If you're ever at a party and get caught in a conversation with a Mercedes engineer, the chances are you'll be thinking whether faking a full blown heart attack would be less hassle than nodding obediently as they bestow the benefits of the company's new cup holder design. But if this scenario has negative connotations, the positive side to this level of commitment to the company cause can be seen in its product - in particular the Sprinter van.

On its press launch we were forcibly held down as one engineer after another was wheeled out to present to us their particular specialist areas in its development - bestowing the benefits of the technology employed with all the enthusiasm someone might have over their newborn son.
However, after we regained consciousness it was plain to see that its new van was a significant step forward in terms of productivity and safety. Adaptive ESP and intelligent crash repair systems where complimented by never-seen-before options such as automatic side sliding doors and thorax airbags to name a few.

We've recently returned to the Merc, testing it in 150hp, complete with the company's five-speed automatic, and found this combination made perfect sense. Anyone working in multi-drop work will find the reality of the urban environment requires you to concentrate, not just on the cramped road ahead, but also on your particular destination at the time. Having an auto significantly eases the stress in such a scenario, allowing you to focus on other matters - and to top it all it should ease fuel consumption and reduce overall cog wear.

For the full road test check out the 23 August issue of Commercial Motor magazine

This Christmas is likely to see yet another big increase in demand for home deliver. People often prefer to order via the internet from home and have goods delivered, than to fight a way through the crowded shop and streets.
The problem is how operators can make a profit from this booming market..
So I was particularly interested to read in the Sunday Times that Ocado has finally made a profit, if only at an operating level. Ocado started back in 200 and set up a completely new system delivering groceries to homes. A big stake in the company is taken by the John Lewis Partnership. It uses very distinctive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. I can say from experience that Ocado provides an excellent service and is much better than its rivals.
But home delivery companies generally suffer from having high costs while customers want the goods delivered for virtually nothing.
Yet as Ocado (and companies like Wincanton with the Lane Group), show that it is possible to provide good service and make a profit.
Well done Ocado.

Ocado web site