**Radio Personality Scott Mills Launches Groundbreaking Podcast for UK Van Drivers**
Celebrated broadcaster Scott Mills has unveiled a new podcast aimed squarely at the UK’s van-driving community — a first of its kind for the country. The project, which is made possible through a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Vans, marks a notable shift in podcasting, shining a light on a vital workforce often overlooked in mainstream media.
Titled *Under the Bonnet*, the podcast delves into topics relevant to everyday van life, with Mills taking the helm as host. Each instalment, set at around thirty minutes, features engaging discussions with celebrities and insightful guests. The aim is not only to illuminate what motivates Britain’s millions of van drivers, but also to offer a platform where their experiences and challenges are openly explored.
Scott Mills, known for his affable presence on the UK airwaves, brings a personal connection to the series. His father, Pete, ran a removals business and spent years on the road driving a van himself. Consequently, Mills explained that producing a podcast from the interior of a van felt very natural to him. Reflecting on his upbringing, he credits those formative years with granting him respect and insight into the daily realities facing van drivers across the nation.
The Under the Bonnet podcast arrives in celebration of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s 30th anniversary. The timing coincides with the release of the firm’s second annual Under the Bonnet report, which offers a glimpse into the everyday conversations and issues defining van life today. Notably, this research found that discussions about potholes have now overtaken football as the primary icebreaker in casual chats amongst strangers — a telling sign of the shifting priorities for those regularly making long trips by road.
Each episode sees Mills joined by a variety of guests, all offering a different perspective on life behind the wheel. In the premiere, he sits down with BBC Celebrity MasterChef judge and noted food pundit Grace Dent. Dent candidly reveals her fondness for motorway service station cuisine, turning the spotlight on an often-maligned element of life on the road and highlighting the comfort these stop-offs can provide for busy professionals.
Subsequent episodes aim to address deeper topics relevant to the van-driving community, including issues of mental wellbeing. In the second episode, Mills shares his own mental health journey, engaging in thoughtful conversation with van driver David Curtis. The experience reflects findings from the latest Mercedes-Benz report, which discovered that a significant 65% of van drivers have experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety — a figure that brings into focus the mental toll associated with long and sometimes solitary hours spent on the road.
Commenting on the project, Mills said: “As a child, I spent hours in the front seat of my dad’s van, so creating this podcast felt like returning to my roots. Having grown up in that environment, I’m acutely aware of how crucial van drivers are to keeping the UK running. My goal with Under the Bonnet is to give back to a community that works endlessly, stocking shelves, delivering goods, and supporting businesses nationwide.”
Iain Forsyth, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, underscored the rationale for launching the series. “Scott Mills is a familiar presence to many in the UK, making him the ideal figure to front this initiative. When we first introduced the Sprinter in 1995, van drivers only had the radio to keep them company. Now, podcasts are a major part of their daily routine. It made perfect sense to create a podcast tailored especially for them, featuring honest conversations about the real issues they encounter.”
He added, “We’re excited to offer this platform to highlight the realities — both the challenges and the triumphs — of modern van life.”
With its blend of celebrity interviews, candid personal stories, and data-driven discussion of current trends, *Under the Bonnet* stands out as a refreshing addition to the UK podcast landscape. The series will likely resonate with van drivers, their families, and anyone curious to learn more about one of the country’s essential workforces.
Listeners can access the podcast via all major streaming platforms, ensuring maximum accessibility for those constantly on the move. As the episodes roll out, Mills and his team hope to deepen public appreciation for the people who, quite literally, keep Britain moving.