Spire Healthcare goes back to the future with Mercedes-Benz Atego

So impressed was Spire Healthcare with its first batch of Mercedes-Benz Atego 7.5-tonners that when the time finally came to replace them after nearly eight years of reliable, cost-effective service, it opted to do so with a like-for-like fleet bearing the three-pointed star.

Not, though, before the leading private hospital operator had undertaken a comprehensive evaluation process which entailed trialling demonstration vehicles and receiving tenders from several other manufacturers.

“The criteria on which our acquisition decision was based included price, R&M service, vehicle performance and account management,” explains Gill Kite, Spire Healthcare’s Senior Buyer – Indirect.

“The respondents were scored and Mercedes-Benz came out on top in all areas. We also invited our drivers to test and comment on the various demonstrators and their feedback was also factored in – the Mercedes was definitely the drivers’ choice.”

The seven Atego 816s are based at Spire Healthcare’s National Distribution Centre in Droitwich, Worcestershire. Supplied by Kidderminster dealer Rygor Commercials, they are the subject of a CharterWay contract hire agreement with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, under which each will cover some 115,000 miles a year.

The trucks are powered by fuel-efficient 150hp, 4.25-litre engines. Like all Atego models with manual transmissions they also came fitted as standard with the MSS (Motor Stop Start) system. This further boosts economy and cuts emissions, simply by switching off the engine whenever the vehicle is in neutral and stationary for three seconds – for example in heavy traffic or at lights – then switching it back on again automatically as soon as the driver depresses the clutch.
 

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