Home Delivery Network (HDN) has added 500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to its 2,100-strong fleet.
The order is a mix of long and medium-bodied Sprinter 311CDIs, which feature an Adaptive Electronic Stability Program, to dynamically monitor load status.
The vans are fitted with steel mesh bulkheads, reversing sensors and fluorescent interior lights, and passenger seats have been removed to improve access.
The vans will carry anything from furniture to fresh flowers, wine to washing machines and clothes to computer equipment.
Brian Wheadon, director of fleet and facilities for HDN, said: “These Mercedes vehicles have been extremely well received by our drivers and site management.
“From an operator’s point of view the whole package is very attractive – our latest vans came with long service intervals and are backed by unlimited mileage, three-year warranties, while they also command high residual values and benefit from excellent support from the manufacturer’s extensive dealer network.
“The Sprinter offers an unrivalled array of active and passive safety features. We’re always conscious of our Duty of Care obligations to staff, so this is another key attraction.”
A large proportion will be serviced under four-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contracts in the Blackburn, Bolton and Carlisle workshops of supplying dealer Ciceley Commercials.
Mercedes-Benz has also provided HDN’s driver-trainers with expert tuition on handling the long-bodied Sprinters. “This knowledge will be passed on to our drivers with the aim of reducing the number of accidents that would normally result from a move up to longer vans,” said Wheadon.
