{"id":63965,"date":"2025-07-28T11:42:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/?p=63965"},"modified":"2025-07-28T11:42:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:42:49","slug":"mercedes-benz-celebrates-30-years-of-vito-the-compact-partner-for-crafts-service-and-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/mercedes-benz-celebrates-30-years-of-vito-the-compact-partner-for-crafts-service-and-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes-Benz celebrates 30 years of Vito: The compact partner for crafts, service and trade"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three decades, three generations, countless uses: the Mercedes\u2011Benz Vito is turning 30. Since its launch in 1995, the midsize van has stood for uncompromising readiness for everyday tasks, impressive versatility and innovative technology in the commercial midsize van segment. From trades to maintenance and customer service operations to police and ambulance services. Whether operated as an individual vehicle or in a large fleet, in a basic version or as supplied by one of the many upfitters of special transporters for food or emergency medical services: the Vito is a reliable partner that meets the requirements of many different industries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to modern safety and assistance systems, digital networking and the many available versions, it supports customers in their daily work.&nbsp;With the eVito, Mercedes\u2011Benz&nbsp;Vans has also offered an alternative for local CO\u2082-emission-free driving since 2018. Its predecessor, the Vito E-CELL, was embraced by many customers starting back in 2010. Vito&nbsp;and&nbsp;eVito&nbsp;show their strengths above all in urban environments, where their&nbsp;compact&nbsp;size not only allows them to fit into modern&nbsp;public&nbsp;parking garages, it also helps to keep urban life running in narrow streets. Nearly a quarter of Mercedes\u2011Benz&nbsp;Vans customers&nbsp;therefore opt for commercial midsize&nbsp;vans.<\/p><div class=\"autoestrada-nel-contenuto autoestrada-entity-placement\" id=\"autoestrada-3068333931\" style=\"position: relative;padding: 30px;border: 2px solid red;margin: 25px auto 35px;text-align: center;width: fit-content;\"><div class=\"autoestrada-adlabel\">Advertising<\/div><div id=\"autoestrada-594648602\"><!-- START ADVERTISER: from tradedoubler.com -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\nvar uri = 'https:\/\/impfr.tradedoubler.com\/imp?type(img)g(25401758)a(2263928)' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);\r\ndocument.write('<a href=\"https:\/\/clk.tradedoubler.com\/click?p=320153&a=2263928&g=25401758\" target=\"_BLANK\"><img src=\"'+uri+'\" border=0><\\\/a>');\r\n<\/script>\r\n<!-- END ADVERTISER: from tradedoubler.com -->\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cOver the last 30 years, the&nbsp;Vito&nbsp;has proven to be a true all-rounder for&nbsp;professionals. Thanks to its&nbsp;compact&nbsp;dimensions and large cargo space, it is an ideal choice for urban settings. For our&nbsp;customers, the&nbsp;Vito&nbsp;offers a high level of functionality and flexibility,&nbsp;combined&nbsp;with comfort and&nbsp;efficiency. Like our Sprinter, it has kept the world mobile for 30 years. In its electric version, the eVito stands for sustainable, locally CO\u2082-emission-free mobility for nearly eight years.\u201d<\/strong><br>Sagree Sardien, Head of Sales &amp; Marketing Mercedes\u2011Benz Vans<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mercedes-Benz Vito: the history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mercedes-Benz Vito has offered a convincing solution geared to the needs of tradespeople, retailers and service providers since 1995. It is the versatile allrounder among the commercially positioned midsize vans. Key milestones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1995: the first generation with transversely mounted four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the first generation of the Vito, Mercedes-Benz introduced an entirely new van in the 2.6 to 2.8&nbsp;tonne class in 1995. The front-wheel drive van combined an attractive design with compact dimensions and, with a payload of one tonne, it was also suited to carrying heavy goods. The cargo area of 3.6 m<sup>2<\/sup>&nbsp;provided a loading capacity of almost 5 m<sup>3<\/sup>, so that the Vito could also easily transport bulky items. And thanks to its manageable dimensions and a height of 1.89 metres, the Vito was suitable for multistory carparks and garages in cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first generation also offered an extensive safety package as standard that was impressive for its time. This included driver airbag, independent wheel suspension and disk brakes on all wheels, ABS with automatic braking differential and power steering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transversely mounted four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines boasted low fuel consumption, enabling attractive driving performance. Customers embraced the efficiency, robustness and flexibility of the Vito \u2013 which earned it the title \u201cVan of the Year\u201d in 1996. An update in 1999 brought a design facelift, new colours and optimised features. By 2003 Mercedes\u2011Benz had sold around 473,000 first-generation vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2003: second generation with more comfort and greater variety<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the second generation, the entire vehicle concept for the Vito was redesigned. All of the variants of the midsize van now relied on rear-wheel rather than front-wheel drive, which improved the driving dynamics and load capacity. With a payload of up to 1295 kg, the Vito was now a true workhorse. An all-wheel drive variant \u2013 the first in its segment \u2013 added to the model diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more powerful engines now available ranged from efficient four-cylinder engines to powerful V6 units. With three body lengths, two roof heights, five engine choices and numerous optional equipment packages, the second generation put the Vito firmly on the path toward the diverse range of versions available today. In 2005 the European jury again voted the Mercedes\u2011Benz Vito \u201cVan of the Year\u201d. By 2014 the second-generation Vito surpassed its outstanding predecessor with sales of nearly 750,000 units worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the second generation marked a milestone with regard to electrification: With the launch of the Vito E\u2011CELL in 2010, Mercedes\u2011Benz began small-series production of a battery-driven van equipped with a 70-kW (95-hp) electric motor. It had a range of around 130 km and was a success in such areas as courier, express and parcel services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>2014: third generation brings new design and even more space<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2014 the third generation of the Vito celebrated its world premiere. Even more versatile and economic, and with improved safety features, the new allrounder among the midsized vans was launched with a new design and three drive concepts. Customers could choose between front, rear and all-wheel drive. With an unchanged wheelbase, the Vito was up to 13 cm longer, with a maximum length of 5.37 metres, offering more loading and passenger space and an increased payload of 1369 kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was followed in 2018 with the launch of the eVito, the first fully electric midsize van produced in series by Mercedes\u2011Benz. The third generation also set new standards for safety: The Vito panel van was the only vehicle in its class to be equipped with airbags and seatbelt reminders for both the driver and passengers as standard. The Vito Tourer offered up to eight airbags for all occupants. Unique among midsize vans at the time was the Crosswind Assistant included as a basic feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The all-electric eVito has been on the market since 2018. Whether as a panel van for delivery traffic or as a Tourer for commercial passenger transport \u2013 the eVito carried on the legacy of the E-CELL while steadily introducing technological advances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2020 a new update brought many technical advances: The new OM 654 family of four-cylinder diesel engines delivered increased power combined with lower fuel consumption. In addition, the new generation featured the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, an optional digital inside rear-view mirror, the DISTRONIC automatic distance assist, other improved assistance systems and new comfort systems such as the AIRMATIC air suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2024: The current Vito brings new levels of connectivity and comfort<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next upgrade came last year. The MBUX multimedia system brought modern infotainment, improved connectivity and new digital extras<sup>[1]<\/sup>&nbsp;for a further increase in comfort. As a result, the Vito and eVito are fully integrated into the brand\u2019s digital ecosystem. The safety features were further improved and expanded, for example with the Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function and the Active Lane Keeping Assistant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exterior was updated with multibeam LED headlights and the interior was enhanced with such features as a new central console and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate. The standard features were extensively upgraded and the range logic was more closely adapted to customer wishes. For the first time the drive options were expanded to include a petrol engine with mild hybrid technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The current models are available at prices starting at EUR&nbsp;32.284,52&nbsp;incl. VAT<sup>[1]<\/sup>&nbsp;(27.129,85 Euro excl. VAT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The current eVito wins over customers with locally CO\u2082 emission-free drive technology, full connectivity and a range of up to 480&nbsp;km (WLTP)<sup>&nbsp;[3],[4]<\/sup>&nbsp;that makes it viable for everyday operations. Prices for the eVito start at EUR&nbsp;43,055.51&nbsp;incl. VAT<sup>[5]<\/sup>&nbsp;(36.181,10 Euro excl. VAT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vito \u2013 made in Vitoria for 30 years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vito has been produced from the outset in the historically important van factory in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz \u2013 to which the allrounder owes its name. As the second-largest producer of Mercedes\u2011Benz Vans, it is one of the most important Mercedes\u2011Benz Vans factories worldwide. Along with the Vito and eVito, the plant also makes the V-Class models aimed at the private market as well as the EQV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vitoria has stood for meticulous craftsmanship, modern production technologies and strong regional ties for more than 70 years. On a premises with a total area of 696,000 m\u00b2, production buildings now span an area of 373,000 m\u00b2. The number of employees stands at 4,800. In March 2024 the cornerstone was laid for an expansion of the plant: Starting in 2026, vans based on the fully electric VAN Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will be produced here. The ongoing investments in infrastructure, digitisation and training make the plant a future-ready pillar in the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><sup>&nbsp;<\/sup>To use the digital extras, you are required to set up a Mercedes me ID and accept the current version of the Mercedes me ID user terms and conditions. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the limited term, the Digital Extras can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[2]<\/sup><sup>&nbsp;<\/sup>Vehicle price for individual customers in Germany incl. 19% VAT. \/ Price as at 09.07.2025 (Vito BASE Special Edition)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[3]<\/sup><sup>&nbsp;<\/sup>The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The indicated ranges apply to the German market. The energy consumption and CO\u2082 emissions of a car depend not only on the car\u2019s efficient use of the fuel or energy source, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors. The highest value applies to the eVito panel van with battery capacity of 90 kWh and motor power of 85 kW (peak).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[4]<\/sup>&nbsp;The actual range depends on numerous factors such as the individual driving style, ambient conditions, the aging process of the battery, auxiliary consumers, such as climate control, special equipment, tires, payload, the route profile and can therefore deviate from the specified WLTP value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>[5]<\/sup>&nbsp;Vehicle price for individual customers in Germany incl. 19% VAT.&nbsp;\/ Price as at 09.07.2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aes-custom-banner\">\n\n<!-- START ADVERTISER: Europcar IT from awin.com -->\n\n<a rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?s=3919780&#038;v=7629&#038;q=318594&#038;r=1229872\" target=\"_blank\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cshow.php?s=3919780&#038;v=7629&#038;q=318594&#038;r=1229872\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\">\n<\/a>\n\n<!-- END ADVERTISER: Europcar IT from awin.com -->\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Three decades, three generations, countless uses: the Mercedes\u2011Benz Vito is turning 30. Since its launch in 1995, the midsize van has stood for uncompromising readiness for everyday tasks, impressive versatility and innovative technology in the commercial midsize van segment. From trades to maintenance and customer service operations to police and ambulance services. Whether operated as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":63966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[140],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63965"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63970,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63965\/revisions\/63970"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autoestrada.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}