The brand new fleet of five custom fitting vans used by Ping to promote its range of golf equipment throughout the UK and Europe has been prepared and converted by Bott.

Three of the vehicles will visit pre-arranged demonstration and fitting events at golf clubs and courses in the UK and Ireland, with two more based in France and Germany to cover sites throughout mainland Europe. Bott provided a complete service for Ping which included design and preparation of vehicle interior, installation of in-vehicle workshop and storage equipment, provision of ancillary services, and design and application of full body graphics. “We chose Bott on Volkswagen’s recommendation and because they offered the best solution for our requirements,” says Dave Fanning, Ping’s European Marketing Manager.

“We wanted a van that would raise our profile at the demonstration days and carry more equipment. We are leaders in custom fit golf equipment and we want these vehicles to make a statement of intent about our commitment to customers.” Working to Ping’s brief, Bott designed and converted five Volkswagen LT35 LWB high roof vans to incorporate separate display and workshop sections. The rear of each vehicle has been prepared as a mobile show room where visitors can see an extensive selection of Ping’s latest top-selling clubs. When the vehicle is travelling the rear section doubles up as a safe and secure storage area for up to six Ping Hoofer and 13 Ping Staff golf bags. Bott installed special straps that are used to secure the golf bags and carts and promote safety by preventing items from moving around and protect them from damage. A removable ramp makes it easier for visitors and staff to load and unload golf clubs and trolleys at the venues. The mid cab has been converted into a golf club customisation area to support one of Ping’s main customer services. Players can bring new and existing clubs for modifications so that they are precisely matched to their own requirements and physique. Bott installed items from its Normline range of in-vehicle storage and workshop equipment including drawers, shelves and a workbench so that Ping staff can modify the clubs. Specialist custom fitting equipment and Ping’s advanced Vector Launch Monitor systems are also carried in each vehicle. Each vehicle has been given a full graphics wrap designed by Bott in conjunction with Ping’s marketing team. The graphics were produced using Bott’s own in-house design and print facilities and have been applied to all four sides and the roof of each vehicle to maximise its visibility and impact. Part of the design brief called for sections of the graphics to be replaceable so that Ping could highlight new products and promotions in the future. “We explained what we wanted and Bott came back with a design that provided good ergonomics in a confined space,” says Dave Fanning. “These vehicles allow us to customise our extensive range of products in the field.” In designing and converting the vehicles Bott had to take into account that the three used in the UK and Ireland would be right hand drive while the two for use in France and Germany were left hand drive. Each vehicle is expected to travel over 30,000 miles a year visiting golf clubs and courses so that players can see and test the latest Ping products. They are staffed by full-time Ping specialists who are adept at demonstrating the advantages of purchasing custom fitted clubs. The vehicles will also support key customers throughout the UK and Europe who reach end users. “We felt very confident in Bott’s quality and ability to deliver the vans cost effectively and on time,” says Dave Fanning. “It was very smooth working with Bott and what was on the initial plan was how it turned out. We are very satisfied.”