Sleek and stylish Mercedes-Benz Vito is the perfect ‘pick-me-up’ for Really Awesome Coffee

Mobile drinks business Really Awesome Coffee is helping caffeine aficionados ease themselves out of lockdown restrictions by providing socially distanced beverages – with the help of its eye-catching Mercedes-Benz Vito vans.

The Coventry-based company owns a growing fleet of vehicles, all of which were supplied by the city branch of Dealer Midlands Truck & Van. A combination of 111 CDI and 114 CDI models, these are operated by mobile baristas, who hold franchises to provide its hot drinks, fruit smoothies, sandwiches and snacks.

Thanks to a simple yet effective system of serving customers while maintaining a safe distance, its franchisees were able to ply their trade even as traditional coffee shops remained closed. Mobile baristas use a portable serving table set up at least two metres from the back of their van, and remote contactless payment technology, so they can serve coffees and snacks without ever getting too close to the waiting customer.

Among those using the system is Steve Silver, who covers the Coventry area. “Demand has soared, and I’m working flat out,” he declared. “Customers contact me via social media to arrange a visit, and in some cases even place their orders in advance. I’m attending workplaces, of course, but also delivering to private addresses.

Steve’s Vito 114 CDI is a long-bodied L2 PURE variant, with leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector, Active Parking Assist, and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The standard-fit heat-insulating glass, and optionally added air-conditioning system, meanwhile, make the cab a comfortable workspace in the hottest weather.

“The Vito is just great to drive, so easy and comfortable – more like a premium car than a commercial vehicle,” asserted Steve. “Customers, meanwhile, just can’t get enough of our Really Awesome Coffee.”

Established by Managing Director Kevin Haswell in 2010, the company took on its first franchisee a couple of years later. It now has 53, who between them run 58 vehicles and cover most of the UK.

Really Awesome Coffee’s Vito vans are the most visible representation of its brand, and an important foundation on which success for the parent company and its franchise holders is built.

“When we started out, we knew the choice of van would be hugely important,” explained Kevin. “Ours is a premium product – albeit one that we sell at a competitive price – so image was always going to be a major consideration. The Mercedes-Benz star is a byword for quality and reflects our own brand values perfectly.

“A very high level of reliability, and fast, reliable aftersales back-up, are vital too, as our partners can’t earn a living if their vehicles are constantly in an out of the workshop. The Vito has proved itself to be admirably hassle-free to operate, while the free, MobiloVan 24-hour roadside assistance from Mercedes-Benz provides a welcome safety net, should we ever need it.”

He continued: “The Vito is also the most comfortable and car-like van in its class. We are trying to attract franchisees to come and work with us, and providing them with a vehicle that’s a joy to drive – especially for those who are not used to commercial vehicles – certainly helps.”

Of equal importance, though, is the fact that the Vito offers the perfect template for Really Awesome Coffee’s conversion. The mid-sized Mercedes-Benz comes as standard with sliding doors on both flanks. This means there is easy access to the water tanks, cold stores for milk supplies, and batteries which power the catering equipment on one side, and the large refrigerated display case for sandwiches, snacks and the like, on the other.

The rear of the cargo area, meanwhile, houses the ‘star of the show’, the company’s professional-quality, espresso coffee machine, as well as a professional on-demand coffee grinder, hot-hold cabinet for hot food options, and more storage space.

Really Awesome Coffee came up with its own design for a system that does not require the engine to be left running to power its fridges and coffee machines – rechargeable batteries, supplemented by solar panels on the van roof, provide all the necessary power. Each vehicle also has a roof-mounted pod at the rear, which houses a solid, slide-out canopy, to provide shelter from the elements for baristas and customers alike.

The final element of the equation is the strength of the relationship that Kevin Haswell and his team have built up with Midlands Truck & Van, and particularly its Fleet Van Sales Manager Ben Redding.

“The Vito ticks all our boxes and is absolutely the right vehicle for this application,” Kevin asserted. “At Really Awesome Coffee we trade on the quality of our product, and on the service we provide to our customers. We expect the same focus from our suppliers, and I’m delighted to confirm that Ben and the Midlands Truck & Van team deliver on that score too.”

Really Awesome Coffee franchisees begin their journey with the company by undergoing four weeks of training, initially at the firm’s Coventry headquarters, where they learn the required barista skills as well as being coached in areas such as accounting, marketing and business development by the head office team. When they start work in their home areas their dedicated Franchise Development Manager spends a week providing full-time support ‘on the ground’, then follows up with regular visits every few weeks as their business continues to grow.

The business model is constantly evolving. To early innovations like a mobile app-based loyalty card, Really Awesome Coffee then added another mobile app which alerts regular customers as the van is arriving. Now in development is a system that will allow customers to pre-order their drinks online and pay remotely, so they can still get their coffee ‘fix’ if they’re on a phone call or in a meeting.

www.reallyawesomecoffee.co.uk

Date: 11 June 2020

Seat of power: Dom Coia at the wheel of his latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Dom gears up for business ‘pitch’ with his new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Independent truck and trailer technician Dom Coia is endeavouring to rearrange a crucial meeting with a potential customer that was postponed when lockdown restrictions were introduced – he is convinced his comprehensively equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can help him to win the business and secure his future.

The Coventry-based Scot, who trades as Alpha Truck Services, has been running vehicles bearing the three-pointed star for 35 years, and a loyal customer of Midlands Truck & Van for more than a decade. Dom’s latest van, the fourth he has purchased from the Dealer, is based on a Sprinter 519 CDI L3 H2 designed for operation at a gross weight of 5.0 tonnes. As with his previous vans, though, it has been downrated to 3.5 tonnes GVW. 

Dom chose this model for its heavier-duty componentry, including the twin rear wheels through which the 3.0-litre V6 engine’s 190 hp output is transmitted to the road. He also had the front axle uprated, to reflect the particularly arduous nature of his work, which takes him out in all weathers and at all times of the day and night.

Dom has remained busy throughout the coronavirus lockdown, helping to keep his principal customer’s parcels distribution fleet on the road. Working night shifts, he helps to maintain and repair up to 200 trucks and trailers at the company’s hub in North Warwickshire, while also attending roadside breakdowns at other times. Like so many others, though, his customer is now facing tough times, so Dom is keen to secure additional work during days and at weekends, including from the breakdown agency with which his planned meeting fell through. 

Smartly finished in metallic silver with flashing LED lights in the grille and a roof-mounted beacon bar at the rear, his new vehicle carries a full complement of tools and spare parts, all of which are stored efficiently in new cabinets, as well as water and diesel in drums. It is also equipped with a 24V electrical system with separate battery and inverter. 

Dom’s first van from the third-generation Sprinter range launched in 2018 offers a class-leading working environment with unrivalled levels of quality, quietness and comfort. Ground-breaking safety features include the autonomous Active Brake Assist system with pedestrian recognition technology and ATTENTION ASSIST, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired.

To the vehicle’s extensive standard specification, Dom has added a list of optional enhancements, including safety aids such as Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and fog lamps with cornering function, and others like Comfort seats with armrests for himself and a passenger.

Dom is also taking advantage of the Sprinter’s ground-breaking 4G Internet connectivity. The MBUX multimedia system with optionally upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen provides fully integrated navigation with Live Traffic, VAN-to-X Communication and 3D map display, plus “Hey Mercedes” voice command operation and full smartphone integration.

Cutting-edge Mercedes PRO connect vehicle management technology, meanwhile, includes security functions – including keyless coded entry – which appeal particularly to Dom, given that without the vehicle he cannot do his job. 

“The cab of my new van is just beautiful, and the driving position, with lumbar support and arm rest, amazingly comfortable,” he enthused. “I choose Mercedes-Benz for the build quality and reliability of the vehicles, of course, but its leadership in the field of safety is also key to their appeal. I’m particularly impressed with Blind Spot Assist, which is a fantastic system, while as someone who works permanent nights shifts I also appreciate the reassurance that Active Lane Keeping Assist provides.” 

Blind Spot Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert provides visual and audible alerts to help prevent accidents when changing lanes, or reversing. Active Lane Keep Assist alerts drivers when they unintentionally drift or leave their lane, intervening by braking if necessary.

Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, Dom’s Sprinter came with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and MobiloVan cover, which includes free round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance. “In my experience the manufacturer can always be relied upon to stand by its warranty, which provides complete bumper-to-bumper cover, with no grey areas,” he said.

Equally important, though, is the well-established relationship he enjoys with Midlands Truck & Van. “I wouldn’t dream of going to another Dealer,” Dom vowed. “Coventry Van Sales Manager Gez O’Reilly has devoted so much time to me over the years, and his colleague David McKay was every bit as helpful this time, going to great lengths to ensure that my new Sprinter is perfectly specified.

“They’re just as good when it comes to aftersales,” he continued. “You’ll get slight issues with even the best vehicles, but whenever one does crop up I know I can rely on the Service team at Midlands Truck & Van to resolve it and get my Sprinter back on the road as quickly as possible.”

For more information on Mercedes-Benz Vans, or to request bigger/higher-res image files, please contact:

Steve Warren or John Ripley

Impact Communications, 01926 842126

Steve: 07770 470251, steve@impactcom.co.uk

John: 07771 484595, john@impactcom.co.uk

Fully-electric
Mercedes-Benz eVito wins a positive reception at Travelodge

The
Mercedes-Benz eVito was the top-quality choice when UK budget hotel giant
Travelodge checked-in its first set of ‘green’ electric vans.

Travelodge
has enhanced its environmental credentials by commissioning two of the
ground-breaking vehicles, which combine a competitive carrying capacity with
zero tailpipe emissions.

Supplied
by Dealer Midlands Truck & Van, both of Travelodge’s new vans will be based
in London and assigned to a multi-disciplined maintenance team responsible for
the upkeep of its hotels. Travelodge is one of the largest hotel chains in
London, and operates 77 properties across the capital.

The
Mercedes-Benz eVito represents a major advance on the road to “the electric
future” envisaged by Travelodge on the livery applied to its new vehicles. Crucially,
it allows operators to meet their emissions-busting targets without having to
compromise on practicality or performance.

The eVito has a gross weight of 3.2 tonnes
and a range of approximately 93 miles. The vehicle comes with three seats and, like
its diesel-engined stablemate, sliding load doors on both sides.

Travelodge’s eVito vans are both long L2 PURE
variants which offer up to 6.0m³ of cargo area, and a payload allowance
of 923 kg. The eVito PURE is also available in extra-long L3 form, with a 6.6m³
load volume and 898 kg carrying
capacity. eVito
versions with the PROGRESSIVE trimline benefit from extra features, both
internally and externally, but incur corresponding slight payload reductions.

Travelodge
is one of the UK’s largest independent hotel chains and operates 590 properties
across the UK, Ireland and Spain. It is one of the few hotel chains to have
invested in its own, nationwide maintenance team.

Scott
Rutherford, Travelodge Director of Technical Services, said: “Our mission is to
deliver affordable travel for everyone, and to become a Greener Travelodge. We
are delighted to be one of the first UK companies to choose the new
Mercedes-Benz eVito, which drives like a dream. We are one of the biggest hotel
chains in London, and these electric vans will certainly help us to reduce our
carbon footprint.”

Travelodge’s new vans are the subject of a
Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreement. eVito operators benefit from the
low cost of electricity compared to diesel and petrol, as well as favourable
tax rates and E-mobility support programmes.

Van Sales Manager Gez O’Reilly and his
Midlands Truck & Van colleague, Van Sales Executive Josh Yarnell, secured
for their customer the maximum available grant from the Office for Low Emission
Vehicles (OLEV) prior to handover, relieving Mr Rutherford and his colleagues
of the hassle of having to do so retrospectively.

The
reduction in the capital cost of the two vehicles is reflected in the
attractively priced monthly contract hire rates. So, too, is the fact that the
relative simplicity of its electric motor means the eVito’s maintenance and
repair costs are substantially lower than those of a vehicle with combustion
engine.

“The
eVito is the ideal size for our maintenance engineers, and we’ll now be
monitoring the performance of these first two electric vans closely to see how
this technology can be applied more widely across our business,” added Mr
Rutherford.

The
eVito’s electric motor produces 114 hp and drives the front wheels via a
single-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is instantaneous, while top speed
is restricted as standard to 50 mph (80 km/h), although this can be increased
on request. The column-mounted selector allows drivers to choose between C, E
and E+ (Comfort, Eco and Extended range) settings.

Fully
recharged in six hours from a wall box or at a charging station using a Type-2
connection, the 41 kWh battery is securely mounted in a protective housing
beneath the cargo floor, so does not impinge on the load area. The eVito’s
range – 90-plus miles is comfortably enough for the overwhelming majority of
city-based applications – is supplemented by recuperative charging, but will be
reduced by constant driving with a full load.

The
eVito comes with Mercedes PRO connect as standard. This advanced manufacturer
solution provides operators with an array of fast, efficient and cost-effective
vehicle management service packages. Vehicle data is analysed in real time –
everything from fuel consumption to vehicle locations, trip history,
maintenance status and driver behaviour can be monitored. Dedicated electric
features allow customers, for example, to locate a charge station, optimise
route planning, remotely check the charge status of the vehicle, and
pre-condition its temperature ahead of the journey.

travelodge.co.uk

Montracon is pleased to announce that its MT45 Machinery Carriers range has been shortlisted for the Heavies Awards 2020.

Montracon’s MT45 Machinery Carrier product has been shortlisted for Innovation of the Year Trailer (medium weight 3-5 axles) at the up and coming “Heavies Awards 2020”

The Heavies recognises and rewards industry excellence, innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality across the entire spectrum of the heavy and abnormal load road haulage sector.

To be shortlisted shows that Montracon has achieved the very highest standard, as judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

The winner will be announced on Friday 20th March 2020, be sure to check back then to find out if we have won.

Best of breed: The stunning Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport with dog-carrying conversion which Midlands Truck & Van will be presenting at this week’s Crufts.

Midlands Truck & Van sets its Mercedes-Benz show on the road

Ambitious Midlands Truck & Van is preparing to showcase award-winning Mercedes-Benz vehicles at two major events which take place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

The Dealer has commissioned a Mercedes-Benz Vito van with bespoke canine carrying conversion, for display on its stand at Crufts 2020, starting on Thursday (5 March).

Then, in April, Midlands Truck & Van presents a truck and no fewer than five vans – including two fully electric eVito models – at the Commercial Vehicle Show. All will be in the liveries of high-profile customers of the Dealership.

It will be the first time a Mercedes-Benz Dealer has exhibited at the UK road transport industry’s flagship event, and represents a substantial investment by Midlands Truck & Van.

The company’s decision to attend reflects its determination to provide the best possible representation for the brands it represents, and also to ‘spread the word’ about the exciting developments currently taking place within its own business.

Work is now well underway on the construction of a £7-million Dealership in Birmingham. Scheduled to open in October, its new headquarters is taking shape on a seven-acre brownfield site in the city’s Smethwick district.

Meanwhile, Midlands Truck & Van recently spent £3 million on the acquisition and refurbishment of the former Mercedes-Benz of Coventry car dealership in Whitley. It is now one of the country’s biggest Mercedes-Benz van showrooms.

The Dealer’s third branch, in Willenhall, Wolverhampton, is also still relatively new, having opened at the end of 2015. It was developed at a cost of £4 million.

“These are hugely exciting times for our business,” declared Midlands Truck & Van Managing Director Steve Hunt. “We want to shout about our successes, and our heart of England locations mean the NEC is the perfect venue at which to do so. We look forward to welcoming established and prospective customers, as well as representatives of the manufacturer and other guests, to our stands at Crufts and the CV Show.” 

Midlands Truck & Van will also be participating at a host of other events this year. Steve continued: “The latest Mercedes-Benz Trucks, FUSO light trucks, and Mercedes-Benz Vans ranges lead the field in terms of technological innovation. As a result, they offer exemplary levels of reliability and costs of operation, safety and driver appeal.

“Our role is to deliver the first-class experiences that customers for vehicles bearing the three-pointed star or three diamonds badges are entitled to expect. The substantial investments we’re making in our branch infrastructure, and in the development of our people, reflect this company’s commitment to building partnerships with operators that stand the test of time.”

The dynamic Vito Sport 116 CDI which Midlands Truck & Van is taking to Crufts was converted to ‘dog walker’ specification by Vantastec, of Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. Despite being an L1 (compact) crew van model with a second row of seats, it offers flexible, robust accommodation for up to five dogs of varying sizes.

Two cages are mounted to the floor rails, and there are two smaller ones above, one of which can be divided in two. Each cage has ‘escape hatch’ for use in the event of an accident, and the entire system can be unbolted and removed completely.

The roll call of vehicles on the Midlands Truck & Van stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show which runs from 28-30 April will include new electric eVito models offering zero tailpipe emissions, in the colours of Europcar and Travelodge. Also appearing will be Diesel-engined Citan, Vito and Sprinter models belonging, respectively, to Tructyre, Really Awesome Coffee, and Clancy Docwra, and a tractor unit from the new Actros range – International Truck of the Year 2020 – in CEVA Logistics livery.

Visit Midlands Truck & Van at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham:

• Crufts, 5-8 March, Stand 4-148

• CV Show, 28-30 April, Stand 5A20

A dog walker’s dream: The Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport features a bespoke Vantastec conversion and can carry up to five pets of different sizes.

Spreading the word: Van Sales Executive Josh Yarnell will be among those manning the Midlands Truck & Van stand at Crufts 2020

Try this for size: French bulldog Piglet can scarcely contain her excitement at the prospect of a ride in the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport with Vantastec conversion

Branching out: Midlands Truck & Van’s new Coventry showroom is one of the biggest in the Mercedes-Benz Vans Retail network

Noted for his drive, energy and enthusiasm; his world appearing to have 25 hours in every day and 8 working days in each week during which he uses all DAF systems to great effect and utilizes his strong network, Marcus Kemp was voted DAF UK Dealer Salesman of 2019. This meant that he was asked to join winners from all across Europe at the DAF head office in Eindhoven where he was awarded the 2019 International Dealer Salesman of the year.

In order to identify the winner DAF looked at every ingredient in the sales business. First the total volume contribution, secondly they looked at the performance selling the range (XF, CF and LF), they looked at the percentage of conquest business and at the share of Multi Support contracts and PACCAR Finance contracts. The winner hit the top marks in every single category and beyond the sales volume acts as a perfect ambassador for the DAF brand.

Because he maintained strong relationships with customers and colleagues achieving synergy through clear communication, flexible working and focusing on exceeding customer expectations, adding value to their businesses where at all possible. Marcus closed many orders (900) and ensured that DAF support was maintained in all areas, ensuring successful truck supply and therefore building loyalty for future opportunities.

From all at HTC Group, huge congratulations Marcus on a well-deserved award.

The Mercedes-Benz Econic’s proven durability and highly competitive running costs led Coventry City Council back to local Dealer Midlands Truck & Van for the latest additions to its fleet of refuse collection vehicles.

The authority set five new trucks on the road last summer, and is due to take delivery of a further six over the next few months. They replace Econics which are being stood down, in some cases after nine and even ten years’ reliable service.

Coventry City Council purchased its first Econics in 2003, and the low-entry model quickly established itself as the authority’s refuse collection vehicle of choice. The 40 examples it currently runs represent the backbone of the Council’s domestic and trade waste operation.

The latest trucks are 6×2 Econic 2630 L variants with 7.7-litre ‘straight-six’ engines which produce 220 kW (299 hp) and drive through six-speed Allison automatic gearboxes.

The first five are on domestic rounds, including collections of recyclables. In line with the Council’s previous policy, they were specified with mid-steer axles, while their Dennis Eagle compactor bodies have split bin lifts. The remaining vehicles will be assigned to a commercial waste contract – because access is an issue at some locations, they will be fitted with rear-steer axles which offer enhanced manoeuvrability. Their Dennis Eagle bodies, meanwhile, will have triple bin lifts.

Coventry City Council intends to monitor the performance of these trucks, and gauge driver feedback, before deciding whether the rear-steer set-up will also be more appropriate for mainstream domestic work.

The Mercedes-Benz Econic’s air-conditioned, flat-floored cab is easy to climb in and out of, and walk across, enhancing health and safety for crews. Its deep, wraparound windscreen, and fully glazed, folding side door, meanwhile, offer exemplary levels of Direct Vision, an important factor in helping to protect vulnerable road users.

The Econic also comes with a standard-fit armoury of driver assistance systems which exceed legislative requirements, including Active Brake Assist 4 emergency braking technology with pedestrian recognition capability.

Brian Martin, Assistant Fleet Manager at Coventry City Council, commented: “Mercedes-Benz put a lot of thought into the design of the Econic cab, which is very comfortable. We have had good feedback – the vehicle is exceptionally popular with our drivers and crews.”

He continued: “We work hard to ensure we get good value from our fleet, and we have been very pleased with the Econic. With other vehicles, we’ve worked on a five-year replacement cycle. However, the Econic is noticeably more durable – the fact that it lasts longer means we’ve typically tended to keep ours for seven and sometimes up to 10 years.”

Coventry City Council maintains the Econics in-house at its depot in Whitley, but relies on Midlands Truck & Van for parts and technical support. “Aftersales back-up is crucial,” confirmed Mr Martin. “The Dealer’s local branch is barely a quarter of a mile away and we enjoy a very close working relationship with its Service and Parts teams, who provide excellent support.”

In addition to its refuse collection fleet, Coventry City Council operates other Mercedes-Benz vehicles supplied by Midlands Truck & Van, including a handful of 18-tonne Arocs skiploaders, and wheelchair-accessible Sprinter-based minibuses.

www.coventry.gov.uk