Mercedes-Benz Vans of Stockport has delivered a new fleet of vehicles for family-owned Hazel Grove business, Alexander Windows.
Part of the LSH Auto UK group, Mercedes-Benz Vans of Stockport has provided the window specialists with eight black Sprinters, which came with 4G internet connectivity as standard, as well as a pair of Vito models.
Established by proprietor Steve Wood (pictured) and his wife Gaenor in 1991, Alexander Windows supplies and installs a broad range of tailor-made windows and doors for homeowners and trade customers. The company took advantage of a Mercedes-Benz Finance funding package, including part-exchanging their previous fleet.
The Woods’ daughter Emily and son Alexander – after whom they named the business – both also work for the family concern. Its decision to launch an innovative 360-degree interactive ‘virtual showroom’ during the lockdown has been instrumental in helping the company to maintain business levels through the pandemic. Alexander Windows’ founder, Steve Wood said:
The huge increase in the number of Mercedes-Benz vans you see these days has certainly helped to make the brand more attractive to me. When I started out and there were a lot fewer on the road, I always felt there was an issue in terms of perception – had you rolled up in a new Mercedes-Benz back then, prospective customers were likely to think you’d be too expensive.
“That no longer applies. It’s still a premium product, of course, and I’d like to think our new vans will only enhance our own reputation for quality and service. But no-one’s going to think you’re charging too much these days, simply because you run a fleet of Sprinters. On the contrary, it feels like the ‘go to’ vehicle now, for professional, well managed businesses like our own.”
Mercedes PRO connect provides operators with a range of fast, efficient and cost-effective vehicle management services. As well as pinpointing its location in real time, the system monitors everything from the van’s maintenance status to the efficiency of the driver’s style at the wheel, and even the amount of fuel in the tank. It also provides high-level navigation, communication and security services, and allows fleet managers to control certain vehicle functions remotely. The Sprinter also comes as standard with the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system, which features a user-friendly voice control function. Steve Wood commented:
I test drove one of the Dealer’s demonstrators and was really impressed with the comfort and quality of the cab. The engine was extremely smooth and quiet, and the whole experience was more reminiscent of a high-quality car then a van. What’s more, the in-built Mercedes PRO connect technology also allows me to manage my fleet without having to rely on a third-party system, as we’ve done previously.”
Meanwhile, the Sprinter’s reassuring armoury of market-leading safety features includes the autonomous Active Brake Assist system with another ‘first’ in the shape of pedestrian recognition technology, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired.
Mr Wood added:
The service we’ve received from Joe and his colleagues at Mercedes-Benz Vans of Stockport has been excellent. The Dealer arranged for the vehicles to be ply-lined, and for all of the Sprinters with the exception of the longest to be fitted with rear steps which are linked to the reversing sensors.
“The fleet looks amazing. We couldn’t be happier with our new Mercedes-Benz vans, and the same is true of the crews who use them.”
