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Making the Switch
Michael Muxworthy MRM Solutions 9
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LESS THAN A YEAR MONTHS AFTER IT commissioned its first two Mercedes-Benz vans , MRM Solutions has taken another big step towards its goal of a fleet in which every vehicle wears a three-pointed star .
North-East Dealer Bell Truck and Van has supplied its Newcastle upon Tyne-based customer with another five mid-sized Vito models and a small Citan . Their arrivals mean that 18 of MRM ’ s 25 vans are now by Mercedes-Benz .
MRM Solutions , which also has offices in Glasgow and Sheffield , offers a comprehensive portfolio of services based around TV , audio-visual , fire and security systems . It also undertakes general electrical work .
The company ’ s Mercedes-Benz vehicles are fitted with roof racks for carrying ladders . Most are Long-bodied 109 CDI variants of the fuel-efficient Citan small van range , and assigned to service engineers . However , the latest Citan is an Extra Long 109 CDI .
Of MRM ’ s six Vito Compacts , four are 111 CDIs used by installation engineers who carry additional equipment and make full use of the larger vehicle ’ s higher load
capacity . The other two are more powerful 116 CDI models with automatic gearboxes – they are driven by national field service engineers , one of whom is also a director .
The Mercedes-Benz vans have replaced vehicles which were less than two years old and still covered by their manufacturer ’ s warranties . Key to the operator ’ s decision to switch suppliers was the industryleading , round-the-clock back-up offered by Bell Truck and Van , and other members of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network .
“ Our vans travel all over the country and are taken home at night by the engineers , so reliable , nationwide after sales support is crucial ,” explained Managing Director Michael Muxworthy . “ We ’ d been having some major issues and suffering a lot of unplanned vehicle downtime at the time we approached Bell , and they were able to give us the customer service reassurances we were seeking .
“ The fact that Mercedes-Benz Dealers are open round-the-clock was a big attraction . Unlike our previous supplier ’ s agents , they are also commercial vehicle specialists . This means they appreciate how important it is to a company like us , particularly at a time when we ’ re growing strongly and very busy , that our vans should always be available for work when we need them .
“ I ’ m happy to say that Bell have lived up to all of their promises as far as repair and maintenance support is concerned , while Van Sales Executive Gary Stephenson arranged the highly competitive Mercedes- Benz Agility finance and has a great personal touch .”
Mr Muxworthy recalled an incident on the M1 in Yorkshire , which prompted a call to the Mercedes-Benz MobiloVan emergency roadside assistance service . “ It happened late one Friday night ,” he said . “ One of our Citans suffered two tyre blowouts after running into some crates strewn across the carriageway .
“ The local Dealer came out straight away and despite the fact that it was a weekend our van was back on the road first thing on the Monday morning . That ’ s exactly the kind of support we need to run our business .”
Mr Muxworthy added : “ Our engineers thoroughly enjoy driving their new Mercedes-Benz vans . The Citan and Vito are also both very economical – I would estimate they ’ re saving us a couple of hundred pounds a week on our diesel bill – and lead the field in terms of safety features , which is another important ‘ plus ’ given our Duty of Care obligations . Finally , of course , Mercedes-Benz has a great image of quality , which can only reinforce our own reputation .”
The flexible Agility agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services to which MRM Solutions has signed-up offer all the benefits of hire purchase with a balloon payment , including low monthly outgoings , but provide customers with a range of options at the end of the term .
Like all Mercedes-Benz vans , MRM ’ s vehicles are backed by three-year , unlimited mileage warranties and MobiloVan cover , which includes free roadside assistance for up to 30 years , provided they continue to be maintained with the manufacturer ’ s official Dealer Network .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | MAR / APR 2017 Sponsored by Insafe International