Heathrow airport has taken delivery of five specially prepared Mitsubishi Shogun Sport SUVs to be used by its Landside Operations team.

The vehicles were built to a bespoke specification at the Mitsubishi Specialist Vehicle Operations (MSVO) centre in Cirencester.

This not only resulted in a quick turnaround for Heathrow, it also means that if any problem with the vehicles needs to be addressed down the line, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK will have the technical understanding and swift access to replacement parts to ensure any downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.

Heathrow Landside Operation Team manage and maintain the airport’s road network 24 hours a day all year round.

The team’s requirements included striking reflective exterior decals along with an amber lighting system on the roof, front grille and the rear of the vehicle to ensure maximum visibility in all conditions. These were complemented by a rear-mounted LED public safety messaging system to relay important information to approaching or following motorists.

Heathrow’s bespoke communication equipment has been fitted to the interior along with rear racking for tools and equipment for use in the assistance and recovery of stricken vehicles.

Clive Messenger, general manager – Fleet Operations at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “Heathrow Airport’s Landside Operations Team operates day and night, in all conditions, keeping the busy arterial roads around the airport free-flowing and safe so being chosen to supply and build their hard-working vehicles is a wonderful endorsement of both the Shogun Sport and the team who prepare them at MSVO.”

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport SUV is priced from £29,975 OTR and includes free servicing and roadside assistance for three years.