BLS Truck & Van opens Mercedes-Benz dealership in Aberdeen

BLS Truck & Van opened in Aberdeen on 3 July as the new Mercedes-Benz and Fuso Canter franchise in the north-east of Scotland - following the demise of Caledonian Truck and Van and the TOM Group.

BLS, the latest addition to Mercedes-Benz franchised network, is a sister company to Bell Truck and Van, the Mercedes-Benz dealer for the North-East of England. Both are owned by Leo Group and Bell Truck and Van managing director Ben Sowersby holds the same responsibility at BLS.

It trades from the Altens Industrial Estate in Aberdeen, a site which it acquired from the former franchisee Caledonian Truck and Van, which was part of the TOM Group which entered administration in March - for an undisclosed sum. BLS has plans to open a second Scottish branch in an unspecified location in the Highlands. Caledonian had locations not just in Aberdeen but Nairn and South Ayrshire.

Sowersby said: “We’re very excited about the prospects for BLS, as we’ve identified huge potential to grow this business. It represents a substantial investment, of course. But with our exemplary customer service, and the enthusiastic backing of our partners at Mercedes-Benz, I have every confidence that we can make it work.

“It is a privilege to represent the truck and van industry’s most prestigious brands," he added. "I look forward over the coming weeks and months to meeting many of our Scottish-based customers, to reassuring them about our long-term commitment and outlining our vision of the future.”

The site also incorporates an ATF, which is currently awaiting sign-off for truck MoTs by the DVSA. It is operating initially on a single-shift basis.

Andrew Rennie has been appointed head of truck sales, with Colin Birnie head of aftersales.

Steve Bridge, MD, Mercedes-Benz Vans said: “BLS Truck & Van will be a great addition to our retail network. The introduction this month of an all-new Sprinter which sets new standards in terms of connectivity, and the launch earlier this year of the sensational X-Class pickup, makes this a particularly exciting time to be taking on a Mercedes-Benz Vans franchise.”

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BLS Truck & Van opens Mercedes-Benz dealership in Aberdeen

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