Asbestos removal firm cleans up with Mercedes vans11 June 2014

Asbestos removal business Rhodar has invested in 15 new Mercedes vans – 14 Sprinters and one Vito – in a bid to reduce its fuel bills.

Supplied by dealer Northside Truck & Van, the Sprinters are all 313 CDI models and equipped with fuel-saving Eco-Start systems. This automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary for three seconds, then re-starts it as soon as the driver depresses the clutch.

Most of Leeds-based Rhodar's 180-strong fleet are Mercedes, but the latest additions replaced another marque which was proving thirsty and expensive to maintain.

"We know from experience that the Sprinter is extremely cost effective to operate and very reliable," says Steven Haigh, group fleet manager. Another deciding factor was the dealer's ability to service the vehicles outside of working hours.

The Vito 113 CDI is a Dualiner variant, with a second row of seats to carry four passengers. It joins nine other Vito vans on the fleet.

The new vans are now transporting work crews, tools and equipment to sites across the UK. Some tow mobile decontamination units for the operatives.

Like all new Sprinters, Rhodar's are fitted as standard with Trailer Stability Assist, which works with the vehicles' Adaptive ESP (electronic stability programme) to counteract sway and make towing easier and safer.

Northside has also supplied Rhodar's parent company Lexia Solutions Group with a Mercedes-Benz Citan, which is now working for its demolition division. It has been taken on a CharterWay contract hire through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

Author
Laura Cork

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