Special Outlanders on their way to Environment Agency
THE first of nearly 140 specialist Mitsubishi vehicles destined for the Environment Agency has rolled off the production line and is ready for action.
The agency has ordered 138 commercial vehicles, including 70 new Outlanders, all of which will be built at the carmaker’s state-of-the-art Specialist Vehicle Operations Centre, which refits, adapts and upgrades standard Mitsubishi models to meet individual client requirements.
With each vehicle taking up to 40 hours to complete, staff at the Cirencester-based operation have been working hard to deliver the huge order between April and June. The company has also taken on seven extra technicians to work on the project.
Clive Messenger, Head of Corporate Sales at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, believes the deal is testament to the quality of the Mitsubishi brand.
He said: ‘This is the first significant fleet order we have had for the new Outlander and with best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, as well as a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the third generation Outlander’s outstanding environmental credentials make it a perfect match for the Environment Agency.
‘Each vehicle is bespoke, based on the needs of each Environment Agency worker and what terrain they work in. Depending on the individual driver, we can tailor it to their needs so they are nearly all different in some way.
‘The Environment Agency was an existing customer with the previous model Outlander so they have confidence in the vehicle and they know it will stand up to their high demands.’
The first Outlander to be completed is a car-derived commercial vehicle with a load area racking system, roof bars, power sockets, laptop security box, tow bar, all terrain tyres, reverse sensors and Environment Agency livery.
Ticks all the boxes
As well as 70 new Outlanders, the Environment Agency’s order includes 30 L200 Club Cabs and 38 L200 Double Cabs.
Clive said: ‘The change cycle for their vehicles fitted in perfectly with the launch of the new Outlander.
‘This contract shows Mitsubishi is continuing to tick all the boxes with specialist fleet operators.
‘The fact we offer our specialist fleet refits ‘‘in-house’’ is a major selling point. No-one knows better than the manufacturer what can and can’t be done, no third parties need to be involved and the whole process is nicely joined up.’
Mitsubishi Specialist Vehicle Operations (MSVO) is also currently working on an array of high-profile fleet operators including National Grid and Ministry of Defence.
