Mercedes-Benz reliability wins Mike Reid’s backing

Ten years of reliable service from its Mercedes-Benz vans, allied to first-class support from the manufacturer’s UK dealer network, meant there was only one place Mike Reid Couriers was going to go when it needed a pair of new vehicles.

The Aberdeen-based company returned to city dealer John R. Weir Truck & Van for its latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313CDI and Vito 109CDI Dualiner.

The Sprinter was supplied with a factory-fitted dropside body, while the Vito Dualiner came with a second row of seats and glazed sliding side doors, allowing it to carry five people in comfort while still retaining a useful cargo area.

Mike Reid Couriers serves a customer base the majority of which are suppliers to the offshore energy industry. The firm offers courier, freight-forwarding and urgent ‘hot-shot’ delivery services from its Dyce depot, and also represents TNT contract in the local area.

“We use the Sprinter to make local collections and deliveries on that contract, and for trips to and from the TNT hub in Aberdeen, as well for our own-account work,” says Mr Reid.

“The Vito, meanwhile, has replaced two vehicles – a smaller van and my old family car. I’m now using it for everything from local deliveries around Aberdeen, to hot-shots down to Heathrow, and family days out at the weekend. It’s ideal for all of these purposes.”

Mr Reid bought his first Mercedes-Benz in 2001 and has remained loyal to the brand ever since. “The vans have proved superbly reliable and very cost-effective over some pretty high mileages,” he asserted.

“I’ve only ever had one problem, while I was far from home on an urgent delivery run to London – I made one call to Mercedes-Benz and a mobile technician found me, fixed the fault and had me back on the road in less than an hour. The knowledge that such comprehensive roadside rescue and recovery cover is there, gives me great peace of mind.”

Mr Reid added: “The service we receive from our local dealer is excellent too. Sales executive Ross Duthie is always efficient and helpful, and we have a very good relationship with John R. Weir’s service team.

“As a dedicated commercial vehicle dealer, rather than a car retailer which also sells a few vans, they appreciate the pressures we face and are always ready to help, either by servicing our vehicles overnight, or providing a loan vehicle should we need it.”