As Premium Edition models, they feature eye-catching chrome-effect grilles, special wheel trims and badging, as well as integrated Becker Map Pilot satellite navigation, Tempmatic air conditioning, Comfort driver’s seats with armrests, and outside temperature indicators. Liveries were applied by Kettering-based Sign of the Times.
Intercounty pulled out all the stops to deliver the first five vans for its new customer within just three-and-a-half weeks of the order being placed. Their primary role entails collecting damaged motorcycles from, and delivering replacement and repaired machines to, customers nationwide. They will be worked hard, with each vehicle expected to clock-up some 90,000 miles per year.The company is based at a call centre and storage facility in Rushden, Northamptonshire.
Each van is fitted with a retractable loading ramp and can accommodate up to four bikes. To ensure safe, secure transportation, Intercounty reinforced the cargo area floors and wheel boxes before adding rails and fixing points, and lined the interiors with heavy-duty ply then fixed additional, protective strips at handlebar height to prevent damage to the side walls. It also installed LED lighting, and roof vents to prevent fumes from fuel spillages entering the cab.
Once the last of its new vehicles has been delivered, MCE Insurance will be running 18 Sprinters. Although this is the first time it has done business with Intercounty Truck & Van, the company purchased its first eight examples of the multi-award-winning Mercedes-Benz when it brought the transport function in-house five years ago.
Head of claims centre Anthony Baxendale explained: “We had been using a subcontractor who ran Sprinters and, of course, you see plenty going up and down the motorway in the colours of major fleet operators. Our first Sprinters have lived up to all our hopes and expectations. Despite the high mileages involved, they have been supremely reliable and cost-effective to operate.”
He said that he likes the Crosswind Assist system to help the driver to retain control in the event the vehicle is hit by a sudden gust. The vans also are covered by a three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty and MobiloVan cover for emergency roadside assistance.
Baxendale added: “Although Intercounty Truck & Van didn’t supply our first Sprinters, the dealer’s Wellingborough branch is relatively close to our headquarters and we’ve been relying on its workshop team for maintenance support. Their service is excellent.”