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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It was a pleasure to welcome Richard Skidmore to our new Eurocentral dealership yesterday, on what was an incredibly significant day as he was announced as the new Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK.
Firstly, congratulations to Richard on his well-deserved appointment. With his extensive industry knowledge, strong leadership and deep understanding of both our network and our customers, there’s no doubt he is exceptionally well placed to lead Daimler Truck UK into its next chapter. Building on the strong growth and success achieved by Daimler Truck in recent years, we are confident Richard will continue to drive the business forward. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership under his leadership.
Richard`s visit also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the fantastic progress being made on our new £8 million, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Buses dealership at Eurocentral.
The project is progressing exactly as planned, with the facility firmly on track for completion in October, ahead of welcoming our first customers in the first week of November. Each week brings us closer to opening what will be one of the UK’s most advanced commercial vehicle dealerships, delivering an exceptional experience for customers across Scotland and providing a first-class environment for our colleagues and manufacturer partners.
Thank you to Richard for taking the time to visit us during such an exciting week. We look forward to welcoming you back when the doors officially open.
#MercedesBenzTrucks #DaimlerTruckUK #Eurocentral #CommercialVehicles
🚨 We`re Hiring – Service Advisor 🚨
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and looking for your next career move?
We`re looking for a Service Advisor to join our award-winning team at Ciceley Commercials Darwen.
As the first point of contact for our customers, you`ll play a key role in ensuring vehicles are maintained and returned to the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you`re organised, customer-focused and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we`d love to hear from you. View the full job description and apply on our website.
What a fantastic day at our Ciceley golf day at @boltonoldlinksgolf ⛳
The weather may have tested us with a wet start, but once the skies cleared it turned into a brilliant day of golf, great company, and friendly competition.
We`re also delighted to have raised £535 for @eastlancshospice – a cause that means so much to our team and local community. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make the day such a success.
Take a look at some of the highlights from a memorable day on the course! 🎥🏌️♂️💙
To celebrate our recent recognition as Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year and Service Team of the Year, colleagues across the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch from @gogetstuffed 🍟
A huge thank you to Team Ciceley for your hard work, dedication and commitment. These awards are yours. 👏
STOP SCROLLING! Call us and give the code ‘ LUTON750 ‘ for a further £750 off the marked price! #exclusive #offer #mercedesbenz #sprinter #luton
Blind guessing what van it is, based on nothing but sounds 👀 #mercedesbenz #vans #humour #vito #esprinter
A fantastic review for our Used Van Sales Executive, Mike Bishop, at Blackburn 👏
Delivering excellent customer service, expert advice and a smooth handover experience is what it’s all about — well done Mike.
If you`re in the market for a used vehicle, please take a look at our stock page now: https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/new-used-van-stock/
Keep your car performing at its best with Ciceley Genuine Parts 🔧
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Get in touch with your registration for a tailored quote today.
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Getting into a van in 30 degree heat isn’t fun… BUT we’ve got a solution!!! #vanlife #mercedesme #preentry #climatecontrol #michaeljackson
We caught up with our Dealer Principal, Andy Heys. We asked him some questions about our recent MAR20X renovation. #awardwinning #mercedesbenz #commercial #dealer #truckandvan
Another amazing review for our Blackburn Service Team who continue to deliver outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer who visits us.
From expert support in the workshop to the all-important coffee ☕ — it’s great to see the team’s hard work recognised!
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