KC evaluation leads to new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vitos30 September 2010

KC (formerly Kingston Communications) has taken delivery of a new fleet of Mercedes-Benz vans with full wrap vinyl liveries, by DeSigns, that depict local scenes such as the Humber Bridge, Hull's KC Stadium.

Supplied by Hull dealer H&L Garages, the 34 long-bodied Vito 109CDI vans are the result of a lengthy evaluation, according to Alan Carter, KC's regional engineering team leader.

"When choosing our new fleet we took numerous factors into account, including whole life operating costs, suitability for the job, driver acceptability, safety and servicing arrangements," he explains. "And the Vito emerged as clearly the best vehicle."

KC's engineers cover an area of 200 square miles. Their new vans were specified with air conditioning while the standard double bench passenger seats were replaced by Mercedes-Benz with adjustable single seats. Carter explains that in most cases staff work solo but they double-up for major jobs.

The vans were racked out, on the recommendation of H&L Garages, by specialist Sortimo and are used to transport instruments components and tools. They have also been fitted with roof racks for ladders.

Says Carter: "Health and safety is a very big issue for us… Not only do Mercedes-Benz vans lead the field in terms of active and passive safety systems, [but] the fact that the Vito's roof height is relatively low also means that our engineers are less likely to suffer injury when handling ladders."

KC's new vans are the subject of a five-year lease deal with leading provider Leaseplan, under which they will be maintained in H&L Garages' workshop on Priory Park, Hull.

And he continues: "H&L's workshop is open through the night, so we can drop our vehicles off at 4pm and collect them at 8am the next day. This means our Vitos are always available for work."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
H & L Garages Ltd
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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