Electrical wholesaler LH Evans has had nothing but positive experiences over 30 years of Mercedes-Benz van operation. No surprise, then, that it has just returned to South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials for more Sprinters.
Although its vehicles are well proven, the Cardiff-based operator has switched this time to a new acquisition method – the latest arrivals are the subject of a Mercedes-Benz Financial Services contract hire agreement.
The nine new Sprinters are all 314 CDI models in a combination of Medium, Long and Extra-long body lengths. They were delivered in two batches, four in January, then five in July.
“We bought our first Mercedes-Benz vans back in the late 1980s,” recalled Managing Director Andrew Evans. “Prior to that we’d favoured vehicles by another manufacturer, but the van with the three-pointed star was a revelation; it just never broke down.”
He said: “We’ve stuck with the same manufacturer ever since and continued to enjoy superb reliability. Apart from planned maintenance and the odd flat tyre our vans are never off the road. If they do need any work, Euro Commercials’ service department is open around the clock, which means we avoid any unnecessary downtime.”
For a long time LH Evans bought its vans outright, but it then moved to contract hire from an independent provider. “The package from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services was significantly more competitive this time,” confirmed Mr Evans.
“It’s an acquisition method that makes good sense for us. Not only do we benefit from predictable running costs over the whole life of the vehicle, but there’s also the promise of a replacement van in the event – however unlikely – that one breaks down.
“Meanwhile, all maintenance and any repairs are carried out in Euro Commercials’ Cardiff workshop, which is very close to our own premises. We enjoy an excellent relationship with the team there.”
LH Evans’ latest Sprinters have lined up alongside a pair of identical vehicles, which have been in service for a couple of years. The company’s vans are based across its five depots in South Wales, and another in Bristol, from which they make daily deliveries of electrical materials and components, hand and power tools and other related items to customers in the construction trades.
The Sprinter is widely recognised as the safest van on the road, its standard specification including the load-sensitive Adaptive ESP® anti-skid programme, and Crosswind Assist, which can automatically brake selected wheels to maintain stability if the vehicle is hit by a sideways gust.
“Our drivers certainly appreciate the contribution that Crosswind Assist can make to safety,” added Mr Evans, “especially given that they cross the Severn Bridge regularly.”
Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, the new Sprinters also came with three-year, unlimited mileage warranties, and MobiloVan cover, which includes free 24-hour breakdown support.
