Mercedes-Benz trucks, FUSO and Daimler Buses is expecting to continue supplying fleet operators with spare parts and maintenance services during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Subject to respective legal and official requirements, the brand says it aims to maintain its service network across Europe with up to 3,000 centers.

"Our colleagues in our service facilities make a significant contribution to ensuring our society can cope with the current state of emergency as well as possible, and we therefore thank these everyday heroes from the bottom of our hearts," said Martin Daum, chairman of the Board of Management Daimler Truck AG.

“Trucks and buses are particularly important given the current situation. Right now commercial vehicles for transport and logistics must be available to ensure supply and disposal, as well as emergency services. Therefore it is crucial that our service centers remain in operation wherever possible.

“At the same time, all necessary measures are being taken by our company to ensure the protection of our customers and employees at our service locations that remain open,” he added.

Delivery companies and fleets that supply critical services will continue to operate while the rest of the UK is in lockdown. This means that vehicle repair and maintenance businesses can remain open to support fleet operations.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has suspended MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs).

The suspension will last for up to three months from last Friday (March 20).

All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a three-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice, said DVSA.

Vehicles must be maintained, kept safe to drive (roadworthy) and operate within the terms of operators’ licence conditions, it added.