Iceland replaces home delivery fleet with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters24 October 2013

Iceland Foods is switching its fleet of home delivery vehicles to Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, with drivers being trained in a new centre sponsored by the van manufacturer.

The retailer's existing 1,300 home delivery vans will be replaced by Sprinter 313 CDI chassis cabs fitted with temperature-controlled box bodies. More than 300 of the new vehicles will be on the road by the end of this year, supplied by Deeside-based dealer Road Range. The remainder will be put into service during 2014.

Key to Iceland's decision was the Sprinter's reliability and fuel performance, as well as its safety features. Another criterion was the availability of a fully automatic transmission, according to Alex McKinlay, Iceland's head of home delivery
"Not only does the auto box make a difficult job that bit easier for our drivers, it will also improve safety and help to reduce wear and tear on the driveline," says McKinlay. "This, coupled with the 24-hour support of Mercedes-Benz dealers, will keep vehicle downtime to a minimum."

Powered by 129bhp engines, Iceland's Sprinters have been specified with air-conditioning and hands-free Bluetooth telephony, forward- and driver-facing cameras, and telematics systems to monitor driving style.

Purpose-designed, dual-compartment bodies are being built by Gray & Adams and Paneltex, with refrigeration by GAH and Alex. The vehicles will carry up to 72 crates in a one-third, two-thirds split – the front, frozen section operates at -22ºC; the larger compartment carries chilled and ambient products at 4ºC.

The retailer's new £250,000 'centre of excellence' for driver training is located at Deeside, alongside its head office.

Road Range is providing trainers to work alongside Iceland's own team at the centre, where drivers will familiarise themselves with the vehicles and receive customer service tuition.

Author
Laura Cork

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