MCE saddles up with Premium Edition Mercedes-Benz Sprinters
As the UK’s number one provider of cover for motorcyclists, it was only fitting that MCE Insurance should have chosen Premium Editions when ordering their new Mercedes-Benz vans.
The independently owned, fast-growing company operates from a state-of-the-art call centre and storage facility in Rushden, Northamptonshire.
MCE’s 10 Sprinter 314 CDIs are being supplied by local Dealer Intercounty Truck & Van. As Premium Edition models they feature eye-catching chrome-effect grilles, special wheel trims and badging, as well as integrated Becker® MAP PILOT satellite navigation and Audio 15 colour screen infotainment systems, TEMPMATIC air-conditioning, Comfort driver’s seats with arm-rests, and outside temperature indicators.
Intercounty pulled out all the stops to deliver the first five vans for its new customer within just three-and-a-half weeks of the order being placed. They will be worked hard, with each expected to clock-up some 90,000 miles per year.
Their stylish good looks and strking liveries were provided by Kettering based Sign of the Times – the Sprinters will be gathering a lot of attention on roads across the country, so keep on the lookout.
Their primary function will be collecting damaged motorcycles and delivering back replacement and/or repaired motorcycles to and from customers nationwide.
Each van is fitted with a retractable loading ramp and can accommodate up to four bikes. To ensure safe, secure transportation, Intercounty reinforced the cargo area floors and wheel boxes before adding rails and fixing points, and lined the interiors with heavy-duty ply then fixed additional, protective strips at handlebar height to prevent damage to the side walls. It also installed LED lighting, and roof vents to prevent fumes from fuel spillages entering the cab.
Once the last of its new vehicles has been delivered, MCE Insurance will be running 18 Sprinters. Although this is the first time it has done business with Intercounty Truck & Van, the company purchased its first eight examples of the multi-award-winning Mercedes-Benz when it brought the transport function in-house five years ago.
Head of Claims Centre Anthony Baxendale explained: “We had been using a sub-contractor who ran Sprinters and, of course, you see plenty going up and down the motorway in the colours of major fleet operators. Our first Sprinters have lived up to all our hopes and expectations. Despite the high mileages involved, they have been supremely reliable and cost-effective to operate.”
He continued: “Our drivers enjoy their Sprinters, particularly the new Premium Edition versions, while the vehicle’s market-leading safety armoury is an important attribute – we particularly like the Crosswind Assist system, which helps the driver to retain control in the event the vehicle is hit by a sudden gust. So, too, are the reassuring three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, and MobiloVan cover, which includes free emergency roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.”
MCE are the UK’s leading provider of Motorcycle Insurance. With group revenues of £140m, MCE will this year insure 1 in every 5 motorcycles on the road in the UK. Whilst providing cover for commuters, hobbyists and classic enthusiasts, MCE also provides specialist cover for Fleet motorcycles, delivering flexible solutions for food delivery and couriers.
“We’re a very brand-conscious business and, as a symbol of outstanding quality, the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star complements our own image perfectly,” Mr Baxendale continued.
“Although Intercounty didn’t supply our first Sprinters, the Dealer’s Wellingborough branch is relatively close to our headquarters and we’ve been relying on its workshop team for maintenance support. Their service is excellent.
“Meanwhile, as far as our 10 new vans are concerned, the sales ‘journey’ has been fantastic. Sales Executive Shaun Masters has done all he could to make life easy and hassle-free for us, for example by arranging the body conversions and liaising with our graphics supplier. We gave him a very tight timescale for delivery of the first five vans and he nailed it!”
