Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, the order is the operator’s first step in upgrading its 400-strong fleet of vans to meet the Euro 6 specification.
HSS’s first Sprinters will all be 314 CDI long chassis cabs, with dropside bodies by PPS Commercials, of Bury. This model’s 143bhp, four-cylinder engine employs both EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and BlueTEC SCR (selective catalytic reduction) diesel technology to reduce emissions.
As well as reducing emissions, the 314 CDI offers increases in both power – up from 129 to 143bhp – and torque – rising from 305 to 330 Nm. HSS already limits its delivery vehicles to a maximum speed of 65 mph, but the extra power is expected to help still further by reducing the need for gear changes.
HSS group logistics director David Phillips says the operator is “determined to run the cleanest commercial vehicles available” and he adds: “This is a bold, positive move for HSS and we are extremely proud to be leading the way in the plant hire market.”
The Sprinters are being funded through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and will be maintained within the Mercedes dealer network – the HSS fleet is managed by Leeds-based Contract Vehicles.