The Government’s recently-announced van scrappage scheme has prompted Mercedes-Benz to launch a new ‘swappage’ deal, in which vehicles under 10 years old will be exchanged for Sprinters at discount of £2,000.

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 as he believes the present scrappage scheme is too restrictive, being reserved for vehicles over 10 years old.

Bridge told Fleet Van: “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 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 in both long and short wheelbase formats. Mercedes-Benz will be replacing this model in the summer with a new Euro V compliant version. 

Four deals will be on offer:

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


Bridge said: “Basically, we are paying the other £1,000 that the Government would pay on a 10-year-old van. 

“We’ll also be participating in the scrappage scheme but we don’t see why owners of newer vans should be penalised.
“We are willing to take vans from other manufacturers.”