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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The Mercedes-Benz diesel van range is built to keep your business moving. From the compact Citan to the versatile Vito and award-winning Sprinter, we’ve got the perfect van for every job.
🔥 Exclusive offers available now:
✅ Citan from £185* per month
✅ Vito from £395* + VAT per month
✅ Sprinter from £609* + VAT per month
✅ Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
Don’t miss out — these deals are only available while stocks last!
https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/offers/diesel-offers/
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! 🙌
As a proud family-run business, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting operators with exceptional service, strong relationships, and continued investment in the future. This new site marks an exciting new chapter for us — bringing our people-first approach and trusted Mercedes-Benz expertise to a whole new region.
The Eurocentral dealership will feature:
🔧 12 workshop bays
🚛 Full sales, service & parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz trucks
🚌 Service and parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz buses
🧰 An Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane
👷 Around 40 new local jobs
Construction starts soon, with a temporary workshop opening mid-2026 and the full dealership launching autumn 2026.
Read the full story on our website.
🚛 Ciceley Commercials Joins the Actros L ProCabin Tour! 🚛
Yesterday we joined Mercedes-Benz Trucks at Route 74 Truckstop, Glasgow, for the Actros L ProCabin Tour — giving drivers the chance to step inside the next generation of comfort and innovation.
The Actros L ProCabin is more than just a truck – it’s a workspace, a rest space, and a tech hub on wheels.
✨ Here’s what makes it stand out:
🖥️ Digital Cockpit & MirrorCam for ultimate visibility
🪑 Ergonomic Design built for all-day comfort
🔋 Outstanding Efficiency that delivers every mile
We loved seeing everyone who stopped by to take a look inside, chat with the team, and experience the future of trucking first-hand.
Go further, cleaner, and quieter with the Mercedes-Benz electric van range. Whether it’s the eCitan, eVito, or eSprinter, enjoy zero-emission driving, impressive range, and fast charging times — all with premium Mercedes-Benz quality.
✅ The eCitan from £249* + VAT per month
✅ The eVito from £495* + VAT per month
✅ The eSprinter from £595* + VAT per month
Including:
4 FREE services
Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty
Switch to electric today and keep your business moving sustainably! See our website for more details.
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
🐝 From Hive to Jar! 🍯
Today we visited @eastlancshospice with our Beekeeper John to watch how he turns our MerceBEES hard work into delicious honey! 🌼
It was fantastic to share the experience with the hospice’s staff and patients, showing how the honeycomb is spun, sieved, and jarred to create the finished product.
This year, we’re proud to be selling our Ciceley honey with all profits donated to our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice – supporting the incredible work they do every day. 💛
Our MerceBEES have been busy since we first introduced four hives and 320,000 bees to our Blackburn and Darwen sites as part of our ongoing sustainability journey. 🐝
🏁 On 5th September, our all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completed the 2025 EV Rally, driving from West Bromwich to Tatton Park, Cheshire ⚡🚛.
Along the way we:
☕ Recharged at Peak View Tea Rooms
🚚 Stopped at Sixt Van & Truck, Eccles
☀️ Showcased clean energy at Chamber House Solar Farm, Rochdale
🌳 And crossed the finish line at Tatton Park
Covering 248km fully loaded at 40t, the eActros 600 proved its range, efficiency, and cost savings – highlighting that zero-emission trucking isn’t the future, it’s here today. Get in touch with the team to put the eActros to the test
#evrally #explorer #collaboration #solarpower
✨ Another fantastic review for our Blackburn team! ✨
We’re proud to provide a service that makes things simple, stress-free and reliable for our customers.
Read more of our customer reviews here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
🍂 Autumn is here, and so are the chilly mornings!
Did you know that with the Mercedes-Benz app, you can pre-heat your electric Mercedes-Benz van before you even step outside?
✅ Warm and comfortable from the moment you get in
✅ Defrosted windows without scraping ice
All managed straight from your phone, giving you convenience and comfort whatever the weather.
❄️ A smart way to start your day as we head into winter.
⚽ Ciceley Takes on the Vantasy Football League! ⚽
Today, our Ciceley football team proudly represented us at the Mercedes-Benz Vantasy Football League at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football!
Competing alongside eight teams made up of van drivers and Mercedes-Benz Van dealers from across the country, our squad battled hard and made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing an impressive 3rd place overall! 🥉💪
The Vantasy Football initiative is about more than just football – it’s a fantastic campaign supporting mental health awareness for van drivers, many of whom work in isolating roles. We`re proud to support this important cause. 💙
A huge shout out to our amazing team:
Rob Claringbold, Gary Bridge, Jack Burgess, Matthew Coombe, Alex Lewis, Lee Holden, and Damian Holroyd – a brilliant mix from across our Sales, Service, IT, Accounts and Management teams.
Well played, team! 👏⚽
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/vantasy-football.html
#VantasyFootball #MercedesBenzVans #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamCiceley #StGeorgesPark #VanLife #FootballForGood
🌍 Tomorrow we’ll be at GreenFleet LIVE! 2025 in Rochdale!
Come and see us to explore the latest in electric vans and sustainable fleet solutions — and chat with our team about how we can support your journey to net zero. ⚡🚛
We’re looking forward to meeting fleet, transport and sustainability professionals from across the UK. See you there!
#GreenFleetLIVE #ElectricVehicles #CleanFleet #NetZero #LCV #Sustainability #CiceleyCommercials
☀️ Our eActros 400 has been out and about in sunny Scotland yesterday, with driver training sessions led by Jordan Lowe and Richard.
Great to see more drivers getting behind the wheel and experiencing the future of fully electric transport first-hand! ⚡🚛
#eActros #ElectricTrucks #DrivingTheFuture #CiceleyCommercials
💬 More great feedback for our Carlisle team!
This is what we`re all about — great service and working to keep you moving.
👉 Book your next visit with our team by contacting them today
https://ow.ly/baCN50WXZVc
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