Truckforce, tyre manufacturer Goodyear Dunlop’s dedicated mobile service and breakdown division, has come full circle, replacing the first Mercedes-Benz Sprinters it bought five years ago with 57 new models.
The operator began using Mercedes-Benz vehicles in 2011. It has since invested in a further 60 Sprinters and, with the arrivals of its latest, now runs a fleet of 165.
Based at 15 operating centres which act as hubs for a network of satellite locations across England and Wales, the vans are allocated to technicians who repair, replace and service customers’ tyres at their premises or at the roadside.
“Our Sprinters are fantastic,” enthused Truckforce Business Manager Bob Mason. “They perform well and are popular with our drivers, as well as being extremely reliable and hard-wearing. They stand up very well to demanding work over a five-year life, unlike rival products which might look smart when they’re new but seem to deteriorate at a rapid rate.
“Equally important though is the quality of support we receive from the Mercedes-Benz Network. Its Dealers are proper commercial vehicle specialists, and many of their sites are open 24/7.
“This means our mobile tyre technicians can drop their vans off at the end of the working day, have them maintained overnight, and pick them up ready to start work again in the morning. This service works very well for our business.”
Like their predecessors, Truckforce’s new Sprinters were delivered by Birmingham Dealer Midlands Truck & Van. All are fuel-efficient 313 CDI models that combine impressive levels of comfort with a market-leading armoury of safety features, including ADAPTIVE ESP® and Crosswind Assist.
They are kitted out with engine-driven PTOs which power on-board compressors, Hope Safe-T-Bar rear bumpers and roof-mounted beacons, and carry a full complement of tools and equipment.
“The Sprinter is a well-known quantity to us but the latest version is, if anything, even better than before,” continued Mr Mason. “The cabs are even more comfortable and the vans look extremely smart and professional. As ever, the Fleet team at Midlands Truck & Van handled our order extremely professionally and the vehicles arrived in perfect condition.
“Meanwhile, working relationships between staff at our sites and their local Mercedes-Benz Dealers continues to grow stronger. We both serve the transport industry so they’re often serving the same customers as we are, and they understand our business needs very well.”
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recently added an unprecedented ninth Motor Transport Fleet Van of the Year title to its record-breaking haul of industry awards. Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, the Sprinter is backed by a three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Vehicles maintained within the official Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network also benefit from MobiloVan cover, which includes emergency roadside assistance for up to 30 years.
