We are rolling out a new look across more than 320 vans, as part of a major investment in our fleet, designed to support colleagues, cut carbon emissions and deliver a more efficient service for our customers.
We have invested into the refreshed fleet, which features a new design, helping us stand out across the city while reinforcing our commitment to modern, high‑quality services in local neighbourhoods. The rollout includes a significant step forward on sustainability, with 10% of our fleet now fully electric. This supports our wider focus on reducing carbon emissions and supporting Sunderland City Council's ambitions to become a carbon neutral city by 2040.
Alongside the environmental benefits, the new vans have been designed with colleague comfort and wellbeing in mind. Improvements such as air‑conditioning, smarter storage and upgraded internal features recognise that vans are often our colleagues’ mobile workplaces, helping make Gentoo a great place to work while supporting safer, more comfortable journeys. The new electric vans are also cost effective allowing money to be saved and reinvested into our customers homes, alongside quieter driving causing less disruption in neighbourhoods.
The upgraded fleet will also help improve efficiency for customers, enabling teams to work more effectively, respond faster and deliver a reliable service across the city.
The project has been delivered in partnership with Volkswagen Financial Services, QI Vans and Sherwoods, bringing together expertise in fleet design, specification and delivery to create vehicles that meet the needs of our organisation.
James Haste, Director of Property Maintenance at Gentoo said:
“Our new fleet is a major investment for Gentoo which reflects who we are as an organisation today; modern, ambitious and focused on the future. By introducing more electric vehicles, improving comfort for our colleagues and upgrading the tools our teams rely on every day, we’re reducing our environmental impact while delivering a more efficient service for our customers.
We’re proud to see these new vans out and about serving our customers and communities.”
Jimmy Ram, Key Account Manager at QI said:
“Working in partnership with Gentoo on this fleet has been a fantastic project for QI. From day one, the focus has been on creating vehicles that not only support sustainability goals but also improve day-to-day usability for operatives.
By combining efficient storage solutions with modern vehicle specifications, we’ve delivered a conversion designed to enhance productivity, reliability, and overall user experience.
It’s great to now see these vehicles out on the road, supporting Gentoo’s teams and the communities they serve.”
