Fire chiefs in Scotland have drafted in a new fleet of 17 fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Citan small vans to help spread key safety messages.
They were supplied to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen and are being maintained by the Dealer’s Service team, as well as in other workshops run by its parent company T.O.M.
The new vans are all 90 hp Citan 109 CDI models with Long bodies, and assigned to fire prevention duties. They are used by officers who carry out risk assessments of commercial and public buildings, deliver safety demonstrations, and undertake door-to-door smoke alarm inspections in residential areas. They may also be called into action to support front-line fire appliances at major incidents.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was formed in 2013, to replace the eight regional fire brigades which previously served the country. Fleet Manager Scott Roberts, who was formerly responsible for those vehicles operated by the Tayside brigade, said: “These are our first Citans but I know from experience that Mercedes-Benz vans are extremely reliable.
“We trialled vehicles in the same class from all of the main manufacturers and the quality and specification of the Citans was in a different league to their competitors. We were equally impressed with the attentive service we received from MBCV Aberdeen, and the extensive back-up network offered by T.O.M.”
The Citans have replaced vehicles of another brand, which were supplied directly by the manufacturer and maintained by different dealers depending on the location. “Now, though, we have a single point of contact for everything, which makes my life much easier and is far more efficient,” continued Mr Roberts.
“The delivery of these vehicles to SFRS sites across Scotland was handled very professionally and the supplier’s network of workshop sites, all with long opening hours, means we have support where and when we need it.”
The smallest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Vans range, the Citan is also available as a 75 hp 108 CDI, a 110 hp 111 CDI or a petrol-powered 114 hp Citan 112, and in Compact and Extra-long as well as Long body versions.
www.firescotland.gov.uk
