SGM Distribution went once again for the safe option when it invested in two more Mercedes-Benz vans.
The Forfar-based independent courier and express distribution company picked a pair of Sprinter 314 CDIs, which combine proven reliability in an arduous application with a class-leading armoury of safety technology.
The new vehicles were supplied by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen and have joined a fleet of more than 50 vans, the vast majority of which also wear three-pointed stars. Most are panel vans but the new arrivals are chassis cab models with curtainside bodies by JC Payne, of Walsall, which allow for easier loading and unloading of palletised consignments.
“We work our vehicles exceptionally hard, especially those on parcel delivery duties,” said Director Shaun McLean. “They make 70 drops or more in a day – that means the doors opening and closing 140 times, and a lot of stops and starts, so we need vans that will stand up to the punishment. We’ve tried others on occasion, but the Sprinter is definitely the pick of the bunch for our kind of work.”
Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, the latest additions to the SGM fleet boast an impressive array of active and passive safety features as standard. The operator has gone still further, however, by specifying the optional Collision Prevention Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems.
Collision Prevention Assist acts like an extra pair of eyes on the road ahead – it warns the driver if the gap to the vehicle ahead is too small, and provides emergency braking support. Lane Keeping Assist employs cameras to watch lane markings, and monitors driver activity to determine whether any change of course is deliberate, then sounds a warning if it detects the vehicle drifting unintentionally out of its lane.
“These systems represent an investment that we feel is very worthwhile,” continued Mr McLean. “We take safety extremely seriously and are determined to operate to the highest standards. This explains why we’re now in our fourth year of accreditation to the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence scheme.
“Mercedes-Benz safety systems are all very intuitive and easy to use; in fact, in normal use the driver is often unaware of their existence. But it’s reassuring to know the technology is there to intervene should something go wrong.”
One of the two Sprinters was purchased to work in busy central Edinburgh, and with this in mind was specified with the smooth and flexible 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission.
“We’ve never had an auto before but when I heard the new seven-speed gearbox was available on the latest Sprinter I was keen to give it a try,” added Mr McLean. “We believe it will be much more relaxing to drive in city traffic, and allow the driver to focus even more on other road users around him. We’ll be monitoring closely the van’s fuel and maintenance costs too, in the hope that the automatic transmission will help reduce both.”
SGM Distribution also operates several smaller Mercedes-Benz Citan vans as well as the only all-electric powered Vito E-CELL in Scotland, which is used for short-radius distribution work in Aberdeen city centre.
“We’re delighted with the quality of our Mercedes-Benz vehicles and with the very high level of service we receive from the Dealer,” Mr McLean added. “We’ve built up an excellent relationship with its sales executive Vyga Mikuckis, while our servicing is carried out overnight to keep downtime to an absolute minimum. The workshop rates are highly competitive too.”
As well as its Forfar headquarters, SGM Distribution has bases in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. It offers same- and next-day delivery services across Eastern Scotland, from Fraserburgh to the Borders.
