Dual rules say Mercedes customers

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008

Dualiner versions of Mercedes-Benz’s Vito and Sprinter are attracting a healthy level of interest from customers if some of the latest sales achieved by these derivatives are anything to go by. Dualiners have two rows of seats in front and a cargo area at the back allowing a work gang to be transported as well as tools and equipment.

Nottingham-based concrete traffic barrier supplier Hardstaff for example has acquired a Sprinter 313CDI long-bodied high roof 3.5-tonne Dualiner through local dealer Mertrux. Hardstaff had been relying on Vitos, which are smaller, but the latest design of barrier requires its crews to carry more and heavier installation equipment.

Mertux has also supplied a Vito 111CDI long-bodied Dualiner to Balderton, Newark based Creative Buzz. It uses graphic design, video and internet technology to help businesses across the UK create their own distinctive identity, and the Vito is regularly used by film crews and their equipment.

Senior executives aren’t above opting for Dualiners. Harris Transport joint managing director, George Harris, has acquired one as a company car through Andover, Hants based dealer Pentagon; and the Southampton haulier’s new toy definitely stands out from the pack. He’s opted for a Vito Sport-X powered by a 204hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel married to a five-speed automatic gearbox. It boasts 18in Monoblock-S alloy wheels and a deep front spoiler along with air-conditioning and cruise control.

None of this is to suggest that there is a switch away from minibuses. Burnley travel agent Althams Travel has just taken delivery of four factory-built Traveliner minibuses which are being used to ferry clients to and from Manchester and Leeds airports. The nine-seaters — two extra-long-bodied Vito 111CDIs and two long-bodied Sprinter 311CDIs — were sourced from Blackburn dealer Cicely Commercials. Each vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a Parktronic parking and manoeuvring aid.

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