One of the world’s largest JCB dealers has broken new ground by commissioning its first Mercedes-Benz vans, most of which are being used by mobile service engineers who provide customers with round-the-clock back-up.
Greenshields JCB sells and supports the manufacturer’s renowned range of construction and industrial machinery from headquarters in Farnham, Surrey, and six other strategically located depots throughout the South-East.
The new fleet of 22 vehicles arrived via Rossetts Commercials, which represents the three-pointed star in Surrey and Sussex. They were painted on line at the Mercedes-Benz factory in their distinctive shade of yellow.
All but two of the new vans are 3.5-tonne Sprinters, which have been distributed throughout Greenshields JCB’s branch network. They are assigned to members of its 65-strong team of field engineers, who undertake on-site maintenance and repair of equipment – storage conversion specialist Bott racked out the vehicles’ cargo areas to carry tools and a comprehensive stock of spare parts.
The Sprinters are all Medium-length Sprinter 314 CDI models with fuel-efficient 143 hp engines, comfortable, well-equipped cabs, and reassuring safety armouries which include reversing cameras. The two other vans are a mid-sized Vito 114 CDI Long, which has been allocated to a senior technician-trainer, and a small Citan 109 CDI Long, now being driven by a workshop foreman.
Greenshields JCB has previously favoured another high-profile van brand. Like the two other manufacturers’ dealers also vying for Greenshields’ business, Rossetts Commercials supplied a series of vehicles for trial before finally landing the prestigious order.
Key to Greenshields’ decision to partner with Mercedes-Benz was the promise of efficient, 24-hour after sales support from Rossetts and its fellow franchisees with workshops in their new customer’s area of operation. They will be servicing Greenshields’ new vans under Repair and Maintenance Contracts.
Simon Hoare, the JCB dealer’s General Manager – Aftermarket, explained: “We guarantee a four-hour response time to machine breakdowns, though we’re often at the customer’s site a lot more quickly. If we’re to make good on this pledge it’s essential that our own vans are reliable, and that if the worst happens we’ll get the support we need.”
Like all Mercedes-Benz Vans, Greenshields JCB’s new fleet came with MobiloVan cover, which includes free emergency roadside assistance, as well as three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranties.
“We liked the sound of the Mercedes-Benz back-up,” said Mr Hoare. “Its workshops are open through the night, which should mean that our vans are always available for work when we need them, while the MobiloVan breakdown cover was also an important ‘plus’.”
He continued: “The Mercedes-Benz demonstrators were well received by our engineers, and they couldn’t be happier with their new vans. From the company’s point of view, meanwhile, the all-round quality and premium image of these vehicles can only complement our own brand.”
Mr Hoare also praised the customer-focused manner of Rossetts’ response to Greenshields’ initial enquiry. “Of the three dealers we invited to tender, the Mercedes-Benz representative was the most professional, and provided the best experience by far,” he recalled.
“Rossetts’ Van Sales Executive Tracey Stewart was always available and extremely efficient in replying quickly to our requests for information and quotations, while also providing product literature and other materials for our engineers that was much appreciated.”
Greenshields JCB still operates another 50 vans by its previous vehicle supplier. “We plan to replace the balance of the fleet over the next 24 months, and if the manufacturer and Dealer deliver on their pledge then there is a strong likelihood that Greenshields JCB will become a significant Mercedes-Benz user,” added Mr Hoare.
