MERCEDES-BENZ VITO
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Your Pro+ dealer network, was set up to offer a one-stop shop to fleet customers. How do you think the programme is progressing, and are your Pro+ dealerships SME friendly? SW: Our PRO+ network of specialist van dealers is fully equipped to meet the needs of all of our van customers, from owner drivers through to SMEs and our larger corporate customers. To achieve PRO+ status our dealer partners have invested in dedicated expert staff, additional demonstrator and display vehicles and enhanced aftersales services to ensure that they are able to fully respond to the needs of our customer both when purchasing a vehicle and during their ownership. In a recent survey, we asked some of our readers about van conversions and they said that they wanted more information on what manufacturers offer. Your Master van comes in a myriad of conversions. How easy is it for SME fleet customers, to design, build and order a van conversion from Renault? SW: Designing, building and ordering a converted van can be a complex and timeconsuming process, however, we make this process as simple as possible for our customers by offering the Off The Shelf range of conversions. Our Off The Shelf Tipper, Dropside, Luton and Luton Low-Loader models are available to order directly from your local Renault dealer. With an Off-the-Shelf conversion, you can simply go into your local Renault dealer or Renault PRO+ commercial vehicle specialist and order a conversion straight from the brochure. These models come with the same three-year/100,000-mile warranty as a Renault PRO+ panel van, to give you added peace of mind. Complementing our Off The Shelf product we have our comprehensive Tailor Made Programme for those customers looking for specialist vehicle adaptions. Our Tailor Made range of accredited conversions has been developed in partnership with expert converters who receive specialist support and back up from Renault. Our network of PRO+ Specialist dealers are fully equipped to support our customers to design and order the right vehicle for their business needs and in addition we have a dedicated Converter Hotline. Finally. Is the second half of 2020 and 2021 about consolidation for Renault Vans, or will you be hitting the ground running as the world moves on from Covid-19? SW: We have ambitious plans for the second half of 2020 and 2021. Our priority is being able to support our customers as their businesses emerge from UK lockdown, with our range of award-winning light commercial vehicles and a PRO+ specialist network designed to support our customers in sales and aftersales. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Versatile Vito offers a progressive package Mercedes-Benz has evolved its popular Vito range to offer more efficiency, more security, and more safety features in a versatile load-lugger that comes in two models, three lengths, four engine derivatives, two trans- missions and three trims. Prices start from £22,845* (ex VAT) for 110CDI Progressive L1. Available as a panel van with three seats, or a crew van with six seats, the Vito comes in three lengths – L1 (4,895mm), L2 (5,140mm), and L3 (5,370mm) with a height of 1,910mm and a choice of three trims – Progressive, Premium, and Sport, which is offered exclusively for the crew van. All models are offered with a choice of three rear-wheel drive engine variants – 114CDI, 116CDI and 119CDI, which offer 134hp and 330Nm of torque, 160hp and 380Nm, and 187hp and 440Nm of torque respectively. The Vito Progressive is the only model offered with a choice of front-wheel drive engine derivatives too – 110CDI and 114CDI – delivering 100hp and 270Nm of torque, and 134hp and 330Nm of torque respectively. Outside, the Vito Progressive features front fog lamps, headlight assistant, heated and electrically adjustable mirrors, and twin sliding doors as standard, with Active Brake
ASSIST, anti-theft package. Inside, the Vito Progressive benefits from an eight-way adjustable comfort driver’s seat with lumbar support, double co-driver seat with airbag, height and rake adjustable multi-function steering wheel, and a locking glovebox, all as standard. The Vito Progressive is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (£1,520 excl. VAT), and customers can upgrade with the new Plus Pack (£1,700 excl. VAT) which adds in colour coded bumpers, Tempmatic air conditioning, full wheel cover, and Active Parking Assist. In addition to the standard specification of the Progressive, the Vito Premium, priced from £29,550 excl. VAT (based on a Vito 114CDI Premium L1), includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome radiator grille, metallic paint, Parking Package, colour coded bumpers, electrically folding exterior mirrors, Tempmatic air conditioning, and velour floor mats, all as standard, and is offered with 9G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. With Mercedes PRO connect integrated as standard across all trim lines, the evolved Vito comes with three years free access to Optimised Assistance.
US returnee leads Mercedes-Benz sales Andrew Lawson has been named as Mercedes-Benz UK’s new sales director. He will be responsible for the development of new customers to the brand through the retail, fleet and direct channels, as well as the retention of existing business to strengthen the commitment to keeping customers’ businesses moving as part of a partnership approach. Andrew (left) has a wealth of experience in the LCV sector, having worked for the three-pointed star for 15 years and, prior to this, for Citroen UK. During his assignment in America, Andrew was instrumental in the acquisition of many new clients to the brand, notably Amazon and US Postal Service, among others. As part of this new appointment to the Brand, Simon Neill will move from his current position as Sales Director to Customer Services Director, and will therefore succeed David Joyce, who moved over to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK business in February. Company Car & Van | August 2020 | 41
