DOHA: Nasser bin Khaled & Sons Automobiles (NBKS), distributors for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Qatar, launched the new Mercedes-Benz Viano and Vito vans at the 4th Doha International Motor Show yesterday. Present on the occasion were Laurent Chambon, Regional Sales Manager, DaimlerChrysler Middle East, and Jihad Farhoud, Sales Manager, NBKS.
Giving details on the new vehicles, Chambon explained that the vans were targeted at the service industry as well as large families looking for safety, luxury and utility. "The interior design of Mercedes-Benz Vito is geared more towards the practical requirements of commercial applications while motorists searching for a little luxury will find exactly what they are looking for in the Viano", according to an NBKS official.
The Viano and Vito cover come in three vehicle lengths (4,748mm to 5,223mm) available and two different wheelbases (3,200mm and 3,400mm). The Viano comes with four petrol and diesel engine model options while the new Vito has five. The Vito model series is available as either a Panel Van for transporting goods and materials, or as a crew bus for commercial passenger transport or mixed applications.
Earlier this year the Vito was voted 'Van of the Year 2005' by a jury of trade journalists from Europe. They particularly praised the van's design appeal as well as its handling and ride comfort which they said came close to passenger-car levels. In addition to ultra-safe design, both Vito and Viano are fitted as standard with Electronic Stability Programme (EPS) which incorporate an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distribution (EBV), and a brake assist system (BAS).
Both the vehicles, among other models, are currently on display at the NBKS stand at 4th Doha International Motor Show being held at the International Exhibition Centre.
© The Peninsula 2004
