Siemens has added 50 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4s to its fleet to maintain wind turbines in some of the most remote locations in the UK.

The renewable energy specialist has commissioned the vans from Dealer Midlands Truck & Van.

Some replace older vehicles that are being stood down, while others represent extensions to the fleet.

The subject of Lex Autolease contract hire agreements, the new vans are undergoing conversion by Qi Van Systems, of Telford, which is fitting racking and electrical equipment including invertor systems for power tool operation. Each vehicle also has a section for drying clothing.

Commodity manager Paul Tate is responsible for Siemens’ vehicle fleet in the UK. He said: “We have a well-established commitment to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4, which represents the best in class in terms of its combination of reliability, off-road capability and payload capacity.

“Given the very demanding nature of our operation, and the fact that our engineers can find themselves out on the hills in all weathers, they need vehicles that won’t let them down. Experience has proved the Sprinter 4x4 to be more than equal to the job.”

A genuine, factory-built option, rather than an aftermarket conversion, the Sprinter 4x4 sits higher than its standard counterpart. It employs rear-wheel drive for road use, but all-wheel drive can be selected when venturing off road.

Tate added: “Aftermarket support is also crucial and in this respect I cannot fault Mercedes-Benz – together with our strategic partner Lex Autolease it offers a well-rounded service package that meets all of our requirements.”

Siemens is pioneering new, more efficient gearless turbine technology, introducing its direct drive turbines at Millour Hill and Lochluichart wind farms in Scotland last year. It is also the market leader in offshore wind energy, providing innovative turbine technology, grid connections, and operations and maintenance.