Four years and 400,000 miles on, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is still a “top class machine” for Hywel Thomas, owner of 24 Airport Transfer.

“I average about 8,500 miles a month, travelling between all the major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. This month (July 2019) my van’s odometer has ticked over the 400,000 mile mark and the Vito is still going strong!” says Mr Thomas.

Based in Carmarthenshire, Wales, owner-driver Mr Thomas is an avid fan of the Mercedes-Benz Vito van, purchasing his current vehicle, a Vito 116 Tourer Select 8-seater from the Reading branch of award-winning Dealer, Rygor Commercials back in 2015.

“When I first started out in this industry, 19 years ago, I went to London to see what vehicles other airport transfer companies were using. Most were operating the Mercedes-Benz Vito, so I tried it out for myself. I am now on my fourth Vito van and still love it, it does everything I need it to do. It is comfortable, with good leg room for passengers and the extra-long version which I have, allows for eight passengers as well as luggage – extremely important in my line of work. What’s more, the vehicle can be licensed for private hire, so for me it’s the perfect package.

“Customers start and end their holidays and business travel with me, so there is nothing more important than vehicle reliability to make sure they get to their flight on time. I have bookings for airport transfers more than 12 months in advance, so it is essential that my vehicle is dependable and ready to go. That’s why I make sure I look after my vehicle, servicing it every 18,000 miles.

“As well as reliable, the journey needs to be affordable for customers. The Vito is incredibly fuel efficient (I get about 40-46 miles to the gallon) which means I can pass these cost savings onto my customers in the form of lower fayres.” Mr Thomas added.

John Keogh, Rygor sales director, said: “Rygor is proud to be the UK’s largest Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer group and hearing fantastic customer stories like Mr Thomas’ demonstrates why we love the product so much. At Rygor, our team takes the time to get to know our customers, whether they are owner drivers or large fleets, as we want to make sure they have the right vehicle for their business, just like Mr Thomas has. We look forward to hearing when the mileage ticks over the half million mark!”