Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are a flyaway success for Thrifty

Soaring business growth at its Heathrow Airport operation and a commitment to customer service prompted Thrifty Car & Van Rental to invest in a pair of eye-catching Mercedes-Benz shuttle buses.

Supplied by local dealer Rygor Commercials, with support from Mercedes-Benz UK’s Fleet Van Sales team, the Sprinter 313CDIs are now being used to ferry passengers in style between the airport’s terminals and Thrifty’s vehicle collection points.

Both vehicles are emblazoned with panels bearing the names not only of Thrifty but also of Dollar Rent a Car. Occupants are able to see out through these panels, but cannot be seen from outside.

Thrifty UK is one of the largest worldwide licensees of the US-based Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group and both brands have significant market share within the UK.

The Sprinters left the Mercedes-Benz factory as Long-bodied panel vans and were then sent to conversion specialist EVM in Kilbeggan, Ireland, where they were transformed into stylish shuttle buses, complete with eight passenger seats and a sizeable luggage compartment.

They have replaced a pair of Medium-length Sprinters, which also had eight seats. Thrifty’s decision to purchase longer vehicles with extra room reflects its dedication to delivering a premium service to the growing number of people it is serving at Heathrow.

Thrifty Car & Van Rentalis one of the fastest growing car rental companies in the UK, and operates from 85 locations nationwide. In addition to the new shuttle buses Thrifty offers 200 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for rent.

Elliot Scott, Fleet Manager at Thrifty Car & Van Rental UK, attributes the upsurge in business to the financial freedom and flexibility afforded by renting, both for business users and private customers.

“Thrifty has just seen a 25 per cent growth year-on-year at Heathrow, which is very welcome news. In order to accommodate this we’ve invested in larger vehicles with extra luggage space so that our customers enjoy a superior level of service from us,” he said.

Mr Scott added: “Our previous Sprinter shuttle buses proved outstandingly reliable while the three-pointed star is synonymous with style, comfort and quality. True to form, these new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are proving a very welcome sight for travellers.”

For more information, visit thrifty.co.uk.