S.G.SMITH, MERCEDES-BENZ & CHARTERWAY
A SUCCESS STORY FOR CITY NEWSPAPER
Mercedes-Benz CharterWay’s 15th anniversary comes as no news to the Evening Standard who has consistently called on the financier to provide fleet solutions since becoming its first customer in 1992.
Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, alongside dealership SG Smith, has tailored its fleet packages for the city paper as its distribution systems have evolved.
And, with the 135 Evening Standard drivers responsible for distribution throughout Greater London and beyond, the paper’s Transport Manager says having a reliable fleet is ‘worth its weight in gold’.
The Evening Standard’s transport manager Steve Howe says his drivers make up to 250 stops a day. To meet this demand, Steve’s fleet consists of 135 vans, the majority being Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinters. Steve says there is little scope for breakdowns and repairs with ‘all hands on deck’ required for deliveries.
The Evening Standard’s drivers are split into two teams, the first being responsible for delivering the bundles of newspapers from the Surrey Quays headquarters in London to depots across the city. The second team then distributes papers to the hundreds of London retail outlets and vendors from these sub-depots.
And with Steve balancing the pressure of making sure the paper is circulated around the M25 with inflated fuel, tyres and vehicle maintenance costs, the fleet manager said he’s operating in an increasingly tough environment. A cost efficient, safe and unfailing fleet has been identified as being imperative to his operation.
The newspaper’s vehicles are provided by South East London Mercedes dealership SG Smith.
Steve said the finance provider and the local dealership had continued to outperform competitors in price and convenience, especially with its contract hire offering. “Every aspect of the fleet’s management is dealt with under the one package, which offers my team convenience,” he said. “Under the contract, SG Smith provides a technician on site every day of every week and ensures the vehicles are on the road without a problem. This service alone is priceless.
“And, if there ever is a problem with any aspect of the management of the fleet or the service we receive, the dealership will work with us to ensure a solution is developed.”
To find out more about how S.G.Smith, Mercedes-Benz and CharterWay can help you and your organisation call 020 8659 3636.
