National Windscreens prides itself on not only being the repair and replacement glazing service of choice for fleet customers in the UK but also throughout Europe – as a 600-mile journey to fit a new windscreen for a coach stranded in France, all in less than 24 hours, shows!
Chandlers Coach Travel called National Windscreens after one of its coaches had to be taken off the road in the Champagne district of France with a broken windscreen caused when another coach reversed into it. The company arranged for the tourists on board to be transported to their next destination on a local replacement coach service.
The Wiltshire-based company was very keen for its own coach to be back in service as soon as possible, however, so their customers could continue to benefit from the high standard of travel they expect from the firm as well as to minimise the high rental costs of the replacement vehicle.
A call was made to Simon Gilbert, account manager at National Windscreens, and experts from the specialist glazing division then travelled to France from the UK, armed with the replacement windscreen for the coach. This was quickly installed with the vehicle ready to drive away less than 24 hours after the initial call was received.
Steve Clark, lead technician for National Windscreens, said: “Even taking into account the 600-mile round trip, our service still proved far more cost effective and faster than Chandlers trying to organise the replacement in France working with the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle manufacturer needed three days to deliver the glass but was then unable to help with the installation – and the glass cost alone would have been far in excess of the total charge from National Windscreens.
“Chandlers were delighted with the result as were their customers who were soon reunited with the repaired vehicle.”
Pete Marsden, managing director of National Windscreens, said: “Travel being disrupted while on holiday can be incredibly frustrating so I am delighted that we are able to provide a cost effective and very fast service across Europe for our customers.
“I am sure many people know that we offer seamless coverage in the UK through our network of 108 fitting centres and 800 mobile technicians, meaning that, on average, a UK motorist is never more than 11 miles or 20 minutes away from one of our technicians.
“However, not so many people are aware that this unrivalled network also extends to Europe and that all customers need to do is make just one phone call to our UK call centre and they will receive the same high level of service as if they were back at home,” he added.
Margaret I’Anson, owner of Chandlers Coach Travel, said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of coaches we use for all of our tours as this really enhances the holiday experience we offer. I would like to thank National Windscreens for a fantastic service that saved us significant money on the glass replacement as well as on the rental charges that would have been incurred by any further delays. Above all, thanks for a ‘champagne’ service that ensured we had yet another group of satisfied customers.”
To find out more about National Windscreens European coverage click here
Our photograph shows National Windscreens in France near to the famous Champagne house of Pommery where the coach was parked.