The fleet of Sprinter 313 CDI chassis cabs fitted with temperature-controlled box bodies are being rolled out across the country and will be driven by staff trained under its new Centre of Excellence, which runs a two-day Driver Academy programme.
Powered by the 129hp engine, Iceland’s Sprinters are air conditioned and equipped with hands-free Bluetooth telephony, as well as telematics systems that monitor driving style and forward- and driver-facing cameras.
The purpose-designed, dual-compartment bodies are being built by Gray & Adams and Paneltex, with refrigeration by GAH and Alex. The vehicles carry up to 72 crates in a one-third, two-thirds split – the front, frozen section operates at minus 22ºC, while the bigger compartment is used to carry chilled and ambient products at 4ºC.
The vehicles are being supplied by Road Range, which opened its new commercial vehicle dealership next-door to Iceland’s HQ last July. The dealer is also providing specialist driver-trainers to work alongside Iceland’s own team at the Centre of Excellence.
The Sprinter was for its reliability and fuel-efficiency, as well as its safety features and the round-the-clock repair and maintenance back-up of the Mercedes-Benz dealer network.
The availability of a fully automatic transmission was also crucial. Iceland’s head of home Alex McKinlay said: ‘Not only does the auto ’box make a difficult job that bit easier for our drivers, it will also improve safety and help to reduce wear and tear on the driveline. This, coupled with the 24-hour support of Mercedes-Benz dealers, will keep vehicle downtime to a minimum.’
McKinlay continued: ‘At Iceland we’re proud of what we’re doing to light up the high street, and now we’re challenging our drivers to light up the doorstep too!
‘We’ve said to them: “We’re providing these fantastic vehicles but we want something from you in return, in the shape of the very best customer service and a reduction in our accident repair bill.” Their response has been every bit as positive as we’d hoped – the drivers love their new Mercedes and really appreciate the investments we’re making in them.’
