Moonraker Beds reaches for another three-pointed star from Mercedes-Benz Dealer Rygor

“Everybody needs good neighbours” – and Moonraker Beds has one of the best. A supplier of high-quality mattresses and divans, it operates from a base on the West Wilts Trading Estate in Westbury, a stone’s throw from the headquarters of award-winning Mercedes-Benz Dealer Group Rygor Commercials.

Moonraker Beds began trading in 2003 with a single Luton-bodied Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It has relied on successive generations of the same van model ever since.

The latest arrival from Rygor is the company’s first from the new range launched last year. It has lined up alongside the five other Sprinters, and a single 7.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Atego truck, which Moonraker Beds uses to make deliveries to retail customers across the southern half of Britain, and to contract customers, including leading hotel groups, nationwide.

Acquired with competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, the 316 CDI L3 chassis cab is powered by a fuel-efficient 163 hp engine which drives the rear wheels – Sprinter versions are now also available with front-wheel drive.

Its Luton body is by ATECH, whose own production facility is on the same industrial estate, and capable of carrying up to 60 single mattresses.

New Sprinter is a technological tour-de-force, thanks to its ground-breaking 4G internet connectivity. Mercedes PRO connect provides operators with access to fast, efficient and cost-effective vehicle management services, and the cutting-edge Mercedes MBUX infotainment system incorporates a user-friendly voice control function.

Its transformed cab interior offers the most car-like driving experience yet seen in a van, with unrivalled levels of comfort, quietness and smoothness. Meanwhile, to the multi-award-winner’s market-leading safety armoury, Mercedes-Benz has added the autonomous Active Brake Assist system with another ‘first’ in the shape of pedestrian recognition technology, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired.

As previously, Moonraker Beds – the name is taken from a traditional description for people from Wiltshire, which is based on a folk story of smuggling – has signed-up to a
Mercedes-Benz ServiceCare plan, under which its new Sprinter will be maintained by Rygor’s workshop team.

Sales Director Andy Lewis, who founded the company with his business partners Keith Qualdling and Scott Taylor, commented: “The Sprinter may be a little more expensive ‘up front’ than some of its competitors, but it’s fantastically reliable, and we also receive very good support from Rygor.”

Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, Moonraker Beds’ Sprinters are backed by three-year, unlimited mileage warranties, and come with MobiloVan cover, which includes free round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance.“Our vans typically cover 50,000 miles a year, yet I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times we’ve had to call Mercedes-Benz out to a breakdown over the last 16 years,” recalled Mr Lewis. “When we’ve done so, the response has always been reassuringly prompt and efficient.”

He continued: “Our first, T-reg Sprinter had clocked-up 320,000 miles when we finally retired it, although it still had a good engine. We use it as a storage shed now – I guess we just couldn’t bear to part with it.

“The latest vehicle is also our first with a Euro 6 engine, and we’ve bought it in order to service hotels located within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Our drivers have always been very happy with their Sprinters, but the new one has been particularly well received and I can see why: the manufacturer has done a beautiful redesign job inside.”

He added: “The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been a crucial foundation on which we’ve grown our business. We’ve seen it gradually evolve over the years, but each and every one of our vans has more than paid its way.”

Rygor Commercials Van Sales Executive Andy Dummer commented: “Our aim is to build long-term partnerships with operators, and to add value at every opportunity, rather than looking for quick deals. In line with our Setting Standards ethos, we go to great lengths to maintain regular contact with our customers – but it’s nice to know that where Andy and his colleagues are concerned, all we need to do is walk across the road!”