Mercedes-Benz Axor gets into the groove for Micheldever
The UK’s largest independent wholesaler, distributor and retailer of tyres has increased the pressure on its competitors by investing in a new fleet of 15 fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz tractor units.
All 4x2 Axor 1840 models with high-roofed sleeper cabs, they are the first trucks to wear the new ‘big M’ livery of Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS).
The Axors were supplied by south coast dealer Pentagon Commercials and are based at MTS’s depot in Kettering, Northamptonshire, which is operated by leading supply chain solutions provider Wincanton. They represent extensions to the fleet of fast-growing MTS, which has also bought 25 new Montracon trailers.
Group Fleet Manager Malcolm Turnbull explained: “In the past we’ve sub-contracted out our entire trunking operation to Wincanton.
“A change in strategy means that we’re now purchasing our equipment because we believe this will be more cost-effective, as well as presenting us with the opportunity to utilise the vehicle liveries to promote our business. However, we continue to rely on our partners at Wincanton to operate the vehicles on our behalf.”
Winchester-based MTS runs a Mercedes-Benz-dominated fleet of around 300 commercial vehicles across its various operations. Most are Sprinter vans although the line-up also includes rigid trucks of various sizes, as well as tractor units.
As well as offering car, motorcycle and off-road tyres, MTS fits exhausts, brakes and shock absorbers. It has two main business units: the Protyre retail chain, which now has 48 outlets following its recent acquisition of the Barry & Wilkinson group in the north-west of England; and a wholesale distribution network of 12 sites which supplies more than 4,500 retailers nationwide.
MTS Group Fleet Manager Malcolm Turnbull, says: “Mercedes-Benz vehicles are reliable, fuel-efficient and popular with our drivers, as well as being backed by excellent manufacturers’ warranties.
“Pentagon’s sales executives Tony Wright (truck) and John Jamieson (van) also provide a first-class service. And so good is the dealer’s parts operation that we buy everything we need from Pentagon, then distribute it ourselves to our various depots around the country.”
And Micheldever CEO Paul Fox added: “As a former Director of Mercedes-Benz I was well aware of their quality and standards. That is why I was happy when the proposal to purchase Mercedes-Benz units was brought forward, and why I was confident to sign off this next major stage of Micheldever’s growth and development.”
Founded in 1972 as a part-time venture providing car servicing and tyres, MTS has since grown relentlessly. With projected sales of six million tyres – 20 per cent of the total UK market – its annual turnover for 2009/10 is forecast to top £283 million.
