S. Stibbards & Sons are one of the oldest established funeral directors in Essex, with a history steeped in tradition. However when it came time to replace one of their private transfer vehicles they were keen to embrace new technologies and felt that Superior UK Automotive’s Hybrid Electric Vehicle would help reduce costs whilst helping to improve the general environment.
“Superior UK had been recommended to us for the quality of their decks and robustness of their hydraulic systems,” explained Stuart Stibbards-Fryer, Head of Fleet Management and fifth generation of the Stibbards family. “Jon Helm came out to see us at our head office in Hadleigh and we soon realised Superior UK offered a refreshingly different level of service. We talked to Jon about what we needed in a private transfer vehicle, and felt very confident leaving it in his hands.”
S. Stibbards & Sons was founded in 1867 and now has six offices in the local area of Southend-on-Sea, with a coroner’s contract for the area to service as well, the vehicle had to be reliable, professional-looking, and hard working.
Superior UK Automotive welcomed the opportunity to deliver their first mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (mHEV) van.
The new vehicle is finished in metallic Kapoor red to match Stibbards signature branding. The vehicle is a long wheel base uprated to 3.2 tonne. Custom built extra storage in front of the hydraulic decks adds to the normal under deck storage typical of a Superior Rise & Fall deck system and meets Stibbards bespoke requirements.
Kevin Smith from Superior UK explained why this was an exciting project.
“Stuart took a very hands-on approach and knew exactly what the company needed,” he said. “The Ford Transit Custom is a first for both Superior UK and Stibbards as it is based on the latest EcoBlue diesel mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It’s a great-looking, very practical vehicle which helps Stibbards play their part by being environmentally friendly without compromising the practical requirements of long-distance work.”