Van thieves thwarted by Mercedes PRO connect
Van rental specialist Eastgate Commercial Ltd has recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter thanks to the vehicle’s cutting-edge connectivity and a quick-thinking Dealer.
Ciceley Commercials traced the Sprinter by using the Mercedes PRO connect software, which is fitted as standard in the third-generation model range that hit the market last year.
Fast-growing Eastgate Commercial Ltd, which operates from headquarters in Wolverhampton, has acquired 20 Sprinter 314 CDIs. Following its usual practice, it fitted them with aftermarket tracking devices and security cameras. These were intended to protect the vehicles against theft, but criminals who stole one were a step ahead – having smashed their way in, they quickly found and ripped out the tracking equipment, rendering it useless.
“We feared we’d never see that van again,” recalled Buta Singh, who runs the business with his sister Baljit Johal. “We contacted Ciceley Commercials to let them know, but didn’t imagine there was anything they could actually do. The Dealer’s team were really on the ball, though, because they realised immediately that Mercedes PRO connect should be able to help.”
A stand-out feature of the new Sprinter range, Mercedes PRO connect relies on the vehicle’s 4G Internet connectivity to provide customers with access to a range of fast, efficient and cost-effective vehicle management services.
Buta Singh“It’s only thanks to Mercedes PRO connect and Ciceley Commercials that were able to recover our van and avoid what would have been a substantial loss. Once again, I have been left hugely impressed by Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the back-up services that come with them.”
Ciceley’s Bolton branch Sales Manager Gary Bridge, with Service department colleagues, used the system to trace the stolen vehicle’s movements and tracked it down to a yard in Leeds. They informed Police officers who recovered the vehicle just 20 minutes later, virtually intact, save for the missing tracker.
“What a fantastic result!” declared Buta Singh. “The vehicle was clearly going to be shipped abroad or stripped down for parts. If it hadn’t been found so quickly, I’m sure we’d never have seen it again.
By connecting companies with their vehicles, Mercedes PRO connect enables fleet managers to increase efficiency and productivity. As well as pinpointing its location in real time, the system monitors everything from the van’s maintenance status to the efficiency of the driver’s style at the wheel, and even the amount of fuel in the tank. It also provides high-level navigation and communication services, and allows fleet managers to control certain vehicle functions remotely.
New Sprinter’s completely redesigned cab interior also comes as standard with the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system, which features a user-friendly voice control function as standard.
The Sprinter has always been recognised as the benchmark for safety in the van segment, and here, too, the latest version leads the way. New features include the autonomous Active Brake Assist system with pedestrian recognition technology – another industry ‘first’ – and ATTENTION ASSIST, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired.
Ciceley Commercials is the newly-crowned Mercedes-Benz Vans Retailer of the Year. Steve Bridge, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, praised the quick actions of its team. “This is another great example of how, with class-leading vehicles and a willingness always to go the extra mile for our customers, we are striving to keep Britain’s van operators moving,” he said.
Eastgate Commercial Ltd was established just over a year ago. The company is committed to offering rental customers competitive rates coupled with first-class service and the finest vehicles on the market. This explains why it is an exclusively Mercedes-Benz operation. The fleet now numbers more than 200 Vito and Sprinter models, with a further 100 to be added soon.
If you would like to find out more about Mercedes PRO – or the Sprinter, send us your enquiry now and a member of our team will contact you shortly.
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Our Prep Centre and Darwen Service teams were out on Friday and Saturday supporting @eastlancshospice by helping with their Christmas tree collection across Lancashire 🎄💚
Over the course of the collection, our teams travelled a combined 163.2 miles, completing 149 tree pick-ups across Lancashire. Every donation from the collections goes directly to East Lancs Hospice, supporting the vital care they provide to local families.
As our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice is incredibly important to us, and we’re proud to support initiatives like this that make a real difference in our communities.
Dave McGinnes, Darwen Service Manager, commented:
“It’s brilliant to be able to support the hospice and the communities we serve by allowing our teams to volunteer and providing vehicles and resources. This was a real team effort across both sites, and it’s great to see the positive impact we can have by working together for such a worthwhile cause.”
Important Update: Plug-in Truck Grant Enhanced 🚛
The UK Government has announced increased funding for zero-emission trucks, with grants now available up to £120,000 for eligible vehicles.
These enhanced Plug-in Truck Grant rates are available now and apply to zero-emission trucks across Great Britain, but funding is time-limited and first-come, first-served.
Read more on our website.
As we move into the New Year, it’s the ideal time to plan maintenance for your Mercedes-Benz car.
If you need servicing or genuine parts this January, our Bolton site provides manufacturer-approved Mercedes-Benz car servicing delivered by trained technicians.
Get In touch with the team.
0333 014 6181
enquiries@ciceley.com
https://www.ciceley.com/mercedes-benz-passenger-car/
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🎉
As we welcome the New Year, we’d like to thank our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout the past year. It’s been another busy and successful year across all our sites, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
✨ That’s a wrap on 2025! ✨
As we count down to the New Year, we’re looking back at some of our favourite moments from across Ciceley Commercials this year. From exciting vehicle handovers and industry events to site developments and team achievements, it’s been another busy and rewarding year for us all.
A huge thank you to our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout 2025. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🥂🚛🎆
We’ve received some lovely feedback from a customer who recently visited our Blackburn site.
A big thank you to Amy and Laura for delivering great service and making the visit so positive.🌟
Merry Christmas from everyone at Ciceley Commercials 🎄
Wishing our customers, partners and colleagues a very happy Christmas and thank you for your continued support throughout the year. 🎁✨
🎅🚐 Even Santa needs a little help sometimes…
Our 24-hour Roadside Assistance team is on hand throughout Christmas to keep you moving when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s festive deliveries or essential journeys, we’re here day and night, even over the Christmas period.
Because breakdowns don’t take Christmas off — and neither do we. ❄️
See our website for more details.
Still looking for that last minute gift? 🎄
Did you know we stock a range of Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories and Collection items – perfect for those hard-to-buy-for moments?
From stylish gifts like the Mercedes-AMG Monopoly set to practical accessories designed to fit your Mercedes-Benz perfectly, there’s something for every fan of the three-pointed star.
Pop in and speak to the team or give us a call to find the perfect last-minute gift.
01254 697926
www.ciceley.com
Christmas Jumper Day at Ciceley Commercials 🧶🎄
We’ve had a fab time across our sites getting into the festive spirit and raising money for @eastlancshospice 💙
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated and wore their best (and boldest!) Christmas jumpers — all in support of an incredible local charity that does such important work in our community.
Well done team, and thank you for spreading a little Christmas cheer 🎅✨
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 continues to demonstrate what zero-emission transport can achieve, having successfully completed the legendary John O’Groats to Land’s End route in just over 24 hours — the first electric HGV to do so.
Travelling 1,378 km with only three charging stops, the journey showcased the practicality of electric power for long-distance haulage. Running solely on renewable electricity, the 39.5-tonne eActros 600 delivered a range exceeding 500 km per charge, achieved an average efficiency of 1.175 km/kWh, and prevented more than one tonne of CO₂ emissions compared to a diesel equivalent.
This achievement reinforces that electric heavy goods vehicles are already capable of meeting the demands of modern transport operations.
The challenge also supported Globe Truckers UK, helping shine a light on the wellbeing of the drivers who keep our industry moving.
To explore how electric trucks could work for your fleet, speak to the team at Ciceley Commercials today.
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