Pendragon Contracts is to supply a fleet of vans that have been transformed into hi-tech sales outlets for Snap-on.

Snap-on vans are recognised as one of the most productive retail spaces - per square foot - in the world.

Pendragon is currently supplying 175 refitted vans and has a target to supply more than 300 on lease.

The company will be supplying Snap-on franchisees with the Iveco vans, which have been fitted with computers, plasma screens and product displays.

Pendragon is also recycling existing vehicles, storing them and then refitting them.

“These vans are £60,000 Ivecos, the only vehicle that can carry the 5.5 tonnes of materials.

"We came up with the solution after approaching a body-building company to design and build the vans to specification on a particular budget,” said Andy Barrell, Pendragon Contracts’ head of national accounts.

The vans come equipped with racks of tools on display, a plasma screen, point of sale displays and a computer that generates invoices, payment records and finance agreements between the franchisee and customers.

“We were determined to win this contract and had to show the directors of Snap-on we were able to do something extra that other companies couldn’t deliver,” said Mr Barrell.

“Our team discussed the situation in great detail and designed a completely new interior for the Snap-on vans, well known in the industry for providing a mobile shop that is actually a first class retail outlet.