The Mercedes-Benz Van Experience, now in its 10th year, has achieved a record audience of more than 1,800 customers during its two week campaign, said the manufacturer.

It invited customers, including businesses, fleets and leasing companies, to take time out of their busy working environments to test and sample a wide selection of Mercedes-Benz vans, including the Citan, Vito and Sprinter.

Making its UK debut, just weeks after its international unveil, was the new Sprinter, which could be seen in both van and chassis cab formats and bristling with a host of segment leading environmental and safety features.

Tests included a wet-grip skid pan area, ESP lane-change and a two mile MPG marathon, plus an off-road course for Sprinter 4x4 models.

Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz Vans director of sales and marketing, said: “Van Experience, now in its 10th year, continues to deliver business benefits to both us and our customers and over the fortnight we see a mix of people from a wide variety of business sectors. It’s always great to see our long term customers and welcome new customers too. Feedback, both during the event and after, is always gratefully received and much valued. 

“We ensure the experience delivers our guests an informal, relaxed but focused day and we see a real eagerness and appetite to learn more about the products and what Mercedes-Benz vans can offer modern businesses.

“With 1800 customers attending, that’s an average of 200 a day, we’ve been busy! Our sign-on data shows us that for 80% of guests it’s their first Van Experience visit and with this comes the opportunity to have lots of interesting conversations with new faces.”