Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, the manufacturer’s finance and leasing division, has taken a lead from gas and electricity companies that freeze prices to attract new customers.

It offers businesses a similar deal on the Vito van, its smallest commercial vehicle, with weekly payments starting at £48.99 a week. At the end of the agreement the customer has four options: to pay a lump sum and keep the vehicle, extend the agreement, return the vehicle or, in some cases, trade-in for a new model.