle uptime is maximised.

This is done thanks to qualified technicians carrying out service and repair work at a time and location which works best for the customer.

Each of the Mobile Service Clinic Crafter vans has been equipped by specialist conversion company, Surrey-based Winton Engineering.

An array of on-board tools including compressed air jacks and even a hand wash basin lets technicians carry out a wide range of work.

Ten more Mobile Service Clinic vans are expected to join the network by summer 2017, with nationwide coverage planned towards the end of next year.

David Bodily, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles service development manager, said: "I'm delighted with the Mobile Service Clinic vans; they look fantastic and will provide a great alternative for fleet customers.

"We've found the main concern for fleet customers is downtime and how long their vehicles are off the road. The Mobile Service Clinic van is a convenient alternative for these businesses and demonstrates how we are dedicated to fulfilling our ‘Working with You' promise to customers.

"We are providing the perfect package for the fleet network; customers simply have to call or email us to arrange a suitable time to book the work. It saves them money, time and minimises inconvenience."

Trevor Hodgson-Phillips, head of service and parts for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, added: "The addition of Mobile Service Clinic vans to our ‘Working With You' approach is another element of the service offering the Brand is looking to enhance. This will be further complemented by offering extended servicing hours to all our customers from the start of 2017."

It can cost fleet customers in excess of £600 per day if they cannot use their specialist van due to servicing requirements.

Volkswagen says that by bringing the service to the customer it can complete the service work in a cost effective, efficient manner.