A Midlands-based housing association has ordered more than 80 vans from Nissan – with pricing, specification and great customer service securing the deal.
The vehicles – predominantly examples of Nissan’s new mid-size van Primastar – have been acquired by Citizen, based in Birmingham. One of the UK’s largest housing associations, the company owns around 32,000 properties across Coventry, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as in Birmingham itself.
Citizen operates a busy fleet of around 300 vehicles, and is in the process of upgrading 85 of them to examples of Nissan Primastar, and its larger sibling Interstar, after having been loyal to a rival provider for over a decade.
Scott Fincham, Citizen’s Maintenance Operations Support Manager, explained that he and his colleagues had looked at options available from various manufacturers when it was time to acquire some new vehicles. He said the Tekna-level Primastars in particular delivered in terms of both price and specification.
‘‘Our early feedback is that we’re absolutely delighted,’’ said Mr Fincham. ‘‘We’re chuffed to bits with our new Nissan vans, we really are. The spec is so good that our drivers think all their Christmases have come at once!’’
Mr Fincham explained that the vehicles would be used by tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians, or members of Citizen’s estate services team, whose duties include emptying vacant properties and collecting bulky waste.
One Citizen employee who is delighted with his new mode of transport is painter and decorator Jon Sparrow, who said: ‘‘I’m very impressed. The van looks great with its alloy wheels and imposing front grille and I love the NissanConnect technology.’’
The organisation is also putting the focus very much on sustainability by repurposing internal racking from older vehicles, saving thousands of pounds in the process and enabling higher-spec vehicles to be chosen for future use.
Important stakeholders
Mr Fincham said that a number of individuals and organisations had played a key role in getting the new Nissan Primastars and Interstars on the road, including his colleague and the Fleet Manager at Citizen, David Pennell.
He also thanked Jonathan Keddie, National Public Sector Manager in Nissan’s fleet sales operation who he said had been ‘‘terrific’’ to deal with. Lakhy Singh at West Way Nissan also played a crucial role; as did Andy Hill at Lex Autolease. Mediafleet, TVL Security, Sortimo and Masternaut Fleet Telematics were all important stakeholders too.
Jonathan Keddie said: ‘‘I thank Scott for his kind words and we couldn’t be more delighted that he and his team are enjoying life with their new Nissan Primastar and Interstar vans.
‘‘With a versatile range, robust design and smart assistance technologies, whatever the needs of your business, there’s a Nissan van to match.’’