MERCEDES-Benz is expanding its used commercial vehicle sales operation following a successful 12-month pilot scheme.

The scheme, which ran from the manufacturer's Erdington site in Birmingham, had up to 50 vans in stock at any one time, with average monthly sales totalling 30 vehicles.

John Bissett, managing director at Mercedes-Benz Direct, said: 'The pilot scheme has highlighted a profitable gap in the marketplace.'

The manufacturer will sell used LCVs from locations around the country including Hemel Hempstead, Waltham Cross and Manchester.

David Lammas, CV sales manager at Mercedes-Benz Birmingham, added: 'The four sites will sell Vito and Sprinter from £5,999 up to £15,000, and we expect a third of sales to be Vito. The last 12 months have shown that customers are prepared to travel considerable distances if you have a range of price and product.

'We will stock Vito and Sprinter up to six years old, giving us a broader stock range than other dealers who tend to focus on two to three-year-old vehicles.'

All commercial vehicles come with an MoT certificate, service, minimum six months' parts and labour warranty, valet, HPI and vehicle mileage check.