A Reigate security firm sought a van to transport its German shepherd guard dogs – and chose the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport-X.
The limited edition model has a turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, and was supplied to Schutzhund Security by Crawley dealer Rossetts Commercials. The black Vito Sport-X produces 204hp, sufficient to propel it from 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 122mph.
What they say
“Having that extra oomph means that if you get into a spot of trouble you can put your foot down and get out of it quickly,” says Schutzhund Securities’ co-Director Lee Gay. “I also wanted a vehicle with a professional image which I could use when meeting clients, yet would still be fully functional as a working dog unit. The Vito Sport-X is a winner on both counts.”
The company, which is in the process of obtaining approved contractor status from the Security Industry Authority, supplies guards dogs to a variety of offices, warehouses and local authority premises. It was established as a limited company in June 2006.
“We contract a lot of work out,” says Mr Gay, whose co-director Christopher Gay just happens to share the same surname. “We only use German shepherds because they have been deployed successfully by the police, army and prison service over many years.”
Schutzhund’s new Vito Sport-X is a Dualiner model, with a second row of seats. The company spent nearly £6,000 on a conversion by Icecraft Refrigeration Services, of Blandford Forum, Dorset, which fitted two bespoke dog kennels that keep their canine occupants in climate-control. “We’ve really gone to town with this vehicle,” explains Mr Gay. “The interior is just incredible – there’s air-conditioning in the rear for the dogs and lighting in the individual kennels. They’ve even covered the kennels with black vinyl that matches the original trim. We’ve absolutely delighted with it.”
