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08 Oct 2024

FIAT Professional Delivers 60 Minibuses to Variety, the Children’s Charity, Supporting Disabled and Disadvantaged Children Across the UK

FIAT Professional has delivered more than 60 specially converted minibuses to Variety, the Children’s Charity, supporting disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK Renowned Variety Sunshine Coach fleet supports more than 1,400 schools, reaching approximately two million children nationwide. Minibuses complete tens of thousands of journeys over their lifetime. 50% of Variety Sunshine minibuses are used daily, while remainder are used at least once a week. Variety cites reliability, value and ease of adaptability as main appeal of FIAT Professional minibuses. The relationship continues with over 100 vehicles to be delivered in 2025

  • FIAT Professional has delivered more than 60 specially converted minibuses to Variety, the Children’s Charity, supporting disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK
  • Renowned Variety Sunshine Coach fleet supports more than 1,400 schools, reaching approximately two million children nationwide.
  • Minibuses complete tens of thousands of journeys over their lifetime.
  • 50% of Variety Sunshine minibuses are used daily, while remainder are used at least once a week.
  • Variety cites reliability, value and ease of adaptability as main appeal of FIAT Professional minibuses.
  • The relationship continues with over 100 vehicles to be delivered in 2025

 

FIAT Professional has delivered more than 60 minibuses this year to one of Britain’s largest charities, Variety, supporting children nationwide.

As the UK’s largest provider of specially adapted minibuses for disabled and disadvantaged children, Variety, continues to depend on FIAT Professional vehicles to power its renowned Sunshine Coach fleet. These adapted minibuses enable thousands of children to participate in sporting events, youth groups, and community centres that would otherwise not be possible.

With over 100 FIAT Professional Sunshine Coaches currently on the road, Variety provides vital transport to more than two million children across 1,400 schools nationwide. Available across local communities, they help to promote inclusion and belonging, improving physical and mental health, and helping create lasting memories.

These minibuses operate throughout the U.K., including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and are distributed by HTC Group. 50% of the fleet is in use daily across the regions, while the remainder provides essential services on a weekly basis, demonstrating the widespread need for reliable and adaptable transport.

Each FIAT Professional minibus is modified to accommodate the specific requirements of the schools they serve by Stanford Coachworks, a specialist in wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions.

Laurence Guiness, Chief Executive Officer of Variety, commented:

"FIAT Professional’s minibuses are a perfect fit for Variety. They offer the flexibility and dependability we need to deliver on our mission, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, can experience life beyond the classroom. For us, it’s more than just mobility, they provide access to experiences that foster community engagement, build relationships, and contribute to children’s personal growth.

“The FIAT Professional vehicles have become a cornerstone of our fleet as a longstanding, trusted vehicle manufacturer with rich heritage, and we are excited about continuing the relationship further."

Damien Dally, Managing Director of Fiat Professional UK, said:

“Variety provides a crucial service across the U.K., allowing children, regardless of their background, greater access to education and activities that they’d otherwise struggle to be a part of, and we are extremely proud that our vans are helping to support them. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Variety in 2025 and beyond.”

As the organisation continues to expand, FIAT Professional has delivered 60 vehicles already this year to Variety, with the charity planning for orders to exceed 100 during 2025.

ENDS

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Contact:

VINCE CLISHAM
HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
vincent.clisham@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7835 114390

 

MICHAEL ARNOLD
PRESS FLEET MANAGER
pressfleet@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7831 829410

 

JEREMY TOWNSEND
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
jeremy.townsend@stellantis.com   

TEL +44(0)7827 896480