MB Unveils the Viano and the New Vito

Press Release

The Mercedes-Benz Vito The Mercedes-Benz Vito model series is available in either a Panel Van version for transporting goods and materials, or as a Crewbus for commercial passenger transport or for mixed applications. These two variants are joined by the Vito Mixto which has been specifically designed for carrying up to six people plus large quantities of material at the same time. The three vehicle lengths and two different roof heights which are available increase the load capacity to as much as 6.49 m³ (previously max. 4.8 m³), whilst allowing the Vito to carry loads up to 2 897 mm in length. The Panel Van's sliding doors are also large enough to allow Euro pallets, for example, to be loaded from the side by fork-lift truck. The load width between the wheel arches is 1 277 mm, allowing up to three Euro pallets to be loaded one behind the other. The Crewbus models in the new Mercedes-Benz Vito range are also available in a choice of three vehicle lengths. This means they can carry up to eight passengers plus driver, with a luggage capacity of up to 970 litres. The pleasant ambience of the interior, the comfortable seats with integral three-point seat belts, the flexible seat adjustment plus a host of other features make the Mercedes-Benz Vito an ideal means of transport, no matter whether it's to be used as a shuttle bus for the most discerning of hotel guests or simply as an addition to an existing bus fleet. Market launch The new Mercedes-Benz Viano and Mercedes-Benz Vito will make their respective public debuts at the International Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (August 29 – September 7, 2003), the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 - 21, 2003) and the RAI Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam (October 17 - 25, 2003), with order books for both model series opening before then in mid-June. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the old Vito van will then be replaced successively in the markets, starting in autumn 2003. Production will take place at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Vitoria, Spain, where the manufacturing facilities have been practically doubled in size in preparation. A completely new body shop equipped with 550 state-of-the-art robots has been installed there, along with a new paint shop and a new assembly line. In parallel to this, a revolutionary quality management concept is now being practised at the plant.