Peterborough, UK: Chillhire’s Veli Ismai, pictured, is all smiles after recovering his stolen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The temperature-controlled van rental company recovered the stolen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter thanks to the 4G internet connectivity which comes as standard.
Chillhire called on dealer Northside Truck & Van, which had supplied the van, to locate the Sprinter by using the vehicle’s built-in Mercedes PRO connect technology – police were alerted and it was recovered the following morning, virtually undamaged.
Chillhire owns 140 refrigerated vans, more than two thirds Mercedes-Benz. Its latest batch of six Sprinter 316 CDIs underwent insulated conversion by Paneltex Somers Refrigeration to have GAH refrigeration fitted with aerodynamic Direct Air System covers.
The latest van delivery was to a Kent-based wholesale meat supplier. This vehicle was targeted by opportunist thieves when the driver left it unattended with the keys in the cab.
Veli Ismail, managing director, Chillhire said: “The customer was in a real panic when he called to report what had happened, because he realised the driver’s error meant his insurer would be unlikely to cover the loss.
“We contacted Northside Truck & Van straight away, and just as we hoped they were able to use the vehicle’s PRO connect system to trace it at a location in London. The police responded extremely quickly.
“What a fantastic result all round. The van was returned to us for inspection and we were able to supply an immediate replacement to our very grateful customer, so they could keep their business moving. Without Mercedes PRO they might have been facing a very significant financial loss.”
Patrick White, sales executive, Northside Van and his service department colleagues activated Mercedes PRO connect’s live GPS tracking function to locate the stolen van.
“The theft happened shortly after we delivered the vehicle, but PRO connect was already sending data and we were able to track it down without delay. This incident has graphically demonstrated how it can be applied to improve vehicle security for our customers,” he said.
Mercedes PRO connect also incorporates a geofencing function, which alerts operators should their vehicles leave pre-defined areas. However, the benefits of this ground-breaking technology are not restricted to security.
Mercedes PRO gives operators access to various vehicle management services. It monitors everything from the van’s maintenance status to the efficiency of the driver’s style at the wheel, and even the amount of fuel in the tank, while also providing navigation and communication services. It also allows fleet managers to control certain vehicle functions remotely.
“Mercedes PRO connect offers a variety of very useful features that can help our customers work more safely and profitably,” Ismail said. “On this occasion, though, it was invaluable in helping us to recover the stolen van. I’m sure that without it, we’d never have seen that vehicle again.”
