Powered by advanced, fuel-efficient 136 hp engines, its Vito 113 CDI Traveliners each seat eight passengers and are now working across North Manchester and the City Centre.
With a fleet of approximately 350 taxis, Cresta Cars is one of the biggest operators in the area. Managing director, Julian Barnes, said: ‘We’ve had some eight-seaters before, but they’ve been used vehicles. This is the first time we’ve invested in brand new minibuses.
‘We chose Mercedes-Benz partly because the brand has such a strong image – everybody knows the three-pointed star. In this job you need a vehicle that people want to get into, and passengers recognise that in our new Vito Traveliners they’ll be both comfortable and safe.’
Supplied by Yorkshire Dealer Northside Truck &Van, the five new vehicles are the subject of a CharterWay contract hire package arranged by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, under which all maintenance costs are covered by a monthly payment.
They are operated by Cresta Cars and used day-to-day by self-employed drivers – the taxi company provides vehicles and radios, and a central control centre, but the drivers work for themselves.
‘Fuel efficiency is important too, and although returns vary widely according to the nature of the journey, our new Mercedes-Benz taxis are already performing well overall. Their economy is certainly impressive for such a big vehicle,’ added Barnes.
Vito Traveliners are available in three body lengths – Cresta Cars chose the Extra-Long option – and with seating arrangements for seven, eight or nine people.