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East of England specialist Kingsway Tyres is making tracks once again for an all Mercedes-Benz fleet of vans.
The firm has bought 10 Long-bodied Sprinter 311CDIs already this year, and now plans to convert its entire fleet of nearly 100 vans to the three-pointed star.
Kingsway Tyres previously ran Mercedes vehicles, but then bought a number of vans from a rival manufacturer. It has now gone back to Boston dealer H and L Garages with a series of orders for high-roofed Sprinter vans and Sprinter chassis cabs fitted with dropside bodies by McComb Coachworks in Lincolnshire.
The company’s decision to return to the Mercedes-Benz ‘fold’ was based on the Sprinter’s highly competitive ‘whole life’ running costs.
Fleet Manager Alan Wood explains: “We have had numerous problems with our previous, non-Mercedes vans and they have ended up costing us a lot of money.
“Mercedes are a little more expensive initially but we will recoup this price premium several times over because they are so much more reliable and cost-effective to operate than vehicles supplied by rival manufacturers.”
Kingsway Tyres offers a repair and replacement service for all kinds of vehicle tyres. A subsidiary of Bridgestone Tyres, it has a main base in Stamford plus 17 depots across the east of England; all of the vehicles are commissioned and fitted out at its Peterborough depot.
The latest Sprinters provide roadside assistance to stricken motorists and commercial fleet operatirs. They are equipped with compressors, as well as tools and spare tyres. The chassis cabs are mainly put to work on the agricultural side, carrying larger tyres for farm machines.
Mr Wood continues: “The Sprinter is comfortable and car-like to drive, as well as being a great workhorse and very versatile – it will do whatever we ask of it, whether on the motorway, a country lane, or even in a farmers’ field.”
Kingsway Tyres currently runs 38 Sprinters and plans to buy another 14 from H and L this year. “It is our intention that eventually every one of our vans will be a Mercedes,” adds Mr Wood. “H and L Garages look after us 100 per cent and are a great company to work with in terms of both their sales and after sales services.” |
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