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During 2007, Mercedes-Benz sold an estimated 8,000 Vitos, which gave the company a 10.7 per cent share of the UK's medium-van market.

Furthermore, since its inception in the mid 1950s Mercedes-Benz estimates that it has sold 4.5 million vans, with its Sprinter model proving the most popular with buyers, accounting for 1.3 million of all sales.

Duncan Ward, head of commercial vehicle sales at auction company BCA, said: "The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito are both popular because of their high build quality and reliability with rock solid residuals as an added bonus."

Mercedes-Benz describes its aftersales service as first class, guaranteeing its customers that they will receive 24-hour customer service support seven days a week.

Mercedes-Benz reassures its customers that its motto its "maximum response, minimum delay", connecting those in need of help with experienced technicians located throughout the UK and Europe, at the other end of a phone line.

Service contracts are another staple of the Mercedes-Benz aftersales provision. The contracts are designed to help van owners ensure that their vehicles are "maintained to the highest standards" by qualified technicians using Mercedes-Benz parts.

The manufacturer says: "Not only does this ensure that your vehicle is kept running at optimum performance, it also makes it easier for you to manage your finances and avoid unexpected bills."

What is more, for its Vito and Sprinter vans its Service Assyst deal comes as standard. This package automatically calculates the level of servicing the vehicle will need and provides van owners with service intervals of between 25,000 and 30,000 miles.

Different, tailor-made packages are also available for the Vito and Sprinter models, ensuring that customers are provided with a package which is right for them.

In order to keep standards high, Mercedes-Benz also insists that it’s aftersales maintenance only uses parts that have been authorised by its own work shop.

"You can rely on the quality, safety and performance of these parts to keep your vehicle running as efficiently and smoothly as it did when it left the factory," says the manufacturer.

However, for many customers the biggest part of the aftersales deal is the warranty, which lays out the terms and conditions regarding what van owners are covered for.

It reassures customers that all work carried out under the warranty will be done to the highest standard as quickly as possible.

Standard warranties for the Sprinter and Vito cover drivers for three years without any mileage limit.

In addition to the vehicles' original warranty, customers also have the option of purchasing PowerGuard mechanical breakdown insurance.

This service is offered to customers in three different levels; PowerGuard; PowerGuard Plus and PowerGuard Warranty.

PowerGuard Warranty is the most basic of the three and covers drivers for the key elements including the engine, gearbox and driven axles.

For those seeking more comprehensive cover, PowerGuard Plus adds in cover for the clutch, electrical system, electronic components, steering, brakes, and fuel system.

The premium PowerGuard Warranty provides van owners with cover for all mechanical and electrical components of a Mercedes-Benz van as standard.

Mercedes-Benz seem to have every angle of aftersales covered with the recurring message being speed, reliability and quality.