Bandvulc delivers sterling service for MC Rental

For commercial vehicle rental firm, MC Rental, Bandvulc has proven to be the perfect fit. Their decision to switch to Conti360 Fleet Solutions has not only delivered real-world benefits to the on-road performance of their extensive fleet but has allowed them the chance to improve their principal value – customer service.

MC Rental, based near the historic town of Maidstone in Kent, has established itself as one of the UK’s leading commercial vehicle solutions providers. Established in 1976 as a division of the MC Group, the family-run company offers businesses and operators the option to rent anything from cars, vans and pick-up trucks, right through to 44-tonne tractor units and trailers. With a fleet comprising of more than 3,000 vehicles serving a multitude of industries, including construction, agriculture, haulage, municipal services and couriers, the company’s customers expect a holistic rental experience that they can depend on and trust. Rentals vary from a spot-hire loan to a full long-term contract hire solution with on-site maintenance and customer-specific liveries, dependent on each client’s individual needs.

“For us, it’s as much about the service offered by our tyre partner as it is about the rubber itself,” explains Nick Thorne, Fleet Maintenance Manager at MC Rental. “The nature of the business means that we needed a supplier that could serve as an extension of our customer service. Clients depend on our fleet day in, day out, so fixing or replacing a tyre quickly, simply and efficiently is critical to us building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships. Since we took the step to transition to using Bandvulc, we’ve really been impressed with the results.”

Since choosing Bandvulc Nick and the MC Rental team are reliably delivering their renowned customer service and flexibility  “We’re in near-daily contact with the team at Conti360 to co-ordinate repairs, replacements and checks on our long-term loans to ensure roadworthiness. There’s a lot of co-ordination required to satisfy both our internal processes and those of our varying clients, but it’s handled brilliantly by their nationwide team.”

The MC Rental contract is overseen by Bandvulc and utilises the Conti360° Fleet Solutions programme. Offering a complete, all-round service that covers all aspects of tyre management, customers benefit from a Europe-wide network of rapid-response partners and service associates. Each are comprehensively trained to provide expert fitment, maintenance, inspection and breakdown support.

Ian Harris, National Fleet Key Account Sales Manager for Bandvulc with responsibility for the MC Rental contract said: “The Conti360° support network is vital for delivering the outstanding service upon which our relationship with MC Rental is built. Nick has the confidence that, upon reporting an issue, we can swiftly handle the whole solution management and delivery process from start to finish, whilst also supplying real-time cost and status updates through the online management platform. MC Rental operates on a pay-as-you-go contract, which not only offers great flexibility but makes it simple for the client to pass through any costs to their customers if and when it’s appropriate.”

Harris explains, “With such a diverse range of vehicles operating across numerous sectors, environments and terrain, we utilise a broad range of Bandvulc, Continental and Uniroyal tyres to maximise efficiency and longevity. For the tractor units and rigids, we fit Continental Hybrid HS3+ to all steer axles, and Bandvulc BD08 to drive axles. Dependent on the size and load rating requirement of the lift or tag axle, we use Continental tyres for the 215/75R17.5 and the 315/60R22.5 and Bandvulc BVA2 on the 315/70R22.5. The rigid tippers policy is Uniroyal FM40 onsteer axle, while the drive axles utilise Bandvulc’s BDY3s. MC Rental’s van fleet is fitted with Uniroyal AllSeason Max.”

The winning formula of exceptional, customer-centric service, clear accountability, frequent communication and a market-leading range of tyres has seen Bandvulc secure its position as a critical supplier for MC Rental. “Working with Bandvulc has proven that, despite the challenges we face daily, it really is possible to deliver an excellent standard of tyre maintenance and service that meets the needs of all parties involved”, concludes Nick. “Where we once had no-shows, delays to service and a lack of transparency in communications, we have reassurance that Bandvulc and the Conti360° network will get the job done. Our customers are happy with the service they receive, as are we, and that’s the most important thing.”