The deal covers 105 Sprinter vans of varying ages, which joined the company’s fleet last year, following its acquisition of a former competitor. Previously serviced by third-party repair agents, the vehicles were immediately assigned by Loomis to its long-term fleet management partner Contract Vehicles Limited (CVL), which then negotiated the repair and maintenance contract with Mercedes-Benz.
Crucially, the new contract covers the vehicles inherited by Loomis until they are eight years old. The same is true of the 400-plus Mercedes-Benz Sprinters it was already operating – these were supplied by north-west dealer Roanza Truck & Van and are also managed by CVL, as will be the 16 smaller Citan models due to enter service later this summer.
Loomis technical services manager Howard Oakley said: “No other manufacturer to my knowledge – and certainly not the other, mainstream van supplier that we’ve also used in the past – would commit to a comprehensive repair and maintenance contract for such an extended period.
“The fact that Mercedes-Benz is prepared to do so demonstrates the great faith it has in the reliability and durability of its products, a confidence which our own experience of operating its vans for over 25 years has proved to be well placed.”
