Wellingborough-based Millie’s Café has hit upon the recipe for fuel-saving success in the shape of a pair of new Mercedes-Benz Vans.
So impressed is owner Bryan McCreery with his new Citan 109 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Compacts that he has already returned to Dealer Intercounty Truck & Van with an order for a third, identical vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY models come as standard with a raft of measures intelligently combined to reduce both fuel consumption and carbon emissions. These include the Eco Start/Stop system which automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary, to prevent unnecessary and wasteful idling.
“Intercounty Truck & Van is a customer for which we deliver staff lunches and provide corporate catering services,” explained Mr McCreery. “When we set up our business in 2006 Mercedes-Benz did not offer a van that was the right size for our needs, but the Citan is perfect. We chose the Compact version as it offers enough space for our deliveries but doesn’t tempt our drivers to load up with more than they can sell!”
Launched in 2013 the Citan is the smallest van ever to wear a three-pointed star. “It’s smart, safe and easy to drive, while the fuel economy is superb,” said Mr McCreery.
“Although they are a similar size, the Citans are returning almost double the mpg of our previous vehicles. They’re also well-liked by our staff while the Mercedes-Benz badge helps to get us noticed – business has shot up by around 20% in the areas where they are working.”
As well as its mobile delivery fleet of five vans which serve customers across Northamptonshire, Millie’s runs a 40-seater café on the same Finedon Road Industrial Estate as Intercounty Truck & Van’s headquarters.