Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Feb 23, 2009

* Economy and technical capabilities as deciding factors
* More than 120 vehicles already on the road
* 500 planned by the year-end

Vehicles to be used as London taxis are subject to special requirements, and these primarily concern the turning circle of the vehicle. A London taxi must have a turning circle of no more than 7.62 m between kerbs and 8.535 m between two parallel walls. Previously these requirements have only been met by the TX4 or 'Black Cab'. Now the One80 company has developed a rear-wheel steering system for the Vito, which enables it to meet these stringent requirements and take to the roads of London as the only competitor to the TX4.


The Mercedes-Benz Vito was able to prevail against competing large-capacity vehicles thanks to its well-conceived technical features. Its rear-wheel drive system is inherently more favourable to a small turning circle. The "compact" length variant offers both a short external length and a generous interior with access and space for wheelchairs. Good economy is ensured by diesel engines with the latest injection and emissions control technology.

The 21,000 or so Black Cabs currently operating in London are now faced with a competitor for the first time. The traffic scene on London’s roads is now slowly changing with the introduction of the first 120 Vito taxis. Around 500 Vito taxis will gradually be entering service by the end of this year.