Supplied by dealer Mertrux, the Vitos follow another order for 10 new Sprinters and are 3.2-tonne Vito 114 BlueTec models, which will be used by field-based service technicians or to make parts deliveries.
The Vito is available with front- or, as with the 114 BlueTec variant specified by Watling JCB, rear-wheel drive. It is powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine – the first Euro 6 engine in its class – which promises up to 44.1 mpg in the combined cycle.
Watling JCB switched from its previous van supplier to Mercedes-Benz in 2010, when it was running some 60 vans. Finance director Jason King (pictured) says reliability and durability are crucial, since the vehicles are used for emergency call-outs to breakdowns at construction sites.
“Reliability of the commercial fleet is key,” he says. “Our vehicles are invariably fully laden, yet experience has proved we can run them for 150,000 miles or more with minimal downtime. In terms of build quality and component life they are industry leading.
“What’s more, the mpg returns have always been comfortably ahead of our previous vans, while the drivers love them, too – we’ve only ever had positive comments about the Sprinter and the new Vito has been similarly well received. Superb whole-life costs complete the picture.”
Watling JCB also values the aftersales support it receives from Mertrux.
“Unlike some of its competitors Mertrux is a commercial vehicle specialist, so understands the pressures on a business such as ours and is geared up to meet our needs,” adds King.
All of Watling JCB’s Mercedes-Benz vans are the subject of fixed-price Service Care contracts with Mertrux.