Benchmark Distribution Innovates with Citroën Nemo & a Lombard Contract Hire First

SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM - August 26, 2009: With the delivery of its latest batch of 50 Citroën vans, Benchmark Distribution has broken new ground.

The company, one of the UK’s largest independent exhaust system and automotive component suppliers, has acquired its first Citroën Nemo 1.4HDi X vans, on a specially tailored Lombard Vehicle Management (LVM) contract hire package, which includes a reserve damage fund.

Benchmark Distribution, a long-term Citroën LCV operator, has developed a unique specification for its new Nemo vans, which have been supplied by Citroën London West in Brentford. The 50 Tiziano Red Nemos have been acquired on specially tailored LVM three-year, 90,000-mile contract hire agreement. They join a 130-strong Benchmark Distribution vehicle fleet - the majority of which are Citroën LCVs.

Richard Stock, a Benchmark Distribution director explains, “When we saw the Nemo we realised that, with the Extenso folding passenger seat option, this compact van could easily carry large vehicle exhaust systems. This would enable the Nemo to replace larger vehicles, cutting costs, reducing CO2 emissions, thus further improving our financial, operational and environmental performance. As a further business efficiency boost, we are operating the Nemos on a specifically developed Lombard Vehicle Management contract hire package. This flexible package meets our financial requirements and addresses our concerns over end-of-contract damage charges as Lombard has configured a contract hire agreement, which creates a reserve fund for this contingency.”

To meet the company’s stringent Health & Safety parameters, minimise interior damage and make maximum use of the Nemo’s fold-flat Extenso seat option, Benchmark Distribution has devised a moulded internal liner. “We are very pleased with this innovation,” Richard Stock explains, “It effectively extends the van’s load area forward and protects the dashboard and passenger door trim area from being damaged. Also, it separates and protects the driver when long exhaust systems are being carried on the passenger side of the vehicle.”

The new Nemo vans are based at Benchmark Distribution’s 13 depots in England and Wales. Here a vast range of car and LCV components are held for distribution to the company’s customer base of motor factors, garages and fast fit outlets.