MERCEDES-Benz has added a motorcycle to its Service 24hr breakdown fleet in an effort to improve response times. The pilot scheme, launched last week, sees the motorcycle initially being used to beat congestion in central London. If successful the scheme could be expanded nationwide.

The rider, based at the Mercedes-Benz Car and Truck Centre at Edgeware Road in north London, is a fully-qualified Mercedes-Benz technician and a qualified advanced motorcyclist. He is able to carry diagnostic testing equipment and selected parts and tools on the bike.

Mercedes-Benz Service 24hr is administered by the RAC through a team of incident managers dedicated to Mercedes-Benz. All calls are made via a national freephone number - 0800 800644 - and the appropriate Mercedes-Benz dealer is then alerted and a technician sent out.