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Customer LoginsChengdu Motor Show 2016: Daimler launches new Vito in China
Mercedes-Benz Vans has launched the new mid-size Vito van at the Chengdu Motor Show (2−11 September).
Vito since its launch in 2014 - over 65 in total - and we have significantly increased unit sales ever since. We are convinced it will be as compelling to customers in China, too." The new Vito is a practical premium mid-size van that offers both space and value, and its adaptability makes it ideal for China's rapidly growing small and medium-sized enterprises, says the company. Alongside the Sprinter, the Vito is the second Mercedes-Benz Vans "world van". Following its introduction in Europe and in other global markets in 2014, the Vito has been available in Latin America, the United States, and Canada - in both North American markets it is known as the Metris - since 2015.
Significance:
This is the second model to be launched this year by Mercedes-Benz Vans, following the V-Class mid-sized van launched in March. The new Vito is produced at the Fujian Benz Automotive Company joint venture (JV) in Fuzhou, southeast China, with production commencing in August and deliveries to dealers to begin at the end of September. The Fujian Benz JV has invested CNY1.4 billion (USD205 million) in production of the new Vito and the V-Class in China. In addition to increasing the localisation of components and features for these new models, the investment has improved the preparation and modernisation of the body shell and assembly, as well as providing for the training of staff at the Fuzhou plant, the automaker says in a statement. The local base in China has worked with the Vitoria plant in Spain, which is the global competence centre for Mercedes-Benz Vans. Mercedes-Benz Vans expanded its plant in Fuzhou with its first ever research-and-development centre outside of Germany in 2013. The centre focuses on models that are locally produced and marketed. In the development process of the new Vito, it was thus possible to take full account of the market and requirements in China, says the company. Beijing Automotive Industry Corp (BAIC) has become a major partner by buying a majority stake in Fujian Motor, giving it a 35% stake in the JV. IHS Automotive's light-vehicle sales forecasts indicate that Mercedes is expected to sell around 486,000 units this year in China. Of this the Vito's sales are forecast at around 3,265 units, while the V-Class is expected to sell 3,712 units.
About this article
The above article is from IHS Automotive Same-Day Analysis of automotive news, events and trends, and is a deliverable of the World Markets Automotive Service. The service averages thirty stories per day and also provides competitor and country intelligence. Get a free trial.