Mercedes-Benz is striving to attain a leading position in the mid-size van segment with its new Vito model series. The highly versatile and professional van in the 2.5-3.2 t GVW segment offers a broad range of outstanding features. The new Vito is the first van in the mid-size segment to offer three different drive system variants and incorporates a broad range of innovative safety and assistance systems. “The new Vito offers a perfect example of successful technology transfer within the Daimler Group”, said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG, on the occasion of the world premiere of the new Vito in Berlin.

“The model has profited from our 120 years of experience in the commercial vehicle sector and our technology edge when it comes to safety and assistance systems, that were exists in our passenger car portfolio. The new Vito also benefits from our Group-wide expertise in terms of efficiency enhancements.”

Between the time of the model’s market launch in 1995 and the end of 2013 nearly 1.2 million units of the Vito were sold. Like its predecessor, the new Vito is being built at the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant in Vitoria, Spain. “We’re attacking in the mid-size van segment”, said Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We’re now offering new entry-level variants in our traditional markets. But we also plan to conquer new markets, such as North and Latin America, with the new Vito. The vehicle will follow in the footsteps of the Sprinter and become our second global model.”

The new Vito combines versatility, safety, and efficiency. The developers of the new Vito also made the model extremely fuel efficient. Average NEDC diesel consumption has been reduced by around 20 percent compared to the predecessor model. The Vito with BlueEfficiency package is especially fuel efficient. The BlueEfficiency package can be ordered with the new rear-wheel drive Vito. It is also standard in all Vito Tourer models that have an automatic transmission, are registered as passenger cars, or are variants equipped with the model series’ most powerful engine. The Vito 116 CDI with BlueEfficiency package and truck registration has a certified fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km — a value that is unmatched in this vehicle category. All the different new Vito engine variants also benefit from a long maintenance interval of up to 40,000 km or two years.

High level of safety: The Vito is the benchmark in its segment. The new Vito also sets new standards for safety. Already the Vito panel is the only van equipped with airbags and a seatbelt warning system for both the driver and front passenger. With its maximum eight airbags for the driver and passengers, the new Vito Tourer is now the new benchmark in this regard. Standard equipment in the new Vito also includes the Attention Assist system and a tire pressure monitoring system. In a unique development in the mid-size van segment, the Crosswind Assist system is available as basic standard equipment in the new Vito model series. Crosswind Assist is able to compensate nearly fully for strong wind gusts. Additional assistance systems are available as options. New and unique in the van segment as a whole are the Active Parking Assist and Collision Prevention Assist systems. Also available is a Blind Spot Assist, which warns drivers of approaching vehicles when they switch lanes, and a Lane Keeping Assist, which prevents drivers from inadvertently leaving the lane.

The new Vito is the first vehicle in its segment to offer a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel, and — in a new development — front wheel drive systems. The differences between them are clear: The new front-wheel drive Vito is a very light vehicle. Finally, the new Vito with front-wheel drive is being marketed at a very attractive price. The proven rear-wheel drive system is the perfect solution for jobs involving heavy loads or trailers, and situations where very dynamic handling is required. The all-wheel drive system is the ideal choice when a high degree of traction is required, especially in tough driving conditions and on unpaved roads.

The new Vito is scheduled to be launched in Germany in October 2014. The model will subsequently be introduced in other European countries.

• Daimler AG-boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche (r.) and Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg, roll out the new Vito in Berlin.