Tag Archives: Sprinter

How long can a van last?

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Dreams Mercedes-Benz SprinterMost car owners I know, especially younger drivers, seem to get nervous if their cars are old enough to be out of warranty or have more than about 60,000 miles on the clock.

Many commercial vehicle operators also like to run a new fleet — and there’s no doubt it gives a smart impression and saves on a certain amount of hassle.

However, it wasn’t always like this — the constant drive to replace perfectly serviceable vehicles seems to be part of the ‘newness’ culture that prevails today: no one wants anything if it isn’t new.

Yet many vehicles can deliver far more service than we’ve been conditioned to expect.

Take the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Bed retailer Dreams is currently in the process of replacing its 10-year old fleet of Luton-bodies Sprinters. These vans have seen some use — according to Shaun Bullock, Dreams’ Distribution Controller:

“Some of our older Mercedes-Benz vehicles have clocked-up well in excess of 400,000 miles, yet they’re still going strong. Indeed, they have proved over the last 10 years to be brilliant workhorses and we’ve every confidence that our new fleet will be just as reliable and cost-effective to operate.”

Yes, that’s 400,000 miles. Admittedly the kind of usage Dreams vans get is probably relative easy — weights are low, the vans don’t do courier-style multidrop work, and they don’t get the kind of hammering they’d get in the construction business, for example.

Even so, Dreams’ experience suggests that many vehicles are disposed off well before the end of their useful, reliable life.

 

Mercedes-Benz magic helps Leekes stay in the black

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Leekes Mercedes-Benz SprintersYet another tale of Mercedes-Benz loyalty that runs even deeper than the undeniable quality and performance of their vans.

Independent retailer Leekes has put 26 new Mercedes Sprinters into operations at its department stores and building centres in South Wales and the West Midlands.

The firm has a long history of running Mercedes vans and trucks, but some of the new Sprinters replace vans of another brand, which failed to hold their value as well, according to company director Stuart Leeke, who said:

Our experience of disposing of these vehicles confirmed that the Sprinter continues to command high residual values compared to other types of van.

The new vans are liveried in black and are all Sprinter 313 CDI models in BlueEFFICIENCY specification, which includes the ECO-Start start-stop system, as well as other fuel saving measures such as low rolling resistance tyres and efficiency improvements to items like the power steering system, fuel pump and battery management.

A variety of body types are used by Leekes, including long-bodied panel vans fitted with frails for use by the firm’s double-glazing fitters, along with dropsides for conservatory teams and an extra-long wheelbase van used to deliver furniture. The additions take Leekes’ fleet to 70 vans, most of them Sprinters, and the firm also uses Merc’s Atego light truck for most of its haulage requirements.

Leekes’ relationship with Mercedes is now 16 years old, and unsurprisingly, Mr Leeke remains a fan of both the technical and reputational benefits that come with operating Sprinters:

“Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand with an image of quality that can only enhance our own reputation,” said Director and Company Secretary Stuart Leeke. “We bought our first Sprinters in 1998, since when they have always proved outstandingly reliable, cost-effective to operate and popular with our drivers. Safety is of paramount importance to our company, so the fact that Mercedes-Benz leads the field in this respect is also key to its appeal.”

It’s not a new story, but how many other marques have this effect on their customers?

Sprinter pampervan brings luxury spa to your doorstep

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Zen Ten Spa Sprinter

Caroline Jones’ Sprinter conversion, the Zen Ten Spa

Working vans can often be a little rough around the edges — it’s the nature of the job. However, I’m pretty certain that therapist Caroline Jones’ new Sprinter conversion will retain its pristine new finish for rather longer than usual.

Caroline has recently taken her spa therapy business on the road, with a custom Sprinter conversion built around a luton body.

The Warwick-based former BBC producer recently purchased a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI medium chassis cab with a purpose-built and climate-controlled box body, built for her by M6 Motor Bodies, of Birmingham.

“It’s been more than a year since I began evolving the concept of the Zen Ten Spa and having put so much work into the project I’m really excited finally to be up and running,” she said.

“My business is not a beauty parlour; it’s a spa, and aimed at a high-end, lifestyle-focused customer base. So given its premium brand values and the unrivalled quality of its products, Mercedes-Benz was the only manufacturer I wanted to work with.”

Fitted with a folding massage couch, a fruit bowl-style basin in pure mother-of-pearl, gossamer curtains and an abundance of gold-plated fixtures, the room has been painstakingly designed down to the finest detail, to be a relaxing and rejuvenating tranquil oasis.

Inside the Zen Ten Spa

Inside the Zen Ten Spa, which is climate controlled, plush luxury fittings make it hard to tell that you are in a van.

 

Caroline, who spent 22 years making network TV programmes for the BBC in Birmingham, has been a practicing aromatherapist since the early 1990s, and is also qualified to administer a range of other treatments. She offers a portfolio of ten holistic therapies including Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Therapy and Foot Rescue, as well as other, lighter alternatives.

Builder backs Mercedes-Benz vans for nationwide work

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Simon Taylor Group Mercedes-Benz vansAccording to Simon Taylor, boss of the eponymous Ayrshire commercial building, refurbishment and maintenance contractor, Simon Taylor Group, his vans tend to be used fully loaded and for long journeys. 

After five years of solid use, Mr Taylor’s firm has just stood down its last batch of Mercedes-Benz vans and replaced them with a new fleet of five new Merc vans, including the company’s first two Citans, on in van spec and one Dualiner model.

The company’s Sprinters are the main workhorses, and have been specified to suit — Mr Taylor opted for one 3.5-tonne Sprinter 319CDI panel van and a 316 CDI chassis cab with Inigmex dropside body — while the fifth van is a 116CDI Vito.

All of the vans will be used across the UK, on a variety of commercial refurbishment and building maintenance contracts.

Commenting on his choice of vans, Mr Taylor said:

“These are tough vans and experience has proved they can be trusted to stand up to hard work. 

“I have been a guest of the dealer at the Mercedes-Benz VanExperience LIVE event twice, and seen for myself the standard safety systems fitted to these vehicles, in action alongside models from the competition. Those demonstrations have left me in no doubt that Mercedes-Benz vans are the safest on the road.”

Mercedes vans seem to inspire a loyalty in operators that few other marques can attain — there’s little doubt why. Unlike some brands, Merc’s image of quality and technical superiority isn’t just down to marketing success; it’s a reality.

College stays mobile in all weathers with 4×4 Sprinter

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Treloar College Sprinter 4x4 minibusIt’s not often that you see a 4×4 minibus, let alone a 4×4 minibus adapted to carry wheelchair-bound passengers.

However, that’s exactly what Hampshire’s Treloar College has just bought, to ensure that its students and staff are never left stranded, whatever the weather conditions.

Naturally, the vehicle concerned is a Mercedes-Benz 4×4 Sprinter, and as it’s specified as a 17-seater minibus, it’s a 516CDI model to ensure adequate payload.

The college’s 4×4 Sprinter 516CDI was equipped as an accessible minibus by specialist convertor Stanford Coachworks, of Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, and joins another Sprinter 516 CDI, a standard rear-wheel drive model, delivered just two weeks earlier.

Both of the college’s new Sprinters have flexible interiors, each with up to 16 seats which can be moved, or removed entirely. The vehicles are used most often in a configuration with seating for five passengers and space for four students with wheelchairs, which can be safely secured to tracking in the floor. It is also equipped with no fewer than 10 electric power sockets inside, as well as wi-fi internet connectivity allowing students and staff to work on their laptops and tablets.

Meanwhile, the 4×4 model’s raised ride height, and all-wheel-drive chassis with advanced 4ETS automatic electronic traction control, mean it can take winter snow and ice, as well as the occasional off-road venture, in its stride.

College Transport Manager Mark Copping said:

“We had some problems during a bad winter a few years ago and since then have been discussing the best way to equip ourselves to deal with spells of adverse weather in the future. This vehicle is the outcome of that process.”

“We have students here for 50 weeks of the year and the college is in quite a remote location. We have to be able to get our staff to work in all conditions, as well as needing a vehicle that’s capable of getting students to the local hospital 15 miles away. It’s a demanding requirement but the Sprinter 4×4 gives us everything we need.”

Mr Copping ordered the 5.0-tonne gvw Sprinters after testing similar models at this summer’s Mercedes-Benz VanExperience LIVE, the manufacturer’s annual showcase of its full range of LCV products and services.

Northumberland Fire & Rescue takes delivery of custom 4×4 Sprinter conversion

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Northumberland Fire & Rescue 4x4 Sprinter

Northumberland Fire & Rescue’s latest 4×4 Sprinter has been configured as an Incident Support Unit, with full IT and communications facilities.

Northumberland is home to some of the UK’s most rural and rugged scenery, prompting the county’s Fire & Rescue Service to acquire a new Incident Support Unit, based on a 5.0-tonne Sprinter 519 CDI, which arrived via North-East Dealer Bell Truck and Van.

The long-bodied, V6-engined van was converted for command and control operations by West Midlands specialist Macneillie (see here, here and here for some more of this company’s specialist conversions), and is fitted with cutting-edge communications technology that can be used by up to five personnel.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Bennett said:

“This custom-built vehicle will allow us to deliver our services in a more co-ordinated and professional manner and mean we are better able to protect our communities across the county at a time of increased risk from floods and other natural events.

The Incident Support Unit represents a significant financial investment but given that we expect to run it for at least 10 years, I have no doubt that it will prove to be money very well spent.

Past experience has given us complete confidence in the Mercedes-Benz 4×4 chassis, which means we can operate anywhere across a county that includes some very challenging terrain.”

Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service also operates four other all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz vans – three are assigned to its Swift Water Rescue teams and carry inflatable boats, while the fourth is a Specialist Rescue Unit and equipped with heavy-duty cutting gear, including shears and saws, as well as stabilisation tools.

Prior to entering service the new vehicle was presented at this year’s Ambition show at Olympia – where it was seen by Home Secretary Theresa May – and at the Emergency Fleet Exhibition in Telford.

Factory 4×4

The Sprinter 4×4 is a genuine, factory-built option, rather than an aftermarket conversion, and rides higher than its standard counterpart. It employs rear-wheel drive for road use, but all-wheel drive can be selected when venturing off road.

Conventional 4×4 vehicles rely on mechanically operated differential locks to prevent spinning wheels and guarantee equal speed on all four wheels. The Sprinter 4×4, by contrast, uses a development of the Mercedes-Benz 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System), which is integrated with the Adaptive ESP® anti-skid technology to provide unrivalled traction management.

ICT equipment supplied by Excelerate Technology for installation in the air-conditioned Northumberland vehicle includes a roof-mounted, foldable satellite dish and a camera mounted on a retractable six-metre mast. Macneillie also fitted M1-compliant swivelling seats, a 10kVA generator which is accessed via the rear doors and housed behind a sound-proofed bulkhead, and stabiliser legs to ensure continuity of satellite signal during operations. An awning and external hatch through which a 40in screen can be viewed, means the area beside the vehicle can be used for meetings and briefings.

Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service Technical Officer Steve Kennedy said:

“We considered a few chassis options but the 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ticked all the boxes in terms of its size, off-road capability, and proven reliability and durability.

“The communications systems on this vehicle allow us to pass messages and stream live, real time data back to HQ without having to rely on the public network. We can also conduct video conferences, for example, which will assist in managing incidents efficiently and safely, and undertake comprehensive incident debriefs based on the passage of information and audits of all decisions made, which can only improve future performance.”

 

Glass carrier specialist Supertrucks launches rental service

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Supertrucks Rental Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

One of the Supertrucks Rental Mercedes-Benz Sprinter glass carrier vans

Hiring a standard van is enough for many jobs, but when it comes to carrying glass, a standard van isn’t much good.

That’s why glass carrier specialist Supertrucks has launched a rental service offering 3.5t Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans which have been converted to carry sheets of glass up to 3.2m x 2.5m in size.

The latest initiative from Merseyside-based Supertrucks is aimed at those needing an extra truck or van to help them cope with increased customer demand, or to replace a vehicle which is off the road as a result of accident damage or mechanical failure.

As Supertrucks Manager Dave Hill explains:

“Anyone whose business entails transporting big pieces of glass know well that when an urgent requirement for additional transport arises, the local van hire outlet is not an option because their vehicles are not fit for purpose.

“Glass is a fragile product so what’s needed is a specialised vehicle, built to do the job. And that’s where we come in.”

Supertrucks Rental’s new Sprinters are available for short- or long-term hire and are fitted with anodised external racks capable of carrying sheets of glass up to 3215mm x 2540mm in size, along with roof racks with drop-down ladders at the rear. Inside, there are two more racks, one running the full length of the body, the other shorter to allow for the side door.

“There’s definitely a demand for this new service,” continues Dave. “It’s been welcomed by several customers and we’ve already taken bookings for rental vehicles. Looking ahead, if Supertrucks Rental takes off as we’re confident it will, we also intend to offer rigid trucks for hire.”

The UK’s number one manufacturer of specialised glass carrying commercial vehicles, Supertrucks was acquired earlier this year by the fast-growing Bevan Group. Since then the business has gone from strength-to-strength. The factory at St Helens has been working flat out, with new staff recruited and overtime and weekend shifts introduced.

Crosswind Assist now standard on more Sprinter models

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Crosswind Assist dashboard alert

The Crosswind Assist system uses ESP-controlled braking on individual wheels to counteract the affect of sudden guests of wind and keep the vehicle stable

Mercedes-Benz has increased the number of Sprinter variants to which the firm’s Crosswind Assist system is fitted as standard.

In addition to the Sprinter 3.5t Panel van, the innovative Crosswind Assist is now available as standard for 3.5t Chassis Cab variants.

In addition, the system is also part of the standard specification for the 3.0t Sprinter Panel van, short wheelbase models and super-high roof variants, as well as the firm’s 4×4 Sprinter models.

The system made its debut in the large van segment when the award-winning new Sprinter was launched, last year. The focus was initially on the most common variants, but now the innovative safety system is also part of the standard equipment for many additional variants.

Mercedes says that the system has been retested specifically for each chassis cab variant, because dropside chassis cab variants usually offer a much smaller ‘attack’ surface for side wind gusts than panel vans and luton box bodies.

Crosswind Assist also takes into account parameters such as vehicle speed, vehicle load and steering characteristics, and is one of five new safety systems with which the Sprinter advanced into a completely new dimension of safety technology in the van segment.

Its sensors detect forces acting on the vehicle through side wind gusts – be it on a bridge or when overtaking a truck, and are activated from a speed of 50 mph. Through a brake actuation via ESP at the wheels of the vehicle side facing the wind, a yaw motion develops and counteracts the side wind interference, helping to keep the vehicle travelling in a straight line, rather than weaving around.

Ambulance team saddle up for 999-mile charity bike ride (plus vans!)

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Pedalling Paramedics

The Pedalling Paramedics, about to set off on a 999-mile charity mission visiting ambulance trusts around the UK.

A team of heroic paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) NHS Trust off today on a fund-raising 999-mile cycle marathon – with a little help from local Mercedes-Benz Dealer Orwell Truck & Van.

The eight, super-fit riders left EEAS headquarters in Cambourne, near Cambridge, bound for their first overnight stop at Sheffield, 130 miles away.

They aim to visit all 10 UK ambulance trusts over the next nine days, during which they will be supported by colleagues driving a pair of specially liveried, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles donated by Orwell – one is a nine-seat Vito Traveliner minibus, the other a Long-bodied Sprinter van.

The self-styled Pedalling Paramedics have being training hard for their latest challenge, during which they will be raising awareness of, and cash for, the Ambulance Services Benevolent Fund. This helps serving and retired NHS ambulance personnel and their dependents, in times of exceptional hardship, poverty or need.

Among those taking part is Matt Broad, General Manager for Norfolk Paramedics, who says:

“We’re hugely grateful for the support of Orwell Truck & Van, without which the ride just wouldn’t be possible.

“These vehicles will be invaluable, not only for carrying spares, tools, medical supplies and other equipment, but also for ferrying us to and from social events at each of our destinations.”

The Pedalling Paramedics have already raised thousands of pounds for the Benevolent Fund, by completing rides from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2012, and from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower last year.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Orwell Truck & Van, the German manufacturer’s official commercial vehicle representative for East Anglia, is a leading supplier to EEAS, and currently processing orders for more than 250 front-line ambulances based on 5.0-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, as I highlighted in a recent article, “What type of van makes the best ambulance?“.

For photos from the ride, more information or to make a donation, visit the Pedalling Paramedics’ website.

Telecoms courier calls Mercedes for new Sprinters

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100+ Logistics Mercedes-Benz Sprinters

Two of 100+ Logistics new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters

Derby-based mobile phone industry supplier 100+ Logistics has celebrated its tenth anniversary in style, by investing in a new fleet of fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The firm had previously operated hired and leased Sprinters but decided to make the switch to outright ownership earlier this year.

For his first purchase, 100+ proprietor Barrie Tullett opted for six Sprinter 313 CDIs. Three are Long-bodied vans, the others were supplied as chassis cabs to which Alloy Bodies, of Manchester, fitted Luton boxes.

For added peace of mind, Mr Tullett also took out Mercedes-Benz Service Care contracts under which Mertrux will carry out all routine maintenance for a highly competitive, fixed fee.

Founded by Mr Tullett in April 2004, 100+ Logistics has grown steadily and now operates 20 vans, has a staff of 27 and an annual turnover in excess of £1 million. The company works exclusively for mobile telecoms engineering contractors, its vehicles making nationwide deliveries of equipment ranging from amplifiers and antennae, to cabling and cabinets, to sites where transmission stations are being installed or upgraded.

Mr Tullett says:

“Of course, other vans have their strengths but none can match a Sprinter as an overall package. Our vans cover anything from 60,000 to 80,000 miles per year, and we have to be on site early in the morning so the engineers can start work, even if it’s as far away as Inverness or St Austell.

“This means reliability is paramount and in this respect experience has proved the Mercedes-Benz to be the best vehicle on the market – we’ve been running rented Sprinters since day one. What’s more, it offers excellent performance, is comfortable, driver-friendly and loaded with standard safety systems, and conveys a smart, professional image.”

Since taking delivery of his new vans Mr Tullett has returned to Mertrux with an order for seven more: five will be Sprinters – three Lutons, a panel van and a dropsider – while the other two will be from the Citan range launched last year. The Citan is the smallest van yet to wear the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz and 100+ Logistics will take advantage of its outstanding fuel economy – official tests have returned up to 65.7 mpg – on deliveries of smaller consignments.