The Northampton-based company has placed orders for 37 vans from Dealer Hughes of Aylesbury – the majority are 3.5-tonne Sprinter 313 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models although the line-up also includes five smaller Citan 109 CDIs. Once the last of these new vans has entered service next year, every one of Stone Hardy’s 68 service vehicles will be a Mercedes-Benz.
The new Sprinter model incorporates technology that Mercedes says makes it the most fuel efficient and safest vehicle in its class. MPG performance is up by 7% over the outgoing Sprinter while the returns from BlueEFFICIENCY variants – which incorporate a raft of additional measures designed to further reduce diesel consumption – are improved by a further 6%, to as much as 44.4mpg.
The vehicle’s array of safety systems includes Crosswind Assist, which detects sudden strong gusts of wind and helps to prevent the van drifting out of its lane by applying individual brakes on one side of the vehicle. Other new electronic aids additionally available as options include Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Powered by 95 kW (129 hp) engines, the Compact-bodied Sprinters will be used as mobile workshops – they are being racked out and fitted with work benches by Motoron Services, while on board equipment includes welding gear for making hydraulic hoses.
Stone Hardy’s latest vans are the subject of a contract hire agreement with Lex Autolease and will be maintained by Mercedes-Benz Dealers and at Ryder facilties, depending on which is the most conveniently located.