Canim Fruit & Veg goes for growth with new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Dealer S & B Commercials won an order for nine new Sprinter vans from family-owned Canim Fruit & Veg, after its sales executive Michael Yeo concluded a presentation by thanking the firm’s owners in their native Turkish for giving him the opportunity to talk to them.

“It was a very respectful gesture and much appreciated, so we invited Michael to have dinner with us afterwards,” recalls Accounts Manager Erkut Koksal. “Who knows, by the end of the year he might be a fluent Turkish speaker.”

The latest additions to the fast-growing wholesaler and distributor’s fleet of more than 30 vans are Long-bodied, high-roofed 313 CDI models with smooth and economical 129 hp engines limited to 70 mph. All are from the new Sprinter range introduced late last year, and recognisable by a more sculpted bonnet, near vertical, wedge-shaped radiator grille with perforated slats, and revised, more angular headlights.

New Sprinter raises economy and safety to previously unseen levels. Fuel efficiency is improved by seven per cent over the outgoing version, with BlueEFFICIENCY variants – which incorporate a raft of additional measures designed to further reduce diesel consumption – up by a further six per cent, to as much as 44.4 mpg.

The vehicle’s safety armoury, meanwhile, includes several world ‘firsts’, among them the Crosswind Assist system, which detects sudden strong gusts of wind and helps to prevent the van drifting out of its lane by applying individual brakes on one side of the vehicle. The host of electronic aids additionally available as options includes Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Canim Fruit & Veg operates from headquarters in Enfield, North London – it has a second depot in the city and another in Sheffield, and plans to open three more in the next few months. The first of these will be in Bristol, from which Canim will supply customers across South-West England and Wales.

Managing Director Aydin Maraslioglu attributes Canim Fruit and Veg’s success to the wide range and high quality of its fresh produce, and its commitment to service – the company has a very active sales force and offers customers a doorstep delivery service at times to suit them.

Although the latest vans are the first it has purchased from new, Canim has operated pre-owned and rented Mercedes-Benz vehicles previously. “We’ve always been happy with our Sprinters,” he confirms. “The running costs are very competitive and they lead the market when it comes to safety.

“Reliability is crucial too, because these vehicles start very early and cover big distances, often in heavy traffic. The three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty is very reassuring, although we’ve never been let down by a Mercedes.”

Canim Fruit and Veg supplies a diverse customer base, including retailers, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and hotels. Mr Koksal continues: “We also supply schools and other public bodies, so we are particularly conscious of our responsibilities and do all we can to reduce emissions and our impact on the environment. This was another factor which weighed in favour of the new Sprinter, as were its extended service intervals.”

He adds: “S & B Commercials is clearly a very professional and customer-focused dealer and we are looking forward to doing more business in the very near future.”

For more information, visit canimfruitandveg.co.uk.