In December 2025, Greg Platt of Superior UK Automotive Ltd delivered a new Mercedes-Benz Vito removal vehicle to Robson & Ellis Funeral Service in Leeds, continuing a relationship spanning more than 20 years.
The Superior Vito is finished in black metallic paintwork and fitted with a market-leading ‘Rise & Fall’ decking system, including grey deck laminate and VIP interior appointments. It replaces a Superior-built Vito that has been in daily service with the company for the past 17 years.
Robson & Ellis Funeral Service is a family-owned and run business with over 100 years of combined experience across two generations. Based in Leeds, the business was founded by John and Barbara Tempest, who purchased Robson Ellis Funeral Service in Bramley in 1994. In 1995, they opened John P Tempest Funeral Service in Chapel Allerton, followed by the purchase of Percy R Wood in Hunslet in 2002. The company now operates three branches and is run by semi-retired John and Barbara, and their 2nd-generation son Matthew Tempest and their daughter Ruth Hay.
John Tempest commented, ‘As a family-owned business, we prioritise a long-term, professional approach, investing in quality vehicles and trusted suppliers to serve our community.’
Superior first supplied vehicles to the Tempest family in 2005, delivering a fleet comprising two Binz Mercedes hearses and four Binz Mercedes limousines. The fleet was later updated to two Binz Mercedes hearses and three matching limousines, all supplied by Superior. Alongside the ceremonial fleets, Superior also provided the company’s first Vito removal vehicle 17 years ago.
Reflecting on its service life, John commented, ‘The original Superior Vito has been extremely reliable. Even after 17 years, it was still smart and respectable and with 160k on the clock very reliable, but we felt it had reached the right point to be replaced.’
Discussing the decision to invest in the new vehicle, John added, ‘We looked at the market and felt the Superior Vito is still the best and most robust removal vehicle available. It’s well built and clearly designed with funeral operations carefully considered.’
The updated Vito has already been well-received by staff. ‘The newer model is noticeably quieter and more comfortable,’ John said. ‘It drives more like a saloon car, and features such as Apple CarPlay and clear navigation are appreciated by the team.’
Superior also managed the transfer of the company’s private registration plates as part of the handover.
Summing up the delivery, Greg Platt commented, ‘John Tempest Funeral Service is a business that values quality and consistency. We’re proud to have supported them for many years and are pleased to deliver another vehicle that meets their requirements.’
