The Citan recommendation came from Daimler Fleet Management (DFM), which has worked with Crown for several years and since 2016 has had sole responsibility for funding and managing its fleet of 170 cars and 130 vans.
DFM provided a whole-life cost case for the vehicle, which was then backed up by the week-long trials.
Supplied by dealer Bell Truck and Van, the Lancashire-based operator’s new additions are all long-bodied 109 CDI versions and are on contract hire with DFM.
The model specified is powered by a 90bhp engine, returning up to 65.7 mpg on a combined cycle.
“We had looked at Mercedes-Benz vans in the past, but discounted them as too expensive. Not this time, though,” says Susan Fielding, commercial buyer for Crown.
“The focus for our latest tender was on a combination of lease and running costs, and reliability – our agreement with Daimler Fleet Management is highly competitive and represents excellent value for money.”
The Citans are being used by Crown’s merchandising team and are each expected to cover 80,000 miles a year over the three-year term.