Two more Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have joined Clearway’s 30-strong fleet from its van supplier, Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts of Kent, with funding from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

Both are Medium-length Sprinter 316 CDI models powered by 120 kW (163 hp) engines mated to six-speed ECO Gear manual transmissions, designed specifically for vans to improve flexibility and maximise fuel economy by reducing engine speeds.

To further increase fuel efficiency Clearway also specifies its Mercedes-Benz vans with the optional ECO start/stop function, which turns off the engine whenever the vehicle is stopped in traffic, then restarts it as soon as the driver depresses the clutch.

Clearway is expert in securing vacant property and related environmental services such as site clearance and pest control. Founded in 1991, it operates from headquarters in Erith, Kent, and provides nationwide planned and emergency support to customers from a wide range of sectors.

The company, which also has a depot in Sheffield, switched from its previous van model to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in 2009 and has not looked back since.

Head of sales Leigh Hooper said: “We’ve tried other brands of van but have found that for a variety of reasons the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is far superior.

“We made the change four years ago because we had issues with the reliability and running costs of our previous vehicles.

“By contrast, not only have our Sprinters given us no trouble at all, they’ve also proved very economical to operate.

“What’s more, they’re popular with our drivers and fitted as standard with a comprehensive range of active and passive safety systems, which is very reassuring given our duty of care obligations to staff and other road users.” 

Clearway’s Sprinters are used by two-man security teams who attend vacant properties to undertake a host of tasks, including fitting steel doors and screens, alarm and temporary CCTV systems.

Hooper continued: “The fact that Sparshatts is a commercial vehicle specialist and understands the needs of businesses that rely on their vans is another key element of the Mercedes-Benz package.

“Unlike dealers we’ve used in the past, Sparshatts’ Dartford workshop is open through the night so its team are able to service our vehicles at times which suit us.

“As a company that offers its own customers a 24/7 service, we value that kind of flexibility very highly indeed.”