Jersey Is A Perfect Fit For Canter

Compact size, manoeuvrability and excellent visibility make the Mitsubishi Canter the ideal delivery vehicle for the narrow streets and country lanes of Jersey.

So says liquor wholesaler Randalls Vautier, which runs a fleet of 18 light trucks and supplies most of the island’s pubs, hotels, restaurants and shops.

"I’m sure the Canter was not designed with Jersey in mind, but it seems to fit the bill exactly," says Managing Director David Le Quesne. "I’ve noticed that it’s becoming a popular choice with other commercial vehicle operators on the island too."

Historically, the company has used Iveco Dailys, but last year Mr Le Quesne took a trip to the mainland to try the Canter. He was immediately impressed with the vehicle’s car-like cab and ease of driving.

"Driving the Canter around the lanes of Hampshire, it was clear that the vehicle was just what we were looking for," says Mr Le Quesne.

The company bought a 6.3-tonne Canter 63, fitted with a platform body and aluminium dropsides by Rohill of Andover, and has now taken delivery of another two identical vehicles. The plan is to replace all the Ivecos with Canter 63s as they come up for renewal.

"When we took delivery of the Canter, the cab comfort was the first thing that the drivers noticed," continues Mr Le Quesne. "It’s a big improvement on the Ivecos – but there are other advantages too.

"The Canter is very manoeuvrable and copes with our narrow lanes and streets without any trouble. The low front end and lack of protruding bonnet gives it excellent visibility and the low loading height makes lifting our 11-gallon kegs off the back easier and safer. The engine is very flexible too, which means our drivers are not going up and down the gearbox all the time.

"The vehicle is also extremely reliable. There are no motorways here and it’s all stop-start driving, but our Canters are on the go all day and stand up to the punishment very well."