The Newport-based company is now running five Citan 109 CDIs. Supplied by South Wales dealer Euro Commercials, the extra-long crew van models have been assigned to its Security and Cleaning Management teams.
The vehicles have been implemented in line with the company’s move to a single-marque fleet.
Operations director Steve Hancock said: “We were looking to achieve a degree of standardisation and approached several manufacturers, with reliability, mpg performance, servicing and image all high on our list of priorities. Euro Commercials provided Citan and mid-size Vito demonstration units for trial, and we felt both represented excellent value for money.”
He continued: “In terms of fuel-efficiency the Citan represents a big improvement on our previous vehicles, particularly the 4x4s. We expect these Mercedes-Benz vans to save us around £15,000 a year in fuel costs.”
Smart Solutions has taken out a four-year Complete Care contract, under which its new vans will be serviced and repaired by Euro Commercials’ factory-trained technicians fitting only Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts.
“In terms of image, Mercedes-Benz is also an ideal ‘fit’ for us,” added Hancock. “The case I was able to put to my Board was therefore very strong – the Citan won hands down all round.”
He concluded: “The dealer pulled out all the stops to deliver our new vans in time for an important compliance inspection. In fact, the Euro Commercials team have been highly supportive throughout.”
