It’s fair to say that nowadays having great products is one thing, however, more often than not, having great service is the key to exceeding customer expectations. With this in mind, Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, turned to Volkswagen’s Transporter to help redefine its service capabilities. This partnership, deeply rooted in history, not only enhances operational efficiency, but also reinforces a commitment to excellence that both companies have embodied for decades.
The relationship between Miele and Volkswagen stretches back to the 1950s, marked by a shared mission to simplify and enhance the lives of customers through quality and performance. Originating with the iconic T1 Bulli, which has evolved over time, into the functional tool of trade that we know of today as the Transporter 6.1.
With over 70 showrooms worldwide, including 16 Miele Experience Centres across Australia and New Zealand, Miele’s commitment to excellence is evident. The company’s appliances, from cutting-edge cooking appliances to state-of-the-art dishwashers, set the standard in the industry. Miele’s decision to partner with Volkswagen for its service vehicle needs is a natural extension of this ethos.
When choosing a vehicle for their mobile service team, Miele needed reliability, efficiency, and, most importantly, functionality. Enter the Volkswagen Transporter. Selected due to its adaptability, comfort and optimised design for service technicians.
The Volkswagen Transporter is not just a vehicle; it is a mobile office tailored for Miele’s service technicians. With custom racking systems for secure storage of highvalue parts and appliances, these vans allow technicians to move and work efficiently on the go. The ability to easily store and access parts during service calls outs, leads to faster resolution times and heightened customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the enclosed cab in the Transporter enhances driver comfort, VW Transporter’s modern and enclosed cabin enhances driver comfort. allowing for better climate control and reduced road noise. This comfort is paramount for technicians who spend long hours on the road, navigating to various customer locations.
In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a significant role in efficient business operations. The inclusion of features like Apple CarPlay not only promotes handsfree interactions for easy navigation but also allows technicians to manage calls and service updates seamlessly. Moreover, the ability to monitor vehicle status, like mileage, service dates, and AdBlue levels, ensures that Miele’s fleet remains in peak operating condition.
Under the bonnet lies a 2L, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, that is not only powerful, 110kW/340Nm, but efficient too, offering Combined Fuel Consumption figures of around 7.4-7.5L/100km and Combined CO2 g/km of between 195-199 (WLTP-3P).
When asked about the performance of the Transporters, feedback from Miele technicians has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of enhanced driver safety features, and the functionality has allowed for an increased focus on customer service. Overall, technicians feel that the Volkswagen Transporter has effectively addressed their needs, streamlining their workflow and enhancing their productivity.
The collaboration between Miele and Volkswagen is more than a business endeavour; it’s a partnership rooted in mutual values of quality and service. While Miele currently operates eight Transporters, the possibility of expanding this fleet reflects the success of this initiative. Although fleet expansion is yet to be determined, Miele remains committed to evaluating their service capabilities and ensuring they meet customer demands effectively.
As Miele celebrates its 125th anniversary, it’s a time to reflect on a rich history of innovation. Today, Miele aspires to create products that are not only high-performing but also durable and sustainable. The future looks bright with continued collaboration with Volkswagen, ensuring they remain at the forefront of customer service excellence for both parties.
