BID Group opens its doors to a new fleet of Mercedes-Benz vans from Ciceley Commercials

So pleased was Bolton-based industrial doors manufacturer BID Group with the six Mercedes-Benz vans it has just acquired from Ciceley Commercials that it promptly returned with a follow-up order for another 11.

In addition to the vehicles themselves the operator has been highly impressed with its local Dealer’s attentive customer service, and with the manufacturer’s market-leading nationwide aftersales support.

BID Group has run Mercedes-Benz vans in the past but switched entirely in 2015 to another brand, whose vehicles were cheaper ‘up front’. “We found, though, that not only were those vans less reliable, but the back-up also fell far short of what we’d come to expect,” explained Fleet Manager Scott Murdoch.

Having gone ‘back to the future’ by commissioning its first batch of new Sprinters, the company is now looking forward to the arrivals of six more, as well as five mid-sized Vito models.

Like those already on the road the next consignment of Sprinters will be 314 CDI variants with medium-length L2 bodies and standard H1 roofs. Their 143 hp engines will drive the front wheels through nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmissions. Rear- and all-wheel drive Sprinters are also available.

Their range-topping PREMIUM trimline means BID Group’s drivers benefit from features such as air-conditioning, a Comfort seat, and a Parking Package with reversing camera and integral Parking ASSIST technology. Zinc Roofracks, of Atherton, near Wigan, is fitting the Sprinters with internal racking and galvanised roof racks.

The Vito vans, meanwhile, will be 140 hp 114 CDI PROGRESSIVE models with six-speed manual transmissions. Again, BID Group has opted for the higher payload potential of the front-wheel drive configuration in preference to the also available rear-wheel drive alternative.

BID Group runs a fleet of 75 vans, in which several brands are represented. The company employs more than 50 mobile repair teams that use their fully equipped mobile workshops to install and service not only its own doors and associated products, but also those by other manufacturers. The new Sprinters are typically being assigned to two-person installation teams, while the smaller Vito vans will be used by engineers who undertake maintenance jobs for which less equipment is required.

Scott Murdoch continued: “Ciceley Commercials Sales Executive Tom Aitken has worked very hard to win back our business. We know from past experience that Mercedes-Benz vans are exceptionally well built, reliable and safe, and I’ve every confidence that the support we receive will be of the same exacting standard.”

He recalled: “We held a series of meetings during which Tom outlined the comprehensive cover offered by the Mercedes-Benz ServiceCare contract to which we’ve signed-up. Not only does this fix our costs for the term, but it also means we can budget with confidence knowing there are no nasty surprises around the corner.”

Like all new Mercedes-Benz vans, BID Group’s Sprinter and Vito models are also being supplied with three-year, unlimited mileage warranties, while the manufacturer’s MobiloVan cover includes free 24-hour emergency roadside assistance by factory technicians.

“Some of the new vans will work from our headquarters and be maintained at Ciceley Commercials workshop in Bolton,” explained Mr Murdoch. “I’ve visited the site and been impressed with the Dealer’s facilities.

“Others will work from our depots across the UK and be maintained by the most conveniently located members of the manufacturer’s Dealer network. Like Ciceley, most are commercial vehicle specialists, with staff who understand the fact that companies like ours rely on vehicles being available for work to keep our businesses moving. The fact that the majority of workshops remain open into the night will also help us to restrict downtime to an absolute minimum.”

Established in 1985 as Bolton Industrial Doors, BID Group comprises a number of specialist divisions: BID Industrial Doors, Klimate High-Speed Doors, K2 High-Speed Freezer Doors, Trans-Dock Loading Bay Equipment, and PSM Gates & Barriers. It manufactures, installs, maintains and repairs a wide range of doors and related products, and has remained busy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, serving a client base that includes those engaged in the delivery of food, medical equipment and other vital commodities.

BID Group owner and managing director John Thompson added: “We’re delighted to have embarked on a new partnership with Ciceley Commercials, and are looking forward to many years of trouble-free operation from our new Mercedes-Benz vans.”