Muscat, 13 April, 2011: Zawawi Trading Company, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Oman, launched the powerful and luxurious new look Viano to the Omani market today.

Unveiled at a glittering event attended by press and senior Zawawi representatives at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, the striking new Mercedes-Benz Viano set hearts racing with its powerful yet fuel efficient engine, muscular styling, and luxurious new interiors and features.

Speaking at the event, Craig Hardie, CEO - Automotive, Zawawi Trading Company, hailed the Viano as "the embodiment of Mercedes-Benz core values of safety, quality, reliability, comfort and efficiency."

Hardie added: "The commitment to customers that these core values represent is innately present in not only the Viano, but in every employee, and in every Zawawi Trading Company showroom that these magnificent vehicles are displayed. This shared ambition and unrivalled customer focus is why Zawawi continues to deliver the best of the best to our clientele from the leading premium car brand in the Omani market, Mercedes-Benz."

Offering superior power and driving pleasure, the rumble from under the Viano's front bonnet packs a punch that grants the same driving experience as the German automotive company's passenger car range. Improved emissions-reducing transmission and fuel consumption actually enhances performance, with 258 horses now delivered by a 3.5 litre, BlueEFFICIENCY technology engine, which comes as standard in the Middle East.

The new chassis offers the ultimate in ride comfort and driving safety, and the cockpit and passenger compartment are more user-friendly and attractively appointed than ever.

Rod Thomason, Head of New and Used Cars, Zawawi Trading Company, said: "The new generation Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, design, and driving enjoyment in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level.  Ambient lighting, fresh styling and the exceptionally efficient 6 cylinder engine give the Viano a more independent character than ever before."

The Viano's new "face" will be instantly recognisable in rear view mirrors on the Sultanate's roads, prominently featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz star and distinctive headlamp re-design, providing a more angular, masculine front-end in the style of the current range of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, as well as a redesigned rear end.

With a luxurious, spacious and versatile interior, and various seat arrangements able to adapt to individual tastes and requirements, the Viano is available in four variants - Trend, Ambiente, Fun and Marco Polo.

The new Viano is available now from the Zawawi Trading Company automotive showrooms in Muscat and Salalah.

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© Press Release 2011