AMTRAK''S GROWTH BOOSTED BY MERCEDES DELIVERY
13 October 2005 - Mercedes-Benz

Amtrak Express Parcels is dispatching a new fleet of Mercedes-Benz vans across the UK to serve its rapidly expanding business customer network.

The company has ordered 40 long-wheelbase, high-roofed Sprinter 311CDIs after successful trials of the model in the West Midlands. Follow-up orders are also likely as Amtrak’s ambitious growth strategy gathers pace – recent new business ‘wins’ have included major home delivery contracts with retailers such as Laura Ashley and Comet.

Supplied by Warrington dealer Enza, and leased through TSB Autolease, its new Sprinters will replace a number of units that have been on short-term hire. Amtrak Express Parcels operates a total fleet of 230 vans from a network of 100 franchised depots.

Safety was a key factor in the company’s decision to place its latest order with Mercedes-Benz. The Sprinter’s standard specification includes the ground-breaking ESP® stability program and ABS anti-lock braking, while Amtrak’s new vans will also be limited to a top speed of 75 mph and fitted with additional rear protection bars.

''Due to an upsurge in our parcel handling and delivery service to core business customers, we needed to find a new vehicle which could provide a more efficient, cost-effective service,'' says Transport Manager Tony Jones.

''The long-wheelbase, high-roofed Sprinter is ideally suited to our operation. Its huge cargo area and very acceptable payload will allow us to improve productivity by making more delivery ‘drops’ per day from each unit.

''We’ve also been running a new Sprinter demonstrator from our depot at Aldridge, near Walsall, and that has flown through its trials, proving an excellent all-rounder and returning an impressive 24 mpg. So not only can we meet the tightest of deadlines, we can also do so in an environmentally friendly way.''

The Sprinters will be based at depots nationwide and maintained by the most conveniently located Mercedes-Benz dealers. ''The availability of night-time servicing, coupled with the Mercedes Service 24h emergency roadside assistance scheme, means we will be able to restrict downtime to an absolute minimum, thus relieving pressure on our delivery network,'' adds Mr Jones.

''We are delighted with the way the package has come together and are optimistic that the Sprinter will prove to be an important asset in enabling us to maintain and further improve upon the very high level of service demanded by our customers.''

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

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