Hire-A-Lite has added 20 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI chassis cabs with factory-built dropside bodies to its delivery fleet.

Alfa Tail Lifts, of Sawston, Cambridgeshire, fitted the vehicles’ 500 kg kg DEL column tail-lifts.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has won a string of industry accolades. Most recently it was named Large Panel Van of the Year and Chassis Van Derivative of the Year at the Commercial Fleet Awards, where Mercedes-Benz also won the Van Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title.

The Sprinter range is available in a wide variety of body sizes and styles, and with smooth, fuel-efficient four-cylinder or V6 engines offering power outputs of 112 to 190 hp – Hire-A-Lite specified the 163 hp version.

In addition to the Sprinters, the operator runs four Mercedes-Benz Citan 109 CDIs, which are used by supervisors to visit work sites. 

Hire-A-Lite rents signage and traffic lights to utilities contractors, who need to set up temporary controls when working on highways – projects in which its customers are currently involved include the roll-out of a superfast broadband network across the south of England, from Norfolk to Cornwall.

The Sprinters deliver equipment to sites, either from head office or from a network of remote storage ‘pods’ located across the south.

“Our remote field engineers operate across the country and we rely heavily on the reliability and performance of the sprinters to maintain delivery,” said director Stewart Halsey.

“For this reason, and because contractors in our industry can face hefty fines if jobs are not completed on time, it’s crucial that our vehicles do not let us down.

“The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has proved itself in operation to be tough and dependable, while also benefiting from top-class after sales support.”

Hire-A-Lite’s vehicles are the subject of CharterWay contract hire agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, which include full repair and maintenance cover. They also benefit from MobiloVan support, which includes quick-response roadside assistance in the unlikely event of a breakdown – this applies to all Mercedes-Benz vans for up to 30 years, provided they are maintained within the manufacturer’s official dealer network.

“It all adds up to an unbeatable package,” continued Halsey.

“We get superb quality vehicles with a comprehensive level of support, and excellent service from Orwell Truck & Van, all at a highly competitive price. Mercedes-Benz and its Dealer have played a big part in the evolution of our business and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.”