Vauxhall in the frame yet again for emergency vehicle supply
Vauxhall has once again been appointed as a preferred supplier to the UK’s 54 police forces and other emergency services under the Home Office and National Association of Police Fleet Managers Framework Arrangement.
The company was successful in being listed in all of the 12 categories in which it produces vehicles. This indicates the breadth of its car and light commercial vehicle range and its ability to provide vehicles to meet a wide variety of demanding applications. Parts supply is also covered by the Framework.
Forces across the UK use the Framework to choose suppliers for the 8,000 vehicles that they collectively buy each year. Vauxhall anticipates that it will supply up to a quarter of these vehicles, from roads Policing cars to local beat cars, vans and minibuses.
Speaking of the success under the tough two-year tendering process, Maurice Howkins, Fleet Sales Director, said: "Vauxhall provided a tender submission that met the Home Office’s requirements and our understanding of the operational needs of the Police business allowed us to provide exactly what the customer requires in terms of a turnkey solution together with a comprehensive aftersales support package.”
A key element in Vauxhall’s success is its ability to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ service to forces. Integrated into the models it offers is a wide choice of options designed and validated to meet the demands of the Police. At its Special Vehicle centre in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, it can build on these options to produce complete finished vehicles ready to enter service almost immediately following delivery.
All lighting requirements, aerials for radios, incident data recorders, mobile data terminals, livery and force crests can all be fitted or applied. Vehicles can also be registered prior to delivery.
This substantially reduces delivery lead times, which will help forces under severe budgetary pressures and helps their cash flow. The ancillary equipment is covered by the Vauxhall Lifetime warranty.
The most popular model from Vauxhall currently in service with the Police is the UK built Astra, produced at Ellesmere Port, making it the backbone of the beat car fleets of many UK forces. Luton built Vivaro vans and minibuses are also widely used and these too are included within the Framework.
