The company, which has UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, employs a team of field-based engineers and operates a fleet of 3.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, as well as a number of small Citans.
Jungheinrich has allocated its first new Vito to a Norfolk-based engineer for trial. Supplied by East Anglian Dealer Orwell Truck & Van, the long-bodied 111 CDI is fitted with the operator’s purpose-designed racking to carry tools and spares.
Jungheinrich’s vehicle is powered by a 114hp 1.6-litre engine that offers fuel economy of 45.6mpg and drives the front wheels – offering a 120kg saving over the previous model, and around 60kg compared to rear wheel-drive versions of the new Vito.
To further increase carrying capacity the vehicle has been uprated from the standard 2.8-tonne gross weight, to 3.0 tonnes, with a payload allowance of just under 1.3 tonnes.
Jungheinrich purchasing manager Steve Clarke said: “On paper the mew Vito looks like a very attractive proposition – payload is significantly up on the outgoing model and it’s also more fuel-efficient than the similarly sized vans that we’re currently using. So we’ll be monitoring the trial vehicle’s progress closely, with driver feedback being crucial to any future purchasing commitments.
“For my part, I drove the vehicle on the launch event and I really liked the feel of it. The cab area has benefited from some significant improvements which I am sure will be well received by our drivers.”
“We’re moving towards an exclusively Mercedes-Benz fleet at this weight,” confirmed Clarke. “The Sprinter has proved to be outstanding reliable and durable, while it’s also very popular with our engineers.”
