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Test equipment calibration specialist Electroservices has built its reputation on precision – so when it compares the running costs of its vans, it does so in fine detail.
The Shropshire-based firm has calculated that its Mercedes Vitos are costing 10.67 per mile to fuel and service. This makes them significantly more economical to operate than the Japanese vans they have replaced, which were costing 15.25 per mile.
Electroservices employs more than 50 highly trained engineers at its purpose-built laboratories in Telford and Cwmbran, South Wales. The company calibrates and repairs electronic test equipment for major customers such as the Ministry of Defence, BAe and Rolls Royce, as well as a host of smaller businesses working across a wide range of industries.
The vans are used by its collection and delivery drivers and as well as being fitted with customised racking systems, are also heavily padded to protect their sensitive cargoes in transit.
Electroservices bought its first two Vitos – both Long-bodied 109CDI models – from Wolverhampton dealer Gerard Mann Commercials a couple of years ago. It was the running costs of these vehicles that were evaluated against those of the Japanese competition, over a full year’s usage.
Managing Director Simon Plant recalls: “We were initially attracted by the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand and by the excellent manufacturer’s warranty, which at that time covered you for three years or 125,000 miles, whichever arrived first.
“Those two vehicles have proved excellent. They’re comfortable and easy to drive, and the sliding doors on both sides open wide enough to accept pallets, which is very useful.
“They have also been highly economical to run. ‘Downtime’ has been exceptionally low and when maintenance is required the lads just drop their vans in at Gerard Mann and wait while the work is done, which is fantastic. In fact,” he adds, “the dealer’s all-round service is first-class.”
No surprise, then, that after such a positive experience with its first two Mercedes, when Electrosevices’ next batch of Japanese vans became due for replacement the company returned once again to Gerard Mann for three more Vito 109CDI Longs.
“The new ones have a number of extra features such as electric mirrors, which the lads appreciate, but best of all the Mercedes-Benz warranty has been further improved. Now there is no mileage restriction during the three-year term, which only goes to show how much faith the manufacturer has in its product.”
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