Plant tyre supplier Tyrefix UK has switched its van fleet to Mercedes-Benz.

Leicester dealer Mertrux has just delivered the first batch of six Medium-length Sprinter 313 CDIs, with the rest scheduled to arrive at a rate of three per month.

Tyrefix UK Operations Director Tony Etheridge said: “We previously bought second-hand Mercedes-Benz vans and ran them into the ground. They always served us well but we decided it was time to smarten up our image by moving to a fleet of new vehicles.

“We were offered a very cheap deal by another manufacturer so we took the plunge –then endured a torrid year, as up to seven vans a day broke down with a whole range of problems. What’s more, we couldn’t get warranty cover for more than 100,000 miles, so now, as each one reaches that figure, we’re taking the opportunity to replace it with a new Mercedes-Benz.”

Like all Mercedes-Benz Vans, the Sprinter comes as standard with a three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Tyrefix is also taking out a Service Care package on each new vehicle, under which all routine maintenance costs will be covered for four years.

“Of course, Service Care comes at a cost, but it’s a very small price to pay for such peace of mind,” Mr Etheridge added.

“The other major difference is in the standard of roadside assistance we’ll now enjoy. The previous supplier’s cover was woeful but in our experience, Mercedes-Benz provides a very high level of service, with fast call-out times and a high proportion of jobs fixed there and then at the roadside.”

“I’m very impressed with our new Sprinters. The build quality is streets ahead of the vans they’re replacing, while they also look extremely smart and professional, and our drivers are delighted too.”

Tyrefix UK offers a mobile tyre repair and replacement service to construction and civil engineering industry customers, who operate large plant machinery.

Each of its vehicles is equipped as a mobile workshop with Edstrom racking, compressors, tools and a stock of spare parts. Tyre fitters work from home and are based across the UK from Aberdeen to Plymouth, each having a territory to cover.

All are controlled by a central traffic office at the Leicester headquarters which has been home to the company for more than 30 years.