Road lining firm marks out smart new Mercedes Sprinter 05 February 2010

Staffordshire-based Gilvar Lining, which marks lines on roads, car parks, sports grounds and the like, says it has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint by buying a new, low-emission 3.5-tonne Mercedes Sprinter.

The van joins 12 other Mercedes in its Barton-under-Needwood fleet, and Gilvar Lining managing director Mark Davies says that not only does it have mandatory Euro 5 engine technology, but also it is is 15% more fuel-efficient than the 311CDI it replaces.

That equates to an extra 4.5 miles per gallon, while CO2 emissions are cut by 13% -- and Davies reckons the new Sprinter is also smoother, quieter and more powerful.

Davies is a clear Mercedes fan: as well as seven Sprinters and three smaller Vitos, his comapny also operates a pair of 7.5-tonne Atego trucks. "The Sprinter is the most reliable van on the market," he comments. "We've been running them for more than 15 years and they just keep getting better."

This van is a little clever too: supplied, by Derby dealer Mertrux, it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes – and it gets close, with Gilvar's trailer, which carries line-marking equipment and the thermoplastic material.

Additionally, with its trailer coupling factory fitted, the Sprinter's Adaptive ESP anti-skid system also includes ESP trailer stabilisation, which recognises snaking, and applies the brakes to bring both van and trailer back into line.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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