HTEC, a provider of point of sale, payment and loyalty solutions to many of the UK’s biggest fuel and other retailers, has ordered a new fleet of 30 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans from south coast dealer Pentagon Commercials.

Southampton-based HTEC says its switch to the three-pointed star owed much to the round-the-clock servicing capability of the manufacturer’s UK dealer network, as well as to the competitive fleet management and leasing package arranged by Complete Vehicle Management Group (CVM).

HTEC is assigning its new vans to field engineers responsible for installing and maintaining its automated payment systems and other technology at fuel filling stations and retail outlets nationwide.

The first 10 Vito 111 CDIs are now in service – this model is powered by an 114hp 1.6-litre engine which offers fuel economy of 45.6 mpg and drives the front wheels. The remaining vehicles will also be 111 CDIs with the exceptions of two rear-wheel drive 114 CDI models, which have been specified with automatic gearboxes.

Established in 1979, HTEC is a subsidiary of Universe Group and has grown strongly as a result of the major investments it has made in software and specialist hardware.

Director of operations Dave Gilhespy said: “The Vito is the ideal size for our operation and very smart in appearance, while the Mercedes-Benz name is a by-word for quality.

“Not only do these new vans reflect well on our business when we’re visiting customers’ premises, but they also demonstrate to our engineers that we’re prepared to invest to send them out in the safest vehicles on the road.

“We were keen to reduce our fuel footprint and the Vito is already proving significantly less thirsty than its predecessor, while the fact that Mercedes-Benz workshops are open through the night is another big ‘plus’ – it means I won’t have to rent a replacement vehicle when one of our own vans is being serviced, which also represents a very worthwhile cost saving.”

The subject of Mercedes-Benz Service Plans, HTEC’s new vans are being fitted with front- and rear-facing cameras and tracking systems.

Gilhespy continued: “Pentagon have provided a brilliant service, working with us to get the sign-writing done at their premises and delivering the vans early so I could get the cameras and tracking installed. CVM have also done a great job in putting together a highly attractive deal.”

As with all Mercedes-Benz vans, HTEC’s Vito models are backed by three-year, unlimited mileage warranties and came with MobiloVan cover, which includes free roadside assistance for up to 30 years, provided they continue to be serviced with the manufacturer’s official dealer network.