Last Friday, 13 May, saw the one millionth Vito leave the production line at the Vitoria plant. The van in question was a black model with a V6 diesel engine destined for the Dutch market. To commemorate this historic occasion, 40 employees from the three production shops gathered next to plant manager Emilio Titos for a photograph to be taken. They have all played a part, from the very first day of production in September 1995 until now, in making the Vito van the success that it is in more than 80 countries around the globe.
A new era began for the Vitoria plant in the autumn of 1995, with the launch of the Vito TO. Production increased from year to year, reaching a high point of 75 500 units at the turn of the millennium. In 2003, eight years after series production of the Vito had begun, came a further significant milestone: the introduction of the second generation, the Vito NCV2 with rear-wheel drive. While the tremendous range of models and variants may have presented the plant with some major challenges, it has certainly been extremely well received in the market.
Since September 2010, the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI has had the advantage of numerous new features.
Key among these is a completely redesigned, very economical and eco-friendly engine which, thanks to its balancer shafts, delivers an impressively smooth ride. The broad ratio spread of the new six-speed ECO Gear manual transmission ensures a convincing combination of top performance along with low consumption and emissions. The driving dynamics and handling of the Mercedes-Benz Vito benefit from the rear-wheel drive system. The new Vito also enjoys the added benefit of a newly developed and optimally tuned chassis.
Added operating convenience, enhanced comfort and a more high-quality look and feel – a list that summarises the changes made in the interior of the Vito. Whether it's the new shift lever, the push buttons in the upper control panel on the centre console or the upgraded optional overhead control panel - the Vito is more user-friendly than ever.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito has also put a new slant on things in terms of its exterior. New reflector headlamps frame the radiator grille; their housing also integrates daytime running lamps, which come as standard and have their own light source, and foglamps.
The new Vito goes to show that reliability and robustness are all part of the package with Mercedes-Benz, even in severe winter conditions.
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