Mercedes-Benz has been sufficiently pleased with the performance of its Sprinter van that it is now seriously considering importing a smaller sibling for its full-size load lugger.
Benz has offered a smaller commercial vehicle, the Vito, in various world markets since 1996, and the second-generation model underwent a mild facelift in 2010. Available with a range of CDI diesel engines in both cargo and passenger-carrying configurations, the Vito has recently been testing in all-electric E-Cell guise. If the Vito does make it to North America, we’re unlikely to get the complete range – this light commercial vehicle is available in three lengths, two roof heights and in both rear- and all-wheel drive.
While the Vito is indeed smaller than the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter carryall, it’s not as diminutive as the Ford Transit Connect we’ve come to know in the States. In its smallest form, the baby Benz spans 187.5 inches, nearly seven inches more than the Turkish Ford. In extra-long format, the Vito rings up at 206.2 inches, which is still well shy of the aged Ford E-Series van (216.7 inches in its shortest form), making the Vito something of a tweener in size.
For the moment, our source tells us that the idea of importing the Vito is in “an early stage,” and even though consumer clinics have been held to judge market interest, the van has not yet been given the green light.
Category: Mercedes-Benz (Page 2 of 2)
With the 2010 World Cup just days away from starting, Mercedes Benz is getting ready for a massive marketing campaign. CEO Dieter Zetsche is betting big on a Germany victory and the real winners will be German car customers. If Germany walks away as champions, German car buyers can save as much as $3,000. Many feel this is also an important move by Daimler Benz to draw younger buyers into Mercedes dealerships as some feel they need to jump start it’s image at home an abroad. Furthermore, Mercedes is also offering zero-percent financing under the “dream selection” program, which includes the compact A- and B- class models and the GLK SUV.
From AutoNews.com:
BERLIN (Bloomberg) — Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche isn’t just supporting Germany’s soccer team when it takes the field for the World Cup. He’s also betting on a victory for his Mercedes-Benz luxury brand.
Zetsche is rolling out discounts and cut-rate financing packages in Germany as part of its most extensive promotion in 20 years for soccer’s biggest event, while competitors BMW AG and Volkswagen AG’s Audi balk at tournament-specific incentives.
A discount of as much as 2,050 euros ($2,493) is available on the 38,000-euro SLK roadster, and the savings rise if Germany wins the competition, which kicks off June 11 in South Africa. The deals reflect the carmaker’s need to broaden its appeal, whose drivers are about a decade older than Audi and BMW owners, according to market researcher Sinus Sociovision.
Read the full article here.
This thing could actually work and it’s the kind of alliance Mr. Ghosn has been searching for in the past few years. Listen, Nissan has some of the hottest cars on the market with more on the way. Bring back the 280zx and it’s on baby!
TOKYO (Bloomberg News) — Renault SA, Nissan Motor Co. and Daimler AG expect to save “billions of euros” by sharing development costs as part of an equity-swap alliance, two people with direct knowledge of the talks said.
The automakers aim to sign an agreement that will include cross-shareholdings from 3 percent to 4 percent as early as Wednesday in Brussels, said the people, who declined to be identified as the discussions are private. They plan to share development costs for platforms and technologies including powertrains, the people said.
Read the full article here.
“The Hangover” is an excellent film, and the car from the film is memorable as well. It’s a 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SE, and I suspect it will get plenty of attention due to the popularity of this film.
One of the vehicles used in the film is being sold on eBay, though it looks like nobody was willing to bid the minimum amount.
That’s pretty surprising. I’m betting they didn’t do much to promote it.
If you haven’t seen the film yet, grab some friends and check it out. It’s one of the funniest movies you’ll see in years.
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