Across the 150 MobiloVan roadside assistance vehicles covering the UK , there is an average response time of less than an hour .

A van is so much more than just a mode of transport ; a van is an office , and it is an advert . This means that the demands placed upon it are so much higher . A van needs to be reliable , robust , up for the job , comfortable , smart and convey the right image .

Uptime

This focus on ‘ uptime ’ runs through the core of everything Mercedes-Benz Vans does . For example , it can service vans outside of ‘ normal ’ working hours , which means businesses don ’ t need to miss out on work , as their van can be in workshops at night .

Mercedes-Benz Vans is able to do this as it offers extended opening hours across its nationwide Dealer Network , with over 110 after sales sites , with over one third offering round-the-clock servicing , and virtually all the rest operating at least two shifts daily to enable very late hour opening .

In addition , Mercedes-Benz Vans customers benefit from MobiloVan – a free call-out service across the UK and Europe , which comes as part of the 30 year free roadside assistance cover with every vehicle purchase . Across the 150 MobiloVan roadside assistance vehicles covering the UK , there is an average response time of less than an hour , with more than 80 per cent of vehicles fixed at the roadside .

This has a direct result on the amount of uptime that Mercedes-Benz vans experience ; maximising uptime is a major focus for Mercedes-Benz Vans .

Mercedes-Benz Vans even sends its head office colleagues out to spend time with customers and understand the role that vans play in their operation , from account managers to managing director . I have spent time with Parcelforce , out on deliveries with their drivers , and also with the MobiloVan roadside assistance drivers , to see how they keep customers moving .

MobiloVan helps customers to keep their vehicles on the road ( it can cost up to £ 500 per day for a business ’ vehicle to be ‘ off the road ’). MobiloVan cover includes notifiable failures such as indicator failures or damaged wing mirrors , and will also contribute up to £ 130 ( inc . VAT ) for roadside damage repairs .

Mercedes-Benz Vans is also committed to the ongoing education of drivers to ensure that all of the vehicles ’ safety features and benefits are utilised , with a strong focus on the maintenance of the van to ensure it runs at its best . For example , the use of GenuineParts to maximise uptime ; Mercedes-Benz invests more than £ 4.6bn annually in research and development to ensure that each vehicle part is developed to work in harmony with the rest of the van .

It is also important for uptime that the right vehicle is chosen in the first place . Depending on the operation of the van , it may be that the Extra-Long Citan is more effective for the job rather than a Compact Vito .

Right van for the job

Utilising the advice from a professional van dedicated dealer should help to guide on the type of vehicle for the work required , and also to fit with the budget required . With extensive finance options , as well as an all-new Approved Used offering , getting the right van for a business is now easier than ever .

As part of the brand ’ s ongoing commitment to keeping UK businesses moving , Mercedes-Benz Vans has redeveloped its Approved Used offering , enabling all operators to access the right van for them , whatever their vehicle requirement .

A van needs to be reliable , robust , up for the job , comfortable , smart and convey the right image .

The Mercedes-Benz Approved Used range of vans are all now available up to six years old , with a maximum mileage of 150,000 miles . The vans come with a full service history and have to meet a multi-point pre-sale check to qualify , with outstanding finance , theft and insurance write-off checked .

Approved Used vans come with a 12 month MOT , 12 month insurance based ‘ wear and tear ’ warranty ( which can be extended ), and are serviced as required if there is less than 5,000 miles to the next service . The corrosion warranty is renewed and there is a minimum of 5mm tyre tread depth remaining , as well as the vehicle benefitting from a full valet .

Mercedes-Benz Vans understands that customers want to enjoy the benefits of owning a Mercedes-Benz van , and it is their job to ensure van drivers are in the right vehicle for their requirements and budget . The Approved Used criteria has been developed to better serve the needs of van operators – it is very clear exactly what standards all of the Approved Used vans now adhere to , and enables customers to have a broader spectrum of vehicles that could better suit their needs .

Currently there are around fourmillion vans on UK roads , and with more and more businesses requiring either the transportation of goods or services , keeping businesses moving is vital for the van industry as it continues to rise .

44 | February 2017