Intercounty Truck & Van has underlined its star status in the Mercedes-Benz UK commercial vehicle dealer network by winning a clutch of coveted awards.
The Wellingborough-based business, which also has dealerships in Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Boston, Lincoln and Toddington, was named Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Dealer of the Year at the manufacturer's annual awards ceremony for members of its franchised network.
Nineteen dealer groups are together responsible for sales and support of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz truck and van, and Fuso Canter light truck ranges in Britain - they competed in five categories, with the trophies being shared between just three winners.
Intercounty's Finance Dealer of the Year title reflects the huge success it enjoyed last year, in arranging flexible and competitively priced MBFS lease and other funding packages tailored to meet the specific requirements of its customers.
The awards ceremony was staged at the Luton Hoo hotel and spa in Bedfordshire. Intercounty Managing Director Steve Hunt stepped up to collect the trophy from Alex Matthews, Director of Commercial Vehicles & Direct Sales at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and former Army bomb-disposal hero Major Chris Hunter, who was the guest of honour.
Three out of every four trucks delivered to customers by Intercounty in 2012 were the subject of some kind of MBFS funding package - those vehicles had a combined retail value of £19 million. Intercounty also posted an impressive finance performance in the van sales arena, with vehicles worth £11 million, representing more than half of its total sales tally for the year, supplied through MBFS.
Steve Hunt explains: "Given the difficult trading conditions which the road transport industry is still facing, it's vital that we help operators to renew their fleets in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.
"With the enormous financial muscle of Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG behind us, and a range of highly attractive finance packages to choose from, we can put together a competitively priced deal to suit virtually any business."
Meanwhile, there was more success for members of the Intercounty sales team in the Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales Masters and Van Sales Academy programme awards. The dealership won the Top Truck Sales Team title with Stephen James named Truck Sales Manager of the Year, while Van Sales Manager Adrian George took the Leader of the Year prize.
"These four awards are a great testament to the hard work put in every day by every member of our company team, to deliver the finest possible service to our valued customers," declares Steve.
"Those won by our truck sales team, and by Stephen and Adrian, are well-deserved recognition of the drive and enthusiasm they bring to their roles."
Part of the Ballyvesey Holdings group, Intercounty Truck & Van was formed in 2002 specifically to represent Mercedes-Benz. The company operated initially from Wellingborough alone, then opened purpose-built main dealerships in Milton Keynes and Peterborough the following year. It has since added an after sales centre close to the Toddington service area on the M1 and, last year, opened for business in Lincoln and Boston. Intercounty also operates 12 vehicle maintenance units for high-profile fleet operators at locations nationwide.