News from Mercedes-Benz: One of Scotland’s leading van hire specialist has invested in a new fleet of 100 fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Citan vans.
Owner TOM Vehicle Rental can look forward to the new model’s long service intervals and low maintenance costs, as well as the high residual values for which the three-pointed star is renowned.
Supplied by Dealer Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Ayr, the latest additions to the TOM fleet are all 109 CDI models powered by high-torque 1.4-litre engines rated at 90 hp. Customers can choose between Long and Extra-long versions, according to their cargo-carrying requirements.
For ultimate fuel economy a significant proportion of the Citans are BlueEfficiency, with additional features contributing to an economy figure of 65.7 mpg, and CO2 emissions as low as 112 g/km, include low rolling-resistance tyres, an optimised battery and alternator management system.
TOM Group Operations Director James Rafferty says, “As a rental operator we want vehicles which are reliable and cost-effective over their whole life. The Citan offers a class-leading warranty which will protect our maintenance position and ensure that we are covered for the working life of the vehicle.
“Equally important, the Citan is also extremely fuel-efficient, which makes it a highly attractive proposition for customers – these new vans are already proving very popular, with many having been snapped up for long-term contracts by established customers.”
TOM was founded in Airdrie some 20 years ago, and still has headquarters in the town. The company has enjoyed impressive growth over recent years and now has a fleet of more than 6,000 vehicles, the vast majority of them vans.
A market leader in Scotland, TOM last year opened a depot in Trafford Park, Manchester, and continues to march southwards, recently picking up business as far away as London.
The Mercedes-Benz Citan is the manufacturer’s first small van and has a volume carrying capacity of up to 3.8 m³, with a maximum payload potential of 735 kg. Citan panel vans are also available in Compact length, while the Citan Traveliner is based on the Long wheelbase and has a folding rear bench seat, allowing it to carry the driver and up to four passengers. The Citan Dualiner has the same seating configuration but, because it is based on the Extra-long format, also offers a practical cargo space.