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Heavy goods vehicle parts specialist HL Smith knows all about quality components, which explains why it throws its weight behind Mercedes-Benz vans.
The company, based in Albrighton, Shropshire, runs eight 3.5-tonne Mercedes Sprinters – including four examples from the new-generation range launched last year – and a pair of 2.9-tonne Vitos. Most were supplied by Wolverhampton dealer Gerard Mann Commercials.
The Sprinters are Medium length 311CDI chassis cabs fitted with 11ft alloy dropside bodies built by Brade-Leigh Bodies of West Bromwich. They are used to transport specialised parts such as gearboxes and prop shafts.
But the latest addition to the fleet is a Vito 115CDI Sport Dualiner. An exciting new addition to the Mercedes-Benz van range, the Vito Sport boasts luxury touches such as cruise control, air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, low profile tyres and chrome trim.
It is capable of reaching 60mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph, while returning an impressive 44.1mpg. And in Dualiner guise, it comes with a second row of seats, making it ideal for leisure use in the evenings and at weekends too.
Vic Wilkins, Transport Manager at HL Smith, says the firm chooses Sprinters and Vitos because of their outstanding reliability, and the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand image. It has also forged an excellent working relationship with Gerard Mann, as a loyal parts customer of the dealer.
“We have a long history of buying Mercedes although until recently we’d always preferred low-mileage second-hand units,” Mr Wilkins explains. “But this meant we lost some of the manufacturer’s warranty.
“Now, because we are buying new vans, we benefit from the full, three-year, unlimited mileage Mercedes-Benz cover. This is a major benefit, which no other manufacturer comes close to matching.”
HL Smith was founded 50 years ago and supplies original and refurbished parts for heavy trucks to workshops nationwide, as well as on the Continent.
“In terms of practicality the Sprinter chassis cab is the best vehicle in its class, and a lot easier to work with than a small truck,” says Mr Wilkins. “It’s easy to load and unload, while turnaround times are very quick.”
The multi-award-winning new-generation Mercedes Sprinter range combines outstanding ergonomics and comfort with a powerful and clean CDI diesel engine line-up and an advanced new version of the remarkable ESP® anti-skid system called Adaptive ESP®.
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