Nissan Interstars bring a breath of fresh air

Nissan has joined forces with ALD Automotive and Bri-Stor systems to supply Air Products with a unique fleet of vans.

Air Products will use an initial fleet of 102 Nissan Interstar vans leased from ALD Automotive and uniquely equipped by Bri-Stor Systems to deliver its innovative new medical gas delivery service to over 50,000 patients across seven regions in England and Wales.

The four year 72,000 mile contract focuses on the supply of Interstar 3.5 tonne medium wheelbase, mid-roof models powered by 2.5 litre 115 bhp diesel engines in special order twin side load door specification.

Air Products, a global supplier of gases, speciality equipment, chemical intermediates and environmental and energy systems, chose the Nissan Interstar because the Interstar’s low floor height facilitates easy and safe entry and exit. In addition, the payload volume and overall specification of the Nissan Interstar was the closest match to Air Product’s requirements.

Paul Gozzard, Nissan’s LCV Fleet Sales Manager says: "Working closely with ALD Automotive and Bri-Stor Systems has proved a very satisfying experience for the whole LCV fleet team. We are confident the fleet of Nissan Interstars will provide reliable and safe transport for Air Products’ essential medical service."

The initial 102 vehicles will be delivered to Air Products by the end of January to enable the company to meet its oxygen delivery obligations under the terms of a new NHS contract. Further Nissan Interstar vehicles are expected to be delivered to Air Products in 2006 and orders for additional bulk liquid oxygen carrying vehicles have already been placed.

All vans are equipped with ProFleet2, ALD Automotive’s unique risk management-inspired technology that will help Air Products comply with duty of care legislation without the HR concerns normally associated with in-car telemetry. Mileage and journey times are automatically recorded and can be accessed online by employees.

Meanwhile, for each van Bri-Stor Systems has developed a unique, two compartment, internal racking layout which allows various combinations of large 15kg oxygen cylinders, small, four packs of oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrator machines.

ALD Automotive LCV national sales manager John McMinn said: "This contract has been a demanding process taking up the best part of eight months to reach completion for the supply of the first vehicles.

"Throughout, Nissan’s LCV Fleet team has been extremely supportive and created just the right conditions to move this complicated contract forward. The partnership with Air Products’ management and engineers has been excellent and together with our suppliers, we have built exceptional vehicles that will support Air Products in its service delivery in a safe, efficient and professional manner."

Chris Daw, Air Products’ regional homecare service supervisor, said: "All parties concerned in providing these new homecare service vehicles have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to providing Air Products with the optimum bespoke vehicle delivery solution. The specification of these vans has been developed in conjunction with the Air Products engineers and technicians who will be using them and we believe we have achieved the best vehicle to give those requiring medical oxygen an efficient and responsive service."