Vito to come to the US? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

winmutt · #1 06-03-2011, 06:45 PM

Say it aint so! Diesel? What!
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/mercedes-benz-studying-vito-van-for-u-s/

Quote:

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.

Joseph_Conrad · #2 06-03-2011, 06:59 PM

There goes the neighborhood...

Aquaticedge · #3 06-03-2011, 07:19 PM

I like it, wonder how much they'd go for

tbomachines · #4 06-04-2011, 01:39 AM

This would probably be a great competitor to the ford transit van and scion XB for commercial use...I always wondered why they never offered something like that in the US, I see those transit vans everywhere.

vstech · #5 06-04-2011, 11:46 PM

WOW,
that's awesome.
I am a big astro van fan, and I HATE the 4cyl only transit. this is finally something that I can use in my service fleet! I love it.