BOOST: Mercedes enjoy Scottish boom
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles are underlining their commitment to truck and van operators in Scotland’s north-east and highlands by embarking on a major programme of investment.
Within just ten months of being awarded their Aberdeen franchise, the dealer have already transformed their facility on the Altens Industrial Estate.
They have spent a whopping £120,000 on refurbishing the showroom and offices, customer waiting lounge, parts and service receptions, and nine-bay workshop.
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen have also introduced a tachograph installation, calibration and repair service.
The focus has now switched to the final, £180,000 phase of the development project.
Having extended the workshop to create an additional bay, the dealer is now fitting it out for use as an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF).
Here, inspectors from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will undertake MOT tests on trucks of all makes.
Meanwhile, parent company Caledonian Truck and Van have acquired a site in Nairn, near Inverness, from where they will serve operators in the far north.
Work is scheduled to begin soon on an extension and wholesale redevelopment of the former council depot, located on the main Aberdeen to Inverness road.
Once complete, this facility will comprise a modern, comprehensively-equipped workshop with three dedicated truck bays and another four for vans, a well-stocked parts department, and sales and administration offices.
Both projects are being overseen by Alex Barron, Dealer Principal, and recently-appointed Colin Birnie, Group Aftersales Manager, who leads the company’s service and parts teams.
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen and their sister operation in Inverness are responsible for sales and support of the German manufacturer’s truck and van ranges, and Fuso Canter light trucks.
Mr Barron said: “There are huge opportunities to grow the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle business in this region, and particularly our share of the heavy truck market.
“It was for this reason that one of the first things we did on taking up the franchise was recruit Andrew Rennie, a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge of the transport industry here in the north-east, to be our new Truck Sales Manager.
“But we recognise that if we’re to achieve our ambitious targets then we must also prove to operators that we can provide them with the all-important maintenance, repair and parts back-up on which they can rely to keep their vehicles out on the road and earning.
“That’s why we’ve brought Colin Birnie in, and that’s why we’re investing so heavily to provide the smart, efficient facilities that our customers and colleagues deserve.”
