Manchester-based LOFT Interiors has commissioned a smart new fleet of 3.5-tonne FUSO Canters, which are now delivering high-quality furniture for use in rental properties nationwide.
The family-owned property management furnishing solutions specialist switched to the Japanese brand because of its reputation for strength and reliability, as well as proven back-up and a three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
Its seven Canters were supplied by local Mercedes-Benz Dealer Roanza Truck & Van – the German manufacturer’s franchised network is additionally responsible in Britain for sales and support of the popular FUSO light truck range.
LOFT Interiors took advantage of competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, while Roanza took back its six previous vehicles in part-exchange. Fitted with 5.0-metre box bodies, the new Canters are finished in eye-catching graphite grey paintwork emblazoned with the LOFT name.
At 3.5 tonnes gvw the FUSO Canter is as compact and manoeuvrable as a van, but – thanks in part to its ladder frame chassis – as tough and practical as a small truck.
LOFT Furnishing’s new vehicles are all 3C13 models with Comfort day cabs and advanced, 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engines that produce 130 hp and an impressive 300 Nm of torque. One is additionally equipped with a fully-automated, dual-clutch DUONIC transmission, specified to make life at the wheel easier for a particularly tall driver.
A trading arm of Hall Furnishings, LOFT Interiors provides landlords and property managers with a fast and cost-effective furnishing solution that balances style, durability and price. Launched 14 years ago, it has ridden the crest of the ‘Buy to let’ wave and grown strongly by offering a next-day delivery service, with full assembly and installation, and including the removal of all packaging as well as any old, unwanted items.
The business was founded by Robert Hall – his wife Rita is Head of Design and their son Ben Sales Director – and operates from a head office and recently refurbished showroom in Old Trafford, and an Operations Centre three miles away at Ardwick.
Mr Hall said: “We have customers as far afield as Aberdeen and Landsend, so it’s a true nationwide service. We make full use of the available payload, which means that strength and durability, as well as reliability, are the key attributes that we need in a vehicle. Having researched the market we concluded that the Canter would best meet our requirements.
“Unlike most 3.5-tonne vehicles, which are van-based, the Canter is a proper little truck and therefore, we hope, tough enough to withstand the rigours of our operation. It also comes with a very good warranty and, very importantly, is supported by Mercedes-Benz.”
LOFT Interiors also runs a high-performance Mercedes-Benz Vito van, and has owned other Vito models in the past. “The after sales back-up has been great,” said Mr Hall. “On the rare occasion that a problem has arisen a technician has been sent out immediately, and has been very efficient.
“It’s an impressive service so where the new Canters are concerned I’m confident that we’re in safe hands. Roanza’s sales executive Ian McMullan has also been very good, providing regular updates on the progress of our order and doing everything he could to get the vehicles to me as soon as possible.”
