Supplied by Midlands Truck & Van, five of the Wolverhampton-based operator’s new vehicles are replacements and three are fleet additions. All are short-bodied, high-roofed Sprinter 314 CDIs.
The vehicles are air-conditioned and equipped with audible reversing bleepers and Safe-T-Bars, while their cargo areas benefit from LED lighting, load locks and rubberised linings to protect the ply from damage in the event that a heavy keg moves during transit.
The 50-strong van fleet is mixed marque and many vehicles were inherited through business acquisitions, but, as group fleet manager Kevin O’Rourke says, this proved neither efficient nor cost effective.
“So we took a step back, conducted a full review of our distribution operation and concluded that a ‘one badge’ fleet represents the best way forward,” he explains.
After a tender process, Mercedes-Benz and its dealer Midlands Truck and Van emerged as winners, both for vehicle quality and dealer service.
“We’ve had no qualms about committing to the Sprinter,” says O’Rourke. “The fleet already included a number of Sprinters, while we’ve run others in the past, and they seem consistently to outlive other makes of van. The 314 CDI model’s fuel-efficient, Euro 6 engine is also well proven, and will protect us against any issues regarding emissions legislation.”
Marston’s was also impressed by the aftersales offer. “The fact that Mercedes-Benz workshops are open through the night gives us the peace of mind which comes from knowing our vans will always be available for work when we need them.
“The dealers will also be collecting our vans for servicing and any repairs, then returning them to us afterwards; this is an important element of the package, which will relieve pressure on our own team,” adds O’Rourke.