Snodland-based Any Waste Solution says the more compact dimensions of its short-wheelbase Atego 1624Ks make them far easier to operate – with no penalty in terms of reduced payload.
Operations Director Richard Monks explains: “These trucks spend most of their time running in and out of Maidstone town centre. It’s a busy area and an
18-tonner will take up both lanes in some parts.
“But the Atego’s cab is narrower, while these stubby vehicles are also highly manoeuvrable, so we’re less likely to inconvenience the public. Yet because the Atego chassis is also that much lighter, we can still carry a good eight tonnes of payload on the 16-tonne Atego, which is no less than we get on our 18-tonne Axor.”
Supplied by Sparshatts, Sittingbourne, the new Atego are fitted with Telehoist skip-loading bodies and have taken their places in a fleet of 24 trucks, in which Mercedes-Benz is the predominant marque.
The line-up includes six other Mercedes skip vehicles – five 18-tonne Axor and a 15-tonne Atego supplied last year, for operation in London – and a 32-tonne Axor 3236K with Hyva body, which has also just arrived from Sparshatts. 
Continues Mr Monks: “I’m only buying Mercedes skip wagons and roll-on roll-offs now, because they are best-suited to this job. Some trucks carry the weight well but aren’t particularly manoeuvrable, while with others it’s the opposite way round. But the Mercedes carries the load really well and offers an excellent turning circle, particularly with the short-wheelbase – it’s a true all-rounder.”
The latest Axor is Any Waste Solution’s first Mercedes eight-wheeler, and is used to carry commercial bins. “I never thought I’d switch from my previous 8x4 supplier,” says Mr Monks, “but Sparshatts loaned us an Axor demo unit and we were really impressed; the driver loved it.”
All of the operator’s Mercedes trucks are serviced by Sparshatts under four-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contracts. “The dealer’s back-up is another reason we’ve moved to Mercedes,” adds Mr Monks. “Sparshatts do all of the work through the night so we never incur any downtime.” 
Any Waste Solution was founded five years ago by Mr Monks and his business partner Jamie Houston and provides a wide range of waste management services to commercial clients across the South-East. 
The company was recently acquired by One51plc, of Ireland, but the current directors are pledged to remain at the helm for at least three years.
www.anywaste.co.uk

Conversion specialist Mirage is taking a stand at the European Bus & Coach Show at the NEC, Birmingham, in November.
Part of the South East Coachworks Group, Mirage takes the already outstanding Mercedes Vito Traveliner and elevates it to another level in terms of quality, comfort and technology.

The Mirage Traveliner is the culmination of 450 hours of work, as the standard Vito 115CDI is stripped out to make way for a leather-and-wood-trimmed interior crammed with high-tech gadgets.

Owners can personalise their vehicles by choosing from an exhaustive list of extras that could add a further £20,000 to the £44,564 cost of the standard Mirage Traveliner.

“We will go out of our way to build the bespoke vehicle the customer wants,” Managing Director Chris Bichard says.
Mirage based its new model on the Mercedes Vito because of the three-pointed star’s reputation for outstanding quality, and the enthusiastic backing it received from the manufacturer and from Sparshatts of Kent.
 “Despite the considerable changes we make to the standard vehicle, they even agreed to honour the Vito’s market-leading three-year, unlimited mileage warranty,” explains Mr Bichard.
www.southeastcoachworks.co.uk

Not only can the new ECO-Start system slash fuel bills, it also reduces harmful exhaust emissions. ECO-Start stops the engine whenever the vehicle remains stationary for more than two seconds, then automatically starts it again when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. 
For multi-drop delivery operations or driving through busy town and city centres, or in heavy traffic, the potential savings are significant.
Optionally available on all new Sprinters with four-cylinder engines and manual gearboxes, ECO-Start is an enhanced version of the previous Motor Start Stop (MSS) system. 
This worked in a similar way and returned some startling results in independent trials by leading commercial vehicle journalists: Commercial Fleet World’s MSS-equipped Sprinter used 13 per cent less fuel than a standard van, Motor Transport achieved a 10 per cent reduction, and Professional Van & Light Truck saved a whopping 30 per cent!

At the ‘blue riband’ Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year Awards event held in Germany, Sparshatts beat off the challenge of 21 other franchised agents nationwide to take the coveted After Sales Dealer of the Year title for 2007.

Sparshatts was also a runner-up in the competitions for overall Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year and for CharterWay Dealer of the Year –CharterWay is the in-house truck and van finance arm of Mercedes-Benz UK.

Earlier, at the manufacturer’s Everyday Heroes Business Awards for after sales staff, Sparshatts won the Service Dealer Team of the Year prize, while its Group Service Manager Tony Thrower took the ‘Managing for Profit & Customer Satisfaction’ Manager of the Year trophy.

Not that the company’s parts and service teams have had all the glory to themselves – Sparshatts’ truck sales specialists also returned to Kent from the annual Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales Masters motivation and reward programme awards in Scotland, laden with silverware.

They landed the Top Truck Sales Team trophy for the third year running, while Keith Baker won the Top Truck Sales Master award for Britain’s best individual Mercedes-Benz truck sales specialist, and Kevin Haynes was one of two runners-up. 

Both won entry to the elite Truck Masters Diamond Club Prestige – and with it places on a fantastic seven-night holiday to South Africa and Mauritius, a reward from the manufacturer for their outstanding performances last year – as did Sparshatts’ Truck Sales Manager Paul Rooney and fellow sales executives Martin Kemsley and John Nicholls.

Martin also just missed out on the prize for Top Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Sales Specialist – Mercedes-Benz dealers are also responsible for sales and servicing of the popular Japanese light truck range in Britain.

Only 16 places were available on the holiday and the fact that Sparshatts secured no fewer than five of the precious berths represents a tremendous achievement.

In the Mercedes-Benz Van Sales Academy awards for van sales staff, meanwhile, Sparshatts’ Tony Kitchen received a Gold award, Helen Walker a Silver, and Lee Greenhow and Alex Little Bronze.

“All of these awards underline the tremendous strength in depth of the company team across all areas of our business,” declares Sparshatts Dealer Principal David Jones. “Paul and his experienced truck sales team have been consistently high performers for some time now, but I’m particularly delighted by the progress that we’ve made in terms of our parts and service back-up over the last couple of years.”

Mercedes-Benz interviewed vehicle operators nationwide, as well as examining key performance indicators such as Service 24h emergency breakdown response times, MoT pass rates and ‘first fix’ figures – the proportion of vehicle problems rectified in one visit to the workshop – before deciding to award the Mercedes-Benz After Sales Dealer of the Year trophy to Sparshatts.

“Anyone who knows about trucks and vans will appreciate the absolutely crucial importance of top-quality support,” continues David. “Our After Sales Dealer of the Year award is a fitting reward for the hard work put in by the parts and service teams, all of whom thoroughly deserve this national recognition.”

The 3.5-tonne Sprinter 313CDI was supplied by Sparshatts, Sittingbourne, and is now operating alongside a 6.5-tonne box-bodied Sprinter 616CDI that has clocked up more than 100,000 trouble-free miles over six years.
Korker produces around 15 tonnes of sausages a week, much of which goes to wholesalers. The company also has its own distribution network and uses its Mercedes vans to supply high street shops and pubs throughout the south-east.
“When it comes to reliability, there’s nothing to beat a Mercedes,” declares Edward Hoad, who runs the business as Joint Managing Director with his brother Robert. “I don’t think our older Sprinter has ever broken down, while it’s also very economical to run.”
The Mercedes Sprinter and Vito Chiller and Freezer models feature a roof-mounted Kerstner refrigeration unit that blends smoothly and aerodynamically with the fully insulated body.
“Our new Sprinter is exactly what we wanted and the drivers love it,” enthuses Mr Hoad. “It’s air-conditioned and very comfortable and car-like to drive.” 
Like all Sprinters, Korker’s latest van came with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Package. Under this, all labour costs, materials and lubricants required in routine servicing at Sparshatts’ Ashford workshop will be covered for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever is reached first.

Founded in 1998 by Managing Director Simon Marsh, Hythe-based SMS Group Logistics specialises in urgent and European deliveries. Most of its customers are in the aerospace, technology, pharmaceutical, frozen and chilled foods, and automotive sectors.

The company has three specialist divisions:

•     SMS Temp Critical – all temperature-controlled freight;

•     SMS Time Critical – automotive high value goods, aerospace and daily line haul, and

•     SMS Special Services – storage, pick & pack and warehousing.

“The success of SMS is down to listening to our customers and reacting accordingly, which has allowed us to develop an enviable reputation for achieving the most demanding deliveries on time,” explains Mr Marsh.
SMS Group Logistics operates 55 commercial vehicles, all but a handful of which wear the three-pointed star. 
More than half are 4x2 tractor units; most were bought from Sparshatts of Kent and are based in the UK, although eight were sourced from Mercedes-Benz in Poland and work permanently on the Continent. The fleet also includes 20 3.5-tonne vans, most of them Mercedes Sprinters, and a smattering of 7.5-tonners. 
Latest to arrive from Sparshatts were a pair of left hand-drive Actros 1848 tractor units with range-topping Executive specifications that include air-conditioned, flat-floored MegaSpace cabs and Mercedes PowerShift 12-speed automated transmissions.
These trucks also bristle with optional extras including air-suspended Grammer comfort seats for driver and passenger – half of SMS’s vehicles are double-manned – intelligent cruise control with proximity function, reversing cameras and in-cab refrigeration units, as well as uprated, 1,100-litre fuel tanks.
Like all of its vehicles, the new Actros are equipped with satellite navigation systems; on its Sprinter vans SMS offers a secure satellite locking system (SatLok) which prevents anyone, including the driver, from accessing the load until it reaches its destination.
Mr Marsh recalls: “In 2006 I was running a fleet of 100 Mercedes Sprinter vans so it was a natural progression to move onto Mercedes trucks. Our tractors tend to run very light and because of the nature of our business it’s reliability that we look for above all else in a vehicle. 
“That’s what we get from Mercedes-Benz. We suffer very little downtime while the back-up, both in the UK and on the Continent, is exceptional.”
And he adds: “Our Mercedes are heavily ‘specced’ for safety and popular with our drivers. In the past, of course, Mercedes trucks were not thought of as drivers’ vehicles. 
“But one of our most established drivers, who’s always been a great advocate for a Swedish brand, tried an Actros recently and he wanted to stay in it, he loved it that much.”

www.sms.eu.com

Orpington Timber & Building Supplies bought the 7.5-tonne tipper for its “incredible” 4.0- tonne payload.

“That’s a full tonne more than we could get on the vehicle it has replaced, so naturally we’re delighted with the increased productivity,” enthuses Director Neil Tripp.

“The Canter is certainly strong and well-built but it’s also smaller than our previous 7.5-tonner, which is a big help when you’re operating in built-up areas, as we do.”

The Canter 7C15 was supplied by Sparshatts of Kent – Mercedes-Benz dealers are also responsible for sales and support of the popular Japanese light truck range in the UK – and has a steel tipping body by Brit-Tipp, of Warrington.

Mike O’Kane and his business partner Mr Tripp founded their Bexleyheath-based company in 1987. The Canter is its smallest truck – OTBS’s seven other vehicles are all platform-bodied 18- or 26-tonners with cranes. Most are Swedish-built although the line-up includes an 18-tonne Mercedes Axor 1824, which arrived via Sparshatts last year.

OTBS started out as a supplier of doors, then took on a broader range of timber products before moving into general building supplies as well.

Its new Canter is delivering aggregates, primarily for use by local builders. Indeed, the company’s same- and next-day delivery system is a key strength – customers within 10 miles of the firm’s one-acre site in Upland Road even benefit from free deliveries.

“We have a strong, experienced team, and have grown our business through providing a very high level of service,” continues Mr Tripp.

“And that’s exactly what we get from Sparshatts. The dealer provided us with a demonstration unit before we bought our new 7.5-tonner and it services both of the vehicles it supplied at its workshop in Dartford.”

www.otbs.co.uk

Star billing at the NEC in Birmingham went to the new Actros premium tractor unit, which was receiving its first public outing – the range is not officially launched until September’s IAA Show in Hanover, with the first production vehicles reaching the UK early in 2009.

Instantly recognisable, thanks to its heavily redesigned exterior, new Actros employs ultra clean Mercedes-Benz BlueTec® Euro 5 V6 and V8 engines. Power is transmitted to the road by the latest Mercedes PowerShift 2 automated transmission, which, as well as being exceptionally smooth and easy to use, is also highly fuel-efficient.

‘Take a deep breath’: that was the invocation emblazoned across the flanks of the Mercedes Sprinter which took pride of place in the van area. This vehicle was fitted with ECO-Start, an innovative system which cuts fuel bills and reduces emissions simply by cutting the engine when the vehicle is stuck in traffic or stopped at the lights.

The Mitsubishi Fuso team, meanwhile, were displaying no fewer than six Eco-Hybrid Canter 7.5-tonners on the stand and outside the hall. The hybrid concept mates two sources of power – in the Canter’s case, a diesel engine and an electric motor – to maximise the benefits of each. Fitted with various bodies, the Eco-Hybrid Canters wore the liveries of some of the biggest operators on Britain’s roads, with which they have now entered field trials.

The Daimler Group recently launched an initiative called ‘Shaping Future Transportation’, with the aim of developing a commercially viable range of zero-emission trucks, vans and buses. Ian Jones, Managing Director, Commercial Vehicles, for Mercedes-Benz UK, declares: “The vehicles we presented at the CV Show in Birmingham underlined our leadership in this critically important field.”

“It’s all about fine-tuning, because fine-tuning is all that was needed,” explains John Baker, Truck Sales & Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz in the UK. “With new Actros we’ve taken a truck that was already excellent and made it even better.”

The latest version of the award-winning premium tractor unit features a revised grille with a prominent three-pointed star that can be backlit (an option that will cost in the region of £200), ensuring the vehicle stands out from the crowd in any truck park. More radical still, is the sculpted external sun visor, linked by a stylish chrome bar across the top of the windscreen.

There are also new under-bumper spoilers and corner panels – revamped to reduce soiling of the cab sides.

 Redesigned exterior mirrors increase the driver’s field of vision and enhance the truck’s appearance; casings are finished in a combination of black and grey, though a black and body colour option is expected to prove popular, while range-topping Executive models sport chrome-plated mirror housings.

New Actros also boasts striking new headlights with easily-removed lens covers that permit the simple and inexpensive replacement of bulbs. It is also the first time that a truck of any marque can be specified with high-performance bi-xenon headlights.

Inside, new Actros oozes style and class. The interior is smarter and more modern than the current model, the emphasis on understated quality bringing it closer in feel to a Mercedes-Benz luxury car.

Seat covers are in smart new designs and the instrument cluster employs simple white on black dials, with stylish chrome rings around the speedometer and tachometer, while the standard dash is trimmed in brushed aluminium, replacing the previous wood finish.

A feature worthy of special note – one unique to Mercedes-Benz – is the automatic headlights and windscreen wipers function. This employs sensors to detect the gathering gloom and/or the onset of rain, and responds by automatically activating headlights and/or wipers, thus reducing the driver’s workload and making a significant contribution to safety.

Comfort has been accorded a high priority too, with much attention paid to the beds. The bottom bunk is now made to the same high quality standard as the top, ‘comfort’ bunk; it can be adapted to suit the size and weight of the user and has a head section that can be raised, another ‘first’. And a new suspension system with restraining straps can be used to ensure that the top bunk is always horizontal, even when the truck is parked on a slope. Both bunks are now more easily stowed and accessed too.

Entertainment in new Actros comes from the latest generation of stereo systems (also introduced to current model Actros from April production). The standard unit is capable of playing MP3 CDs and includes a jack input on the fascia for playing external devices like iPods. There is also an optional, enhanced version with additional Bluetooth function for hands-free telephone operation.

Other new features include useful towel rails and coat hooks, and a swivelling shaving mirror that pulls out of the overhead storage compartment above the co-driver’s seat. Improved, pull-down sunblinds replace the current flap-type and a compressed air connection permits easy cleaning of the cab with the optionally available air gun.

New Actros is powered by ultra clean Mercedes-Benz BlueTec® Euro 5 engines. Already well proven in operation, these employ SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to clean their emissions and are mated as standard to Mercedes PowerShift 2, an enhanced version of the acclaimed electronically automated 12-speed transmission; the 16-speed Telligent® manual gearbox is available as an option.

Mercedes PowerShift 2 delivers even smoother, faster gear changes. New features include an anti-surge control that allows the vehicle to move off quickly and smoothly, with minimal loading of the powertrain, and a tilt sensor that helps to refine the shift strategy for even more economical driving. The Manoeuvring Mode, which reduces the rev range to 1,000rpm and thus allows the driver more precise throttle control in low-speed situations, has also been further improved.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) is being introduced to increase skills, improve safety and raise professionalism within the transport industry.

Around 4,500 employees from Mercedes-Benz UK and its national dealer network attended a series of CV in the Spotlight events.

These drove home the key message that every individual, whatever their role, has a part to play in ensuring Mercedes-Benz fulfils the four basic promises of its new Commercial Vehicle Customer Charter:

•     To make the customer feel welcome and valued;

•     To listen and understand the customer’s requirements;

•     To ensure our products and service best meet customer needs; and

•     To deliver a consistent, efficient and professional customer experience.

Staff were encouraged to suggest actions that the manufacturer, their own dealership, or indeed they as individuals, might take to improve the service provided to operators.

Dealership management teams then sat down with MBUK colleagues to formulate action plans – as a result, good ideas are now being implemented and systems either improved or redesigned completely.

Liam Ilbury, Director of Customer Services for Commercial Vehicles, declares: “We want to be the very best for customer service, and we will!”

The Canter Eco-Hybrids, six of which were on display at the CV Show, are all working in London.

The operators taking part in the trial were chosen to reflect a cross-section of real-world applications. They are supermarket chain Tesco; parcel carriers Royal Mail, DHL and TNT; highway maintenance contractors Ringway Group and Amey plc; utility provider Scottish & Southern Energy; and stationery distributor office2office.

Mitsubishi Fuso Manager Mike Mudie, says: “We know the technology works, because hybrid Canters have been operating successfully in Japan for the last two years. But there’s a lot of careful evaluation to be done before we decide whether the product is right for the UK.

“The results will be reviewed every quarter and at the end of the trial we’ll take a decision.”

The 7.5-tonne trial vehicles have 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines, generating 145hp, and 35-kilowatt electric motors. Together these provide power and performance on a par with the 5.0-litre, 180hp diesel engine.

The vehicle switches between diesel and electric power automatically, depending on driving conditions – moving off happens under electric power alone, hard acceleration sees both power units work in unison, high-speed cruising uses the diesel engine only. Under braking, excess energy is ‘captured’ and stored in the vehicle’s batteries.

Even with its lithium-ion batteries on board, the model still retains a body/payload allowance of 3,600kg, and in operation drivers will notice little or no difference between the hybrid vehicle and its diesel-powered counterpart.

Sparshatts scooped two top titles in the latest Everyday Heroes Business Awards, which are staged by Mercedes-Benz parts and services chiefs. 

It also made the final three in three other categories.

Not one of the other 22 Mercedes truck and van dealers in Britain secured as many as five nominations.

Sparshatts won the Service Dealer Team of the Year prize for its exemplary MoT pass rate and ‘fix first visit’ performance, as well its success in convincing locally-based operators of the value of Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contracts.

And Group After Sales Manager Tony Thrower took the ‘Managing for Profit & Customer Satisfaction’ Manager of the Year trophy. 
This was presented in recognition of his performance during and since he took part in an 18-month management development programme designed specifically for commercial vehicle after sales managers.

Meanwhile, Sparshatts was a runner-up for the Parts Dealer Team of the Year and Technical Dealer Team of the Year titles, while Joint Managing Director Mark Sparshatt also fell at the final hurdle in the category for Group After Sales Managers.

A delighted Tony declared: “Our success in these awards reflects our commitment to excellence in all aspects of the parts and services arena, and underlines the quality of the fantastic after sales team we have at Sparshatts of Kent.

“As well as increasing our profitability, being efficient and utilising resources fully allows us to raise customer service levels by, for example, minimising workshop lead times.”

The Actros 1846 MegaSpace was one of two 4x2 tractors – the other being a high-roofed Axor 1836 – supplied by Sparshatts of Kent. 

Motorvation is based in Lenham and has been providing trucking services for conferences, road shows, product launches, seminars and AGMs since it was founded by Steve Marshall in 1987. 

IBM is a long-term client and Motorvation helped to design and project manage the building of its new trailer by Cosby Supplies, of Leicester. Air-conditioned and equipped with the latest audio visual equipment, LED lighting and kitchen facilities, this impressive unit opens out to create a flat-floored display area. 

Under a new, five-year contract, a two-man Motorvation team are now taking the Actros and its trailer between exhibitions all over Europe, as well as to IBM distributors for their own presentations. The Axor, meanwhile, replaces another vehicle that has been stood down from a tour with Vodafone.

“Because we work solely for this industry, we are able to offer an unrivalled service that enhances all of the elements which go into the organisation of any live event,” says Mr Marshall.

“We work closely with clients to plan loading dates and schedules, so our trucks arrive on site with time to spare. And our drivers are one of our main strengths – in fact, many clients now rely solely on them as riggers or set builders.”

Mr Marshall continues: “Mercedes trucks are competitively priced, easy and cost-effective to operate, and popular with our drivers. I also enjoy an excellent working relationship with Sparshatts’ sales executive John Nicholls, who I’ve known for a long time." 

www.motorv.com

MEMS Power Generation chose the truck because it reflected its environmental ethos; it was the first generator rental company to become carbon neutral.

So impressed is Transport Manager Ian Coffey with the Actros 2546 Long Distance that a second, identical vehicle has already been ordered from Sparshatts of Kent.

MEMS provides rental power supply solutions to a wide variety of industries, round-the-clock.

The company’s 60-strong truck fleet is dominated by a Swedish brand and integral to its rental operations.

Most are 32-tonne eight-wheelers with cranes, although it now has three tractor units – these work with 30 trailers, all but a handful of which carry fixed generators, at gross weights of up to 44 tonnes.  

MEMS’ first Mercedes tractor has lined up alongside a pair of 4x4 rigids and a handful of Sprinter and Vito vans that also wear the three-pointed star.

Because it is fitted with a NOx sensor, the Euro 5 truck attracts a Reduced Pollution Certificate and with it a £500 annual saving in Vehicle Excise Duty for the life of the vehicle.

Euro 5 Actros cost around £1,000 more than their Euro 4 equivalents. “But with the VED rebate we’ll recoup that price premium in just two years,” says MEMS Transport Manager Ian Coffey.

“The Euro 5 engine will keep us ahead of the game as far as the London Emissions Zone and any further changes in legislation are concerned.

“The Actros was also competitively priced and available within a sensible timeframe, and we’re very pleased with it."

www.memsgen.co.uk

I’ve now had six Canters across four different model generations,” says Director Frank Mitchell, “and I wouldn’t contemplate buying anything else.”

The latest 3.5-tonne Canter 3C13 has a 12ft tipping body by KMR Engineering, of Ipswich, and arrived via Sparshatts of Kent – the Mercedes-Benz dealer network is responsible for sales and servicing of the popular Japanese light truck range in the UK. It has lined up alongside FL Mitchell’s other 3.5-tonne Canter, a dropsider bought in 2006.

Prominent among FL Mitchell’s commercial clients are Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and the Russet Homes Housing Association, while it also works for landscapers, builders and schools, as well as the general public in north and west Kent. 

“The Canter is perfect for our line of work,” says Mr Mitchell. “We use them really hard on some pretty rough sites – as well as erecting fences we also undertake garden clearances, remove walls, and so on, but they never let us down.”

He continues: “The thing I like about the Canter at 3.5 tonnes is that it’s built like a small truck, with the strength and durability to match, rather than a van. As a result, it ‘does exactly what it says on the tin’.”

And he adds: “It’s always been a tough little vehicle but the latest model is a big improvement in terms of cab comfort and space.”

www.flmfencing.co.uk

The 311CDI Medium is the family firm’s first new-generation Sprinter.

Contracts Manager Tony Folan says:“We could buy cheaper vans but the economic case for doing so would be flawed, because the initial saving would soon be swallowed up by extra servicing costs and a much higher rate of depreciation.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He continues: “Reliability and safety are the most important attributes in a vehicle. If our vans are stuck on the hard shoulder we are losing money, not to mention having a disgruntled client. We’ve never had a problem with a Mercedes.”

www.folcrete.co.uk

The facility operated previously as an authorised Mercedes-Benz service agent and prior to the introduction by the European Union of block exemption rules, as a service dealer with formal ties to Sparshatts.

So this latest deal, which was concluded in July, represents a logical move for both businesses, and will ensure the future for the 30-strong workforce at Longfield Road.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito ranges combine dynamic good looks, ‘bullet-proof’ build quality, comprehensive specification and ingenious technology. Both bristle with class-leading standard safety equipment, including an advanced new version of the remarkable ESP® anti-skid system called Adaptive ESP®

Go Business class from £67.99 per week*

This unique van features a host of classy touches such as a chrome front grille, chrome sidebars and tailgate cover, 17" alloys, air con, cruise control and electrically adjuatable and heated mirrors - to name but a few.

And because its a Mercedes-Benz, there are loads of other features that make adding a Vito Sport to your fleet a really smart business decision.

Like the latest geneation 115CDI engine. An onbard computer that helps you do more miles between services. Class leading safety features, incuding Adaptive ESP as standard.

Plus a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty, so you spend more time on the road.

What's more with a Mercedes-Benz Charterway Operating Lease, you only pay the depreciation of the van based on mileage and length of lease.
Rental fees can be written off against pre-tax profits. And it's and 'off balance sheet' expense.

So your accountant will be pretty chuffed too.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*For business Users Only : Example based on a Mercedes Benz Vito Sport Compact on a Mercedes Benz Charterway Operating Lease Scheme with an advance payment of £883.86 followed by 59 monthly rentals of £294.62. BAsed on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. All payments subject to VAT.

New Actros – the best just got even better

Mercedes PowerShift 2 delivers even smoother, faster gear changes. New features include an anti-surge control that allows the vehicle to move off quickly and smoothly, with minimal loading of the powertrain, and a tilt sensor that helps to refine the shift strategy for even more economical driving. The Manoeuvring Mode, which reduces the rev range to 1,000rpm and thus allows the driver more precise throttle control in low-speed situations, has also been further improved.

Vito Sport X 204bhp has arrived!

 

The all-new Vito Sport-X is powered by a turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out an eye-watering 204hp. That’s sufficient to rocket this very special van from 0-60mph in just 8.3 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 122mph.

It has the looks to match as well, thanks in no small measure to Brabus. The renowned tuning and body styling specialist, whose products are usually to be found adorning high-end sports cars, has pitched in with its dynamic 18-inch Monoblock-S alloy wheels and an aggressively deep front spoiler with integrated foglamps.

Adding to its head-turning style, the new model also features a chrome front grille and chrome steel side bars with integrated steps, colour-coded bumpers and side trims, roof rails and – in case you were still in any doubt! – ‘Sport-X’ badges on the driver and front passenger doors.

As practical as it is exciting, the Vito Sport-X comes in Compact or Long body lengths, and as a standard van or Dualiner, with a second row of seats. It is finished in bright Magma Red, with metallic Brilliant Silver or Carbon Black available optionally at extra cost.

The twin themes of performance and exclusivity continue inside. There’s a soft feel instrument panel with Silverstone trim, while the comfort seats, steering wheel and gearshift are all trimmed in leather. The driver also gets a multi-function steering wheel from which to control the COMAND radio, six-CD autochanger and satellite navigation system (and hands-free telephone, where fitted) at the touch of a button.

Other features that enhance the vehicle’s driving appeal and comfort include cruise control with Speedtronic speed limiter, air-conditioning, light and rain sensors allowing for automatic operation of headlights and windscreen wipers, and electrically-operated front windows and door mirrors.

And, of course, this being a Mercedes-Benz, the Vito Sport-X combines all of that power and performance with a comprehensive armoury of high-tech active and passive safety systems, including the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Program®.

Just 125 Vito Sport-X models are destined for the UK this year. The Compact panel van model is priced at £25,870 plus VAT, although in-house finance arm Mercedes-Benz CharterWay is also offering business users the chance to get behind the wheel for just £98.99 per week* (plus advance payment and acceptance fee).

Canter meets hire expectations

Mercedes match made in heaven

Paul wins top truck sales title

Euro 5 SCR Axor Lifts Trad to new Heights

Sold by David Winks of  Sparshatts of Kent, the 14 new trucks have 360hp SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) engines that meet super-tough Euro 5 EC emissions regulations which do not come into force until 2009.

All are 4x2 Axor 1836 models with standard sleeper cabs, behind which are mounted Fassi 130A cranes capable of lifting one tonne at a distance of 10.5 metres.

Group Managing Director Des Moore declares: “We now have a modern, environmentally-friendly delivery fleet and a purpose-built, much larger base right in the heart of the development area for the 2012 London Olympics.

“So yes, of course, we’re very optimistic that we’ll be able to pick up valuable new contracts as a result of all the work that will soon be getting underway, right on our doorstep.”

Founded in 1969 by Hayden Smith, Trad Scaffolding has since diversified into the Trad Group of construction-related companies. Trad Hire and Sales, its national hire and sales organisation, will shortly be taking delivery from Sparshatts of a 6x2 Axor 2529L with Euro 4 engine, Chelmer Truck Bodies platform body and Hiab crane, due to increased levels of business at its Stockport depot.

The Axor tractors have replaced Trad Scaffolding’s previous, Swedish marque fleet. The operator originally sought quotes from five companies, before whittling them down to just two.

“We plumped for the Axor because although they were by no means the cheapest, Sparshatts put together a very competitive deal using Mercedes-Benz finance,” reveals Transport Manager John Oates. “This, coupled with the uneclipsed reputation of the Mercedes badge for both reliability and quality, made it an obvious choice.

“After sales back-up was a key factor too. We were impressed with the dealer’s presentation and it is now sending technicians to our site to carry out routine inspections and maintenance overnight, so we don’t incur any downtime.

“And we wanted Euro 5 trucks because we all share a responsibility to do as much as possible to tackle global warming. As a pioneer member of Transport for London’s Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) we are also hoping to secure reductions in the Congestion Charge, if not its elimination altogether, for those vehicles with the lowest emissions.”

Trad Scaffolding’s new Mercedes are working primarily in London and the south-east on projects of all sizes, ranging from high street refurbishments to construction of the new Wembley Stadium, for its long-standing client base.

“The Axor only carry about nine tonnes on average and our mileages are very low, so we’re intending to run them for at least seven years,” adds Mr Oates.

Vito Service Package

ServicePackage is a service contract from Mercedes-Benz. Available on all new Vitos, it puts you in control of your service budget.

How?

For just one up-front payment of £450 + VAT you can relax knowing you won´t have to pay another penny for:

■ Labour
■ Materials
■ Lubricants

which are all required in routine servicing of your van as recommended by Mercedes-Benz, over the next five years (*or up to 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner).

The ServicePackage can even be transferred to a new owner if you sell the vehicle - making it an excellent selling point.

Ask us about ServicePackage today!

Life is Tough. So are we

Every day brings new challenges. Choose a Mercedes-Benz van, and you´ll have a business partner who´s ready for anything.

More safety as standard

You never know what´s around the next corner. With the class-leading active and passive safety systems that come as standard on our vans, it would be difficult to make a safer choice for your business.

Now even more economical

Our new CDI engines are even more powerful and durable, with longer service intervals and economical fuel consumption. Which all adds up to a great business decision.

The best warranty in their class

All new Vito and Sprinter models come with a 3 year, unlimited mileage warranty, for extra peace of mind

Vito & Sprinter Scoop Fleet News Awards

The award was the second major ‘gong’ for the all-new Sprinter range since its launch last year – the new model has already lifted What Van? magazine’s Van of the Year title, while its predecessor had been showered with a host of industry accolades.

And it was another one in a string of honours for the latest-generation Vito, which has lifted several trophies – including the International Van of the Year title – since its launch in 2005.

Competition was tough, especially in the larger 2.8-3.5 tonne category, which has seen new model launches from all of the sector’s biggest players in the last year. But in both classes the judging panel of industry experts, which included fleet operators, was won over by the Mercedes entrant’s blend of style, safety and sophistication.

The judges praised Mercedes-Benz for making the innovative new Adaptive ESP® stability system standard across both ranges, and said the vans were “fantastic to drive, reliable, with good standard trim levels and excellent residual values, backed up by a solid dealer network”.

Adaptive ESP® combines sensors that can detect a skid before the driver is even aware of a problem. It will then adjust engine torque and individual wheel braking, while at the same time taking into account changes in the vehicle’s weight and centre of gravity brought about by the way it’s loaded, to check the skid and allow the driver to retain control. The system is fitted to all new Sprinters and Vitos.

Mercedes-Benz Van Sales and Marketing Director Steve Bridge declared: “Scooping both of these coveted awards is a fantastic achievement, especially in a year when so many of our competitors have launched new products of their own.

“The Sprinter’s success is vindication of the five years and £1.25 billion that was spent in development, to get it right ‘straight out of the box’. And the Vito’s win is testament to the fact that we have continuously updated the range, with additions like Adaptive ESP®, to keep it well ahead of the chasing pack.”

Fleet News, the leading industry newspaper for fleet decision-makers who operate company cars and vans, held its annual awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Wednesday March 14th.

	Any Waste's short cut to success
	Blurring the luxury travel divide
	ECO-Start Sprinter makes the cut
	Sparshatts celebrates after landing top titles
	Sausage maker invests in a sizzling new Mercedes
	SMS trusts Actros to deliver on time every time
	OTBS comes of age with first Canter
	Green team take centre stage
	New Actros – the best just got even better
	Mercedes-Benz takes a lead on DCPC training
	Here to serve
	Hybrids hit the road
	Sparshatts celebrates 3-pointed star performers
	Sparshatts takes the after sales honours
	Actros is a real show-stopper
	MEMS cashes in on Euro 5 Actros
	Mitchell Canters ahead
	Sprinter weighs in with concrete support
	Tunbridge Wells team are welcomed aboard
	Aquaflow freshens up with Mercedes-Benz
	Actros Executives are Kelly’s heroes
	Scarab's Vitos make it a clean sweep
	Go Business class from £67.99 per week*
	New Actros – the best just got even better
	Vito Sport X 204bhp has arrived!
	Canter meets hire expectations
	Mercedes match made in heaven
	Paul wins top truck sales title
	Euro 5 SCR Axor Lifts Trad to new Heights
	Vito Service Package
	Life is Tough. So are we
	Vito & Sprinter Scoop Fleet News Awards