Mercedes-Benz is offering fleets discounts on its vans for the first time in its history.

It will allow any van to be exchanged for a £2,000 discount off models from its Sprinter range.

The German manufacturer has historically never offered upfront discounts and the scheme is the first time it has veered from its stance.

It has been launched by Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle director Steve Bridge, who said the Government’s scrappage scheme is too restrictive, being reserved for vehicles over 10 years old.

Bridge told Fleet News: “We looked carefully at the deal offered by the Government and we believe it isn’t as good as it appears at first as the vast majority of people who run vans that are under 10 years old.

"Our swappage deal applies to any make and any age of van and includes an incentive of £2,000, which will be paid for by us.”

The deal applies only to the current model Sprinter 311, which will be replaced in the summer with a new Euro V compliant version.

Four different deals will be on offer:

  • A lease deal based on a monthly figure after a £2,000 discount
  • A contract purchase deal with a £2,000 discount before a monthly figure is arrived at
  • A 12-month guaranteed buy-back deal with a £2,000 discount built in
  • A low-rate finance deal with a £2,000 discount.