Watling JCB, which sells new and used JCB equipment while also providing aftermarket support, runs a fleet of 88 vans, of which the majority are 3.5-tonne Sprinter 313 CDIs assigned to service engineers.
In its latest order, the firm has taken delivery from East Midlands dealer Mertrux of 10 new Sprinters as well as two Vito 114 BlueTec models, with a third to follow in September.
These 3.2-tonne vans have a dual role – they are used by field-based service technicians or to make parts deliveries.
Watling JCB switched from its previous van supplier to Mercedes-Benz in 2010, when it was running some 60 vans. It has not looked back since.
Finance director Jason King said: “Customer service and quick response are key differentiators for our business, which means that reliability of the commercial fleet is key. Our vehicles are invariably fully laden yet experience has proved we can run them for 150,000 miles or more with minimal down time. In terms of build quality and component life they are industry leading.
“What’s more, the mpg returns have always been comfortably ahead of our previous vans, while the drivers love them too – we’ve only ever had positive comments about the Sprinter and the new Vito has been similarly well received. Superb whole-life costs complete the picture.”
Watling JCB also praised the after sales support from Mertrux. All of Watling JCB’s Mercedes-Benz vans are specified with Service Care contracts set up by Mertrux, Leicester.
“Unlike some of its competitors Mertrux is a commercial vehicle specialist, so understands the pressures on a business such as ours and is geared up to meet our needs,” continued King.
“We’re not a nine-to-five operation so the high level of support they provide in the evenings and at weekends is invaluable,” he added.
