Property repairs and maintenance company Axis has commissioned a £1.5-million fleet of 85 low-emission Mercedes-Benz vans after winning four sizeable new contracts from local authorities and housing associations.

Supplied by Sparshatts of Kent, all are Blue Efficiency models designed for maximum fuel economy.  

Most – 31 Vito 113 CDI Extra-longs and 28 Citan 109 CDI Longs – have been assigned to a contract with Croydon Council, while a further 15 Vito models are working for Kingston Council, another recent addition to the Axis client portfolio.

The remaining 10 Citans and a single medium-length Sprinter 313 CDI with caged tipping body by TGS, of Bristol, replace vehicles that have been operating on other contracts.

Axis’ fleet manager Jacky Nicholson says: “Fitness for purpose, reliability, driver comfort and safety were all factors in our decision to invest so heavily in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

“Equally important, though, were the low emission credentials of the Vito and Citan as specified with Blue Efficiency packages. Axis is a values-led company with sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of our business ethos, so the environmental compatibility of these vehicles was also crucial to their appeal.”