Mercedes-Benz Vans UK’s managing director Steve Bridge has spent the day working alongside a DPD driver in a Sprinter van to assess its reliability.

Bridge visited the West Midlands headquarters of DPD, which runs a fleet of 4,500 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the vast majority of them from the Sprinter range. The partnership between the two companies goes back more than 25 years.

DPD arranged for Steve to join driver Zack Lunn on a delivery round in and around the Black Country town of Dudley.

Bridge said: “Our trophy cabinet speaks volumes for the Sprinter’s quality.

"We already know that it’s the most reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable and safe fleet van on the market, but we’ll never be caught resting on our laurels so we talk constantly to our customers about how we can improve our products and services.

“In this respect Zack’s feedback is every bit as valuable as that received from his fleet management colleagues.

“What I also learned is just how professional DPD’s drivers are. It was a long day but the service Zack delivers is second to none and, as the visible face of the company, he was cheerful and courteous throughout. A great ambassador for a great business!”

DPD UK’s head of transport Dave Winchcombe said: “Mercedes-Benz are an excellent partner, and the Sprinter an excellent van for our operation.

“We run our vans for five-and- a-half years. Nothing has been as reliable and efficient, or has stood up to our operation like the Sprinter.”