UK supermarket chain Asda, which is owned by US retail giant Wal-Mart, has placed an order for 550 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters for its home delivery fleet.

The Mercedes-Benz vans, all chassis cabs with an engine output of 129hp, will be fitted with insulated box bodies and refrigeration units by specialist firms Paneltex and GAH.

Sean Clifton, Asda’s senior manager for national fleets, said: “The Sprinter has proven capable of operating at the levels of performance and productivity we need. Its reliability, coupled with the safety net of excellent back-up from the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network, leaves us free to focus on delivering great service to our home shopping customers.”

Steve Bridge, managing director Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, added: “We’re delighted that ASDA puts its faith in our Sprinter. The UK is playing a leading role in the home shopping revolution, and we’re proud to be working hand-in-hand with one of the sector’s biggest names.”