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.
Gallery
Check Out Our Instagram
🏆 A huge congratulations to Jordan!
We`re incredibly proud to announce that Jordan, Technician at Ciceley Bolton has been crowned UK & Ireland BusTech Challenge Champion 2026, taking 1st place in this year`s prestigious OMNIplus BusTech Challenge.
The competition recognises the very best bus technicians across the Daimler Buses service network, celebrating outstanding technical expertise, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
As UK & Ireland Champion, Jordan has now qualified for the BusTech Masters Europe Final in Germany, this October, where he`ll represent the UK & Ireland against the top technicians from across Europe.
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Jordan`s dedication, professionalism and technical excellence.
Please join us in congratulating Jordan and wishing him the very best of luck in the European finals! 👏🌍
#MercedesBenz #DaimlerBuses #OMNIplus #BusTechChallenge #Aftersales #TechnicalExcellence
⚡ Keeping your business moving in Central Scotland with next day delivery on Genuine Parts!
Our new parts delivery vehicle is now out and about across Central Scotland, delivering Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts directly to our customers.
With multiple deliveries taking place every day, we`re making it easier than ever to get the right parts, quickly and efficiently.
Get in touch with the team today on our dedicated parts line: 01698 681970
🦖 Welcome to Ciceley Commercials!
Where you can buy:
🚗 Cars
🚐 Vans
🚛 Trucks
🔧 Parts
Need servicing? We’ve got you covered too.
Bring us your:
🚗 Cars
🚐 Vans
🚛 Trucks
🚌 Buses
Our expert technicians will keep your vehicles running at their best.
Disclaimer: We don’t sell dinosaurs… 👀🦖#mercedesbenz #familyrunbuisness #awardwinning #jurrasicpark #dinosaur
I suppose not everyone wants to be a social media sensation 😂 #salesadmin #marketing #mercedesbenz #truck #van
We will always try and help out where we can if something doesn’t go to plan… #acapella #whitechicksmovie #officememe #officefun #singing
Meet Ben, our new, New Van Sales Executive at our Bolton site! #welcome #salesman #quickfirequestions #van #commercial
Who would like to see a Netflix documentary on all things Ciceley? 👀 #behindthescenes #commercialdealership #familyrunbusiness #mercedesbenz
We live and breathe what we do. That’s what makes us so special, here at Ciceley. #mercedesbenz #service #meangirls #serviceadvisor #vanandtruck
Looking for a new challenge?
We`re recruiting across a range of departments and locations. Explore our current vacancies and apply on our website vacancies page.
ciceley.com/vacancies
Are you telling us, we have to wait until Monday to do it all over again!? 🥺 #comedyreel #service #parts #workrelationships #familybusiness
🚧 Exciting progress at Eurocentral! 🚧
Our new Eurocentral Truck site is really starting to take shape, and we’re delighted with how the development is progressing.
Dealer Principal Andy Heys recently visited the site to take a look at the latest progress and give us a tour of what will soon become our state-of-the-art Truck facility, designed to support customers across Scotland and beyond.
With construction moving forward at pace, it’s fantastic to see our vision becoming a reality. We can’t wait to welcome customers and colleagues through the doors when the site opens later this year.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to completion! 👀🚛
#CiceleyCommercials #Eurocentral #Truck #MercedesBenzTrucks #scotland
-
Call Ciceley Commercials on 0333 014 6181
-
We're here to help. You can reach us via phone, email or our online form.
-
Find your local Mercedes-Benz dealer here.
-
Find out more information about your preferred model.