The Heart of England Co-operative runs a large fleet of more than 20 vehicles across thirteen funeral homes across Coventry, Warwickshire, south Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Darryl Smith, Heart of England Co-operative Society’s General Manager of Funerals, explains why he choose to renew with another Mercedes Benz Vito.
“We have used the Vito as our choice of first-call vehicle for years,” said Darryl, “so when it was time to update the oldest vehicle in the fleet, the latest model of Vito was the obvious choice. The Vito has always been a hard working and high performing fleet vehicle, but the latest model has an upgraded shape and interior which suits our modern, forward-thinking business style.”
The Heart of England Co-operative Society is one of the most successful co-operative businesses in the country, with two new funeral homes opened already this year. The business runs a fleet of more than 20 hearses, limousines, and first-call ambulances. “Superior UK helped us put together an eye-catching fleet of Mercedes Benz hearses and matching limousines in our bespoke colour choice – Tenorite Grey,” explained Darryl, “and it’s important that our Vitos match the ceremonial vehicles as closely as possible. Kevin has been great at helping us customise our Vitos to fit in with our distinctive look.”
Darryl’s first-call Vitos are all finished in Flint Grey dark metallic paintwork, with colour-coded bumpers, alloy wheels and tinted glass. “The Vito looks more like an executive vehicle than a removal vehicle,” said Darryl. “This newest Vito has an improved driving position and automatic gear box, which makes it drive more like a car than a van. It’s had positive responses from our clients, and from our drivers. The bespoke hydraulic Rise & Fall decking designed and installed by Superior makes every transfer safer and easier for my team.”
Superior UK have supplied Heart of England Co-operative Society with more than 10 vehicles in the past four years, and have built a close working relationship with Darryl and his team.
“I can always rely on Superior UK to provide us with the right advice,” said Darryl, “ and then help us choose and customise vehicles when we are ready.”
Darryl discovered one surprising benefit of running Mercedes-Benz Vitos: the resale price. “This new Vito replaces one that was three years old,” he explained. “We got a very good price for it, partly because it’s a Mercedes-Benz but also because it was a Superior UK vehicle. People know that means a quality vehicle that has always been looked after properly. Every vehicle we have had from Superior has been great quality.”
Superior UK are delighted to be the chosen supplier of Heart of England Co-operative Society. “We are always happy to advise Darryl, and help him choose vehicles which support the vision and values of the business,” said Kevin Smith at Superior UK.