BT’s new Ford Transit Custom vans will be used by customer service engineers.
BT runs one of the largest van fleets in the UK, and the firm’s fleet division, BT Fleet has a reputation for running a tight ship.
The firm’s vans don’t tend to do particularly high mileages, and are generally kept on fleet for seven years, during which time they are well-maintained, making them very desirable used purchases when they are eventually de-fleeted.
BT is a long-time Ford customer, and recently ordered 1,000 new Ford vans as part of a large-scale fleet renewal programme.
More than 500 new Ford Transit Custom and 200 Ford Transit vans are among the order, with the balance made up of Ford Fiesta vans. Some will replace existing customer service engineer vehicles, while others will help meet expanding demand for BT’s products and services across the UK.
Interestingly, the Ford Transits are long wheelbase, high-roof models that will replace the Transit chassis cab luton models previously used — BT’s compact and custom made luton body is a regular sight on UK roads, but won’t be so much anymore, as it seems the firm has found a way of including all the racking and equipment it needs inside a panel van, rather than requiring a coachbuilt body, This should cut fuel consumption and emissions, as well as being easier to drive and avoiding any type approval headaches.
Mike Langford, BT’s senior customer relationship manager, says that the new vans had to meet a demanding set of criteria:
“We started by looking at all of our skill sets across the business and designing the safest and most ergonomic racking we could. We then looked at what vehicles were available which could accommodate what was required.
“After that we looked at a range of factors, including whole-life costs, safety, emissions, technology and aftersales. If we are keeping a van for seven years, we have to ask whether we will be able to get a spare part for that vehicle, at the right price, throughout its life.”
The Ford Fiesta vans will be in service with engineers based at exchange buildings, with Ford Transit Custom used to carry the equipment required by customer service engineers. Vehicle conversion specialists Bri-Stor Systems and Bott are undertaking the interior alteration works on the BT vans.