Mercedes-Benz vehicles are the perfect tools for Snap-on

Franchisees of Snap-on Tools, the world leader in the supply of tools, tool storage and diagnostic solutions for professional users, have begun taking deliveries of the first of a new generation of mobile stores based on Mercedes-Benz chassis.

Designed to provide trade customers in the UK and Ireland with an even better shopping experience, the new concepts won a resounding ‘thumbs up’ when prototypes were unveiled at Snap-on Tools’ annual conference earlier this year.

Franchisees can now choose from two models: the most popular is expected to be the 7.5-tonne Vario 816D chassis cab, which is fitted with a 15ft ‘shop’; for those requiring a bigger display area and higher carrying capacity, a 10-tonne Atego 1018 with 18ft shop is alternatively available.

The vehicles have been developed in partnership with Wellingborough-based Mercedes-Benz dealer Intercounty Truck & Van, bodybuilder Kurt Hobbs Coachworks, of nearby Great Addington, Northamptonshire, amd Lynch Diversified Vehicles USA, which builds Snap-on’s mobile stores in the United States.

They are now being offered to Snap-on Tools’ sales force of more than 400 franchisees, on lease deals with in-house commercial vehicle finance specialist Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, at highly preferential rates.

Snap-on Tools’ UK headquarters are in Kettering, Northants. Its National Franchise Manager Robert Stevens led a working group of franchisees and field managers in drawing up a ‘wish list’ of vehicle specifications.

“The Mercedes-Benz chassis were considered ideal for our purposes, because of the manufacturer’s reputation for build quality and reliability, and because of the round-the-clock after sales support available from its dealers nationwide,” confirmed Mr Stevens.

“Exceptional payloads were another important factor, particularly in the case of the Vario – comprehensively racked out, and with a driver and full tank of fuel on board, it will still carry a very impressive 1,800kg of tools and equipment.”

Mr Stevens continued: “We have modified the specification of the vehicle used by Snap-on Tools’ franchisees in the United States to create a unique retail space for our customers in the UK and Ireland.

“These new Mercedes-Benz units allow our franchisees to display, demonstrate and repair hand tools, and to show the very latest diagnostic equipment and tool boxes. They are also equipped with integrated video and audio for demonstrating our market-leading products, while their modular design means they can be reconfigured with ease to focus on specific products at any particular time.”

Three Varios and three Ategos have been supplied to Snap-on Tools franchisees so far; Intercounty Truck & Van is currently processing orders for a further four Varios and three more Ategos.

One of the first to take delivery of a new Vario was Gary Jones, who is based in Romford, Essex. He has represented the brand for the last nine years, and his previous van was also a 7.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz.

“That vehicle was 18 months old when I bought it and never let me down,” he said. “But this new one represents a big step forward. The display area is a lot better and I’ve already been complimented by several customers on how smart my new Vario looks.”