Mercedes-Benz will launch the latest version of the popular Vito van in Victoria this week
By Gary Worrall | February 2, 2011
Mercedes-Benz will launch the latest version of the popular Vito van at Victoria’s Phillip Island this week.
While full details of the van will be under wraps until the launch, it is known the new model will include Euro 5 exhaust emission compliance as required under ADR 80/03 regulations now in force.
Popular with owner-operators and major fleets alike, the Vito offers high levels of occupant safety with a 5-Star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program).
The van comes with standard safety items such as ABS brakes, ASR (traction control), BAS (brake assist system) and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution). It includes driver and passenger airbags and a passenger safety cell.
With Mercedes-Benz working in Europe to develop a range of powertrain options that provide usable power, low emissions and increased efficiency, it is possible the range may include a CNG (compressed natural gas) version to run alongside the natural gas-powered Sprinter introduced in 2010.
Although demand for CNG is still low in Australia, there is a growing number of fleets with on-site refuelling equipment as well as more CNG filling stations to make natural gas-powered fleets more viable.
An additional benefit, as well as the reduced running cost, of natural gas is a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
It is an important issue for operators in urban areas as governments at all levels continue to discuss carbon pricing options.
ATN will have full coverage of this week’s launch as well as extensive road tests of the new models in upcoming editions.