Showing posts with label vito. Show all posts

Into the wilderness: female employees of Daimler AG set off in the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter on the 2012 "Aïcha des Gazelles" rally

By | Published Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Marie Le Neillon-Quesseveur, Susanne Ehmer, Christina Ines Ackermann, Coralie Lejeune, Daniela Snyders and Julia Salamon were today sent off into the desert by Daimler – on official business. The female employees of Daimler are taking part on behalf of the automotive manufacturer in the "Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc" desert rally.


Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, was on hand to wave the women off from Stuttgart. Addressing the female employees, Mornhinweg said: "Participation in this desert rally is a tremendous challenge for you. Of course at the same time it is also an exciting adventure. I wish you all the very best of luck, every success and an exciting time. And above all I wish you a safe return!"

Female employees take part in the rally

Female employees of Daimler have already taken part in the desert rally in both 2010 and 2011 – and with a great deal of success. Last year they secured first place in their category at the wheel of a Vito. According to Volker Mornhinweg: "The demand from female employees to take part in this event was huge. This is why this year, in addition to promoting diversity and based on the diversity management policy already in existence at Daimler, we once again wanted to give female staff in the company the opportunity to fulfil their rally dreams."

The vehicles

Daimler has entered three vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Vans in the 2012 rally: two Vito models and one Sprinter. The new generation Vito models have been modified for rally use to include such on-board equipment as roll-over cages, Terratrip mileage recorders, bucket seats, fire extinguishers, underride guard sand special desert tyres. The drivetrain, as well as the brakes and vehicle electronics, meanwhile, are all 100% identical to the series production Vito model.

Except for the shortened wheelbase, the third rally vehicle - a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - is also a series production vehicle which has been only slightly modified for rally use. The changes it has undergone include special sand tyres, a roll-over cage, bucket sets and an underride guard.

Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

This year's "Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles 2012" is taking place from 17 to 30 March in Morocco. Only women may take part in the rally, which covers a distance of 2500 kilometres and rally comprises seven stages. No fewer than a total of 150 teams from all over the world are lining up on the starting grid this year. It is not the fastest team which wins, but rather the team which is able to find the shortest route between the checkpoints within the given timeframe: all without the aid of GPS systems, binoculars or mobile phones.

There is no payment or prize money for the participants. The revenues generated from the rally are used to finance teams of doctors to provide medical care throughout the year to nomads and the residents of remote villages and settlements in the south of Morocco. In addition, a medical convoy with a mobile clinic travels through the country during the rally to carry out life-saving operations.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano has a nice surprise in store for us

By | Published Monday, 12 March 2012

The van offensive at Mercedes-Benz continues with the new generation of the Vito/Viano range, scheduled to arrive towards 2014. As said in the previous article, Volker Mornhinweg is keen to raise standards and offer an extensive lineup of attractive products for the commercial sector. After the new Citan and the facelift of the Sprinter, the Vito/Viano vehicles will receive a more dynamic and automotive-like fascia, in line with Merc's latest design language. Although hints are barely noticeable under the heavy cladding, one can tell the future mid-sized vans will display a powerful front end, dominated by bigger headlights and a classier grille.

Check out further spy shots after the break!








Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Vans in Geneva: Electric mobility with the Vito E-CELL

By | Published Tuesday, 6 March 2012

A world first from Mercedes-Benz Vans: the Vito E-CELL crewbus is the first seven-seater vehicle worldwide to offer local emission-free mobility ex-factory as standard. With its range of around 130 km it is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas, such as pedestrian zones, city centres or health resorts. The range of 130 km is optimised for deployment on short routes involving numerous stops.


Diverse range of applications in local emission-free passenger transport

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL crewbus lends itself to a broad scope of applications: in particular, for the first time ever it offers companies a local emission-free and also highly comfortable means of organising the short-range transportation of passengers on shuttle services or internal company transport services. Apart from restaurants and hotels in downtown locations with restricted access, the Vito E-CELL crewbus is also a highly interesting proposition for deployment in conservation areas and nature reserves. It is equally ideal for works transport at large companies or for deployment at airports and seaports.

Showcasing state-of-the-art drive technology: transparent model of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL at the Geneva Motor Show

For the first time ever, the transparent model of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL provides a vivid demonstration of how electric mobility works. Mercedes-Benz is offering clear insights in Geneva into the Vito E-CELL's mode of functioning: from chargers through voltage transformers, high-voltage control units and the battery to the electric motor. The model employs high-performance LEDs to visualise the flow of current from the battery via the control electronics to the drive shafts.

The technical concept behind the Vito E-CELL crewbus

The electric motor (60 kW; max. torque 280 Nm), power electronics, transformer and AC/DC charger are accommodated under the bonnet. The generated power is transmitted to the front wheels. The powerful and robust lithium-ion traction batteries are accommodated under the passenger compartment floor. The nominal voltage stands at 360 V, with a capacity of 36 kWh. The speed is electronically limited to 89 km/h in the interests of a range of 130 km (New European Driving Cycle, NEDC). The Vito E-CELL crewbus is well able to hold its own in city traffic with the available battery power. Acceleration from 0 to 50/80 km/h in 6.5/11 seconds ensures that it is a swift mover at all times.

The Vito E-CELL's batteries are charged from the 380/400 V grid in a maximum of five hours. Charging from the 230 V grid is subsequently possible as necessary. The battery additionally stores recuperated power while the vehicle is in motion.

The Vito E-CELL does not compromise on safety: ESP and driver's airbag come as standard and a safety belt is integrated in each seat. The batteries are protected by a crash element. In the event of airbag activation, the high-voltage technology will be shut down automatically. The Vito E-CELL has demonstrated its high safety standard in an impressive manner in crash tests.

Clocking up 650,000 km, a weath of positive experience and numerous awards

After its first year in service with customers, the Vito E-CELL has proven its credentials as an ideal vehicle for urban traffic. In all, 230 Vito E-CELL vans are now on the road as part of the promotion schemes currently in operation in Germany. Together, they have so far successfully covered around 650,000 km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL has won a host of awards from independent juries. Among its titles is "Green Commercial of the Year". In 2011 the Vito E-CELL won the "Alternative Drives" innovation award in the "KEP-Transporter des Jahres" competition for courier, express and parcel delivery vans, the "Umwelttechnikpreis Baden-Württemberg" for environmental engineering and technology and the Design Award at the Michelin "Challenge Bibendum", one of the largest forums worldwide on sustainable mobility.






Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VIRAL VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz Vito - BUILDERS

By | Published Tuesday, 28 February 2012


The series of viral videos for the "VitoPerfectPartner" campaign continue as Tom Ward's team strikes again with a funny clip. This time, a group of workers are having a lunch break. Out of nothing, their eyes are instantly attracted by a charming, blonde lady. But is it really her who got them 'mesmerized'? Hit play and find out the end of the story.

Once again, many thanks to Tom Ward for the hint! We highly appreciate it!

NOTE: www.vitoperfectpartner.com is an official campaign run by Northside Truck & Van Limited, a UK-based authorized dealer for light and heavy Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles operating in Bradford, Doncaster, Hull, Immingham, Leeds, Sheffield and York.


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VIRAL VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz Vito - COURIER

By | Published Tuesday, 14 February 2012


Today is Valentine's Day and we'd like to ask a question: why could the Mercedes-Benz Vito be seen as your perfect partner? Well, Tom Ward, a freelance designer from the United Kingdom, had an answer to this problem and, therefore, he transposed his idea into the viral video you see above. The clip is funny, unconventional and has a good deal of marketing potential. This is the first of a series of three materials created by Tom and his team - so there's more to come.

Hat tip to Tom Ward for the hint! We highly appreciate it!

NOTE: www.vitoperfectpartner.com is an official campaign run by Northside Truck & Van Limited, a UK-based authorized dealer for light and heavy Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles operating in Bradford, Doncaster, Hull, Immingham, Leeds, Sheffield and York.


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Quiet and emissions-free driving in the city: Vito E-Cell vans cover 650,000 km in customer use

By | Published Friday, 20 January 2012

Quiet, emissions-free and practical – 100 battery-driven electric Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL vans have proven their worth in customer use in Berlin and Stuttgart. The world’s first van fitted with an electric drive system ex factory has been taking to the roads in the German capital since autumn 2010, and in Stuttgart since the beginning of 2011. The two projects, each with 50 Vito E-CELLs, are intended to run over a period of four years. The final reports scheduled for the end of the promotional period indicate a positive result: the Vito E-CELL is ideally suited to use on inner-city routes. The vehicle has made the vision of emissions-free driving in commercial traffic a reality. A total of 230 Vito E-CELL vans are now in use in several model regions.


Automotive industry, commercial enterprises, energy suppliers and policy makers in successful collaboration

The projects serve to demonstrate how the automotive industry, together with commercial enterprises, energy suppliers and policy makers, can work together to provide crucial impetus to advance electric mobility in Germany. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation is lending its support to the Electrification of Mercedes-Benz Small Vans in Development and Production project (EMKEP) in Berlin. In Stuttgart, the Integrated Concept for Sustainable Electric Mobility project (IKONE) is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The two promotional initiatives are part of the German federal government’s second economic stimulus package.

Intelligent charging technology utilises green electricity

Mercedes-Benz and energy suppliers Vattenfall (Berlin) and EnBW (Stuttgart) have begun the implementation of new technologies in vehicles and their charging systems at both locations. The energy suppliers, for instance, have now provided charging stations to operators at their depots. The batteries of Vito E-CELL vans are recharged at these locations outside of operating hours.

Intelligent charging technology is used, based on the Smart Charge Communication Unit (SCCU) in the Vito E-CELL. The technology optimises the CO2 balance of the vans with certified green electricity, or even surplus wind energy (“Wind-to-Vehicle/W2V”). The charging technology can also be programmed to lower electricity tariffs to impact operating costs favourably. Where operators use several Vito E-CELL vans, the charging procedures are graded through a process of local charge management (LLM, in German: Lokales Lastmanagement) to ensure that the grid capacity is not overextended.

Highly diverse areas of application

Mercedes-Benz delivered the first vehicles for field testing to testing partners in Berlin at the beginning of September 2010, and in Stuttgart in January 2011. The areas of application are highly diverse: courier, express and package service providers (KEP, in German: Kurier-, Express- und Paketdienstleister), plant transportation in large corporations, service vehicles for plant maintenance, customer service, and assembly and internal transport within companies. The varied topography was a key factor in the selection of the regions. In contrast to the largely flat terrain of the greater Berlin area, the differences in elevation within the Stuttgart metropolitan area are as much as 350 meters, which presents a real stamina test for the range, recuperation performance and drive properties of the Vito E-CELL.

All-round positive assessment of Vito E-CELL van in daily use by customers and drivers

In both regions, the drivers’ assessment of the Vito E-CELL has been highly positive. Characteristics of drive performance, tractive force, steady acceleration without shifting gears and continuous braking were all rated favourably. Drivers also praised the quiet running. The sole drawback of a quiet drive system is that other road users do not always hear the van approaching; according to driver opinion, this necessitates increased attentiveness and an especially anticipatory driving style.

Range typically not exploited to the full

Initial concerns regarding a too limited range were not substantiated in practice. The vehicles proved capable of covering at least 80 km on a full battery charge, including in winter, which in most cases is a sufficient range. Specifically, this concerns KEP applications with fixed routes, trade companies, supply and municipal companies, and general use within the inner-city environment and within corporate facilities. In a survey conducted during testing in Stuttgart, for example, drivers rated the range of the Vito E-CELL as either good or satisfactory. The fact that the challenging topography of the region fails to limit the on-the-road capabilities of the Vito E-CELL was one of the key findings in field testing.

The charge level of the batteries is a key indicator of range. In Berlin, for instance, this typically fluctuated between 95 and 25 percent of available capacity. This indicates that the maximum range of the Vito E-CELL is seldom fully utilised. Comparatively short charging times of between one and three hours are thus the norm in both regions.

Top speed sufficient, drivers highly motivated

The speed of the Vito E-CELL is electronically limited to 89 km/h to preserve a maximum range. This allows the vans to be driven with ease within the flow of truck traffic on occasional trips on the autobahn. Often, the maximum speed is not reached: in Berlin, for instance, only 30 percent of electric vans were reported to reach top speed on a daily basis. Analyses revealed that, in most cases, the speed of the Vito E-CELL did not exceed 55 km/h in both cities. Speeds were largely in the 15 to 30 km/h range.

Technical design of the Vito E-CELL

The Vito E-CELL is based on the mid-length Vito panel van. With a load capacity of up to 900 kg and an unmodified usable load compartment, the Vito E-CELL is suitable for commercial applications without any restrictions. The bodywork as such remains unaffected.

The electric engine, power electronics, converter and AC/DC charger are housed beneath the bonnet. The electric engine develops 60 kW, with a peak torque of 280 Nm. The power is transferred to the front wheels. The high-performance and durable lithium-ion traction batteries are located beneath the load compartment floor. The nominal voltage is 360 V, with a capacity of 36 kWh.

The maximum speed is limited to 89 km/h to maximise the range, which according to NEDC is around 130 km. This enables the Vito E-CELL to keep pace with the flow of truck traffic on the autobahn. The vehicle accelerates quickly from 0 to 50/80 km/h in just 6.5/11 seconds.

Power supply is via charging stations at fleet depots. The batteries of the Vito E-CELL are charged at a mains voltage of 380/400 V, a process that takes a maximum of six hours. Later, charging will also be possible at a mains voltage of 230 V. Furthermore, the batteries are also charged while the vehicle is under way, through recuperation, in which brake energy is converted into power. Back-up for the Vito E-CELL during the two field tests was provided by the local subsidiaries. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the Vito E-CELL is also fully integrated into the Star Diagnosis diagnostics system.

Fully fledged safety features, successful crash tests

In contrast to other electric vehicles, the Vito E-CELL is equipped with fully fledged safety features, including ESP. Additionally, the batteries themselves are protected by a crash element. If the airbag is triggered, the high-voltage technology is disabled automatically. The Vito E-CELL has impressively demonstrated its high safety standards in crash tests.

Numerous awards for the Vito E-CELL

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL has been awarded numerous distinctions by many independent panels, including the “Postal Technology International Award 2010” and “Green Commercial Vehicle of the Year” award. In 2011, the Vito E-CELL was awarded the “Alternative Drive Systems” innovation prize in the “KEP Van of the Year” event, the “Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Prize” and the Design Award at the Michelin “Challenge Bibendum”, one of the world’s largest forums for sustainable mobility.

400 Vito E-CELL vans in 2011, further model variants

The greatest distinction achieved by the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the demand for the vehicle among customers. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz manufactured some 400 Vito E-CELL vans in its Vitoria plant in the Basque region in Spain. There, the Vito E-CELL is manufactured on the same assembly lines as all other Vito vans. This professional standard of manufacturing is a crucial factor for acceptance among commercial customers.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has produced a series of 2000 E-CELL vehicles since 2011. The popularity of the electrically driven van is set to receive a further boost with additional model variants for even greater practice- and customer-oriented purposes. Since the Vito E-CELL has an EU type approval, no monitoring organisation assessment is required for licensing within the EU, and special directives for high-voltage technology are also not applicable.

Meanwhile, field testing continues in Berlin and Stuttgart. The vehicles are designed for four years of use, with a distance of up to 80,000 km per vehicle. Owing to the high levels of demand and acceptance experienced, it proved possible as early as the testing phase to deploy additional vehicles in other model regions of Germany. A total of 230 Vito E-CELL vans have taken to the road as part of the promotional initiatives, with a distance of approximately 650,000 km covered to date. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to deploy the Vito in other regions of Germany, and in most western European countries as well.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz showcases the Vito E-CELL at the Post Expo in Stuttgart

By | Published Tuesday, 27 September 2011


The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is making its mark thanks to an innovative concept and high-performance drive system. A fully functioning van for everyday applications, it has a maximum payload of around 900kg and a load compartment with no restrictions on use. This means it can assume all the usual transportation duties of a vehicle in its class and makes it an ideal choice for courier and parcel services.


Post Expo held for the first time in Stuttgart

Last year, the Vito E-CELL wowed experts at the Post Expo in Copenhagen, picking up the ‘Innovation of the Year Award’ as a transport for courier and parcel services.

The Post Expo is a major international trade fair for the logistics industry that takes place every year in a different location.

This year, the most innovative and cutting-edge logistics solutions can be seen at Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 September. Mercedes-Benz is offering exclusive road tests in the Vito E-CELL so that potential customers can experience this pioneering technology at first hand.
Several package delivery companies have already included the Vito E-CELL in their fleets in Germany and are delighted with its performance.

State-of-the art drive technology, high-performance lithium-ion battery

The Vito E-CELL’s powerful, high-tech batteries are located in the underfloor unit, and so do not take up valuable load space. They have a combined capacity of 36 kWh, which is sufficient for a range of around 130 kilometres. The electric motor powering the Vito E-CELL has an output of 60 kW, with 280 Nm of torque. And because electric motors are able to deliver full torque right from the start, the Vito E-CELL can pick up speed incredibly quickly. The maximum speed is capped at 80 km/h in view of the vehicle’s typical applications and maximum range.

Vito E-CELL: electric drive for quiet, local zero-emission driving

The zero-emission drive system of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, the first purely electric-powered van to be introduced ex works by any automobile manufacturer, makes it ideally suited to logistics applications in city centres and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The first Vito E-CELL vans have already been handed over to customers: by the end of 2010, a total of 100 had been delivered in Berlin and Stuttgart, and plans are in place for the staggered delivery of a further 2000 units across Europe. Providing a range of approximately 130 kilometres, the Vito E-CELL is capable of meeting typical customer requirements for vans making frequent short journeys. The load space can be used without any restrictions whatsoever, and with a maximum payload of around 900kg, the Vito E-CELL really is a fully functioning van for courier, express and parcel services.

High-capacity lithium-ion drive batteries

The batteries housed under the loading floor are durable, high-performance lithium-ion units. Thanks to intelligent technology, the charging times can be specified in accordance with how the vehicle is used. This means each Vito E-CELL can be charged at precisely those times when energy providers supply ‘green’ power or off-peak electricity. The batteries are also charged while driving through regenerative braking, which converts the vehicle’s braking energy into electricity.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Vito from Vitoria: two generations, one million vans

By | Published Thursday, 26 May 2011


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Vitoria, Spain, May 26, 2011

- One millionth Vito produced in Vitoria
- Satisfied customers in 80 countries around the world

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.


A special occasion

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.

Production starts

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.

Quality that continues to convince

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.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Swedish Greys - a WordPress theme from Nordic Themepark. Converted by LiteThemes.com.