V-Class/Vito [Official] Mercedes-Benz V-Class (W447)

[Srbb]

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[MBRulz]

Reveal for the W447 facelift coming out today, 3PM CET

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[MBRulz]

I'm somewhat disappointed with this Facelift. It's like all they worked on is the engine.

 

[fortuner]

Personally I think it's a very good looking Van and didn't need much change so I think it's perfectly fine...

 

[Yaz]

Oh why we can't have this in the US?
I wonder if it rides better than the cargo van that is the Metris here.

 

[hannaz]

Media Shuttle V-Classes was all around in Frankfurt city

 

[Wolfgang]

Reliable deliveries: Locally emission-free Mercedes-Benz eVito vehicles on the road for Amazon in Munich

Munich. Ten battery-electric eVito vans have been handed over at Amazon's fulfilment centre in Munich-Daglfing. The Panel Vans which are equipped with the long body variant and all painted in Amazon's usual dark grey colours are already in operation in Munich. More vehicle deliveries are planned for the future in order to further expand Amazon's electrically operated fleet. Vans are charged directly at the fulfilment centre where suitably powered charging infrastructure has been installed for this purpose.

Stefan Sonntag, Head of New Vehicle Sales within the Mercedes-Benz Vans sales organisation for Germany, says: "Inner-city delivery traffic for courier, express and package deliveries is the ideal field of operation for electrically powered vehicles. That's why we're so happy that Amazon has opted for the eVito and will now also be in a position to offer its drivers and customers in the Munich area all of the advantages which locally emission-free driving with our impressive Mercedes-Benz Vans offers."

Adam Elman, Senior Lead for Sustainability at Amazon in Europe adds: "We're really pleased about the continuation of our collaboration with an incredible partner which will now enable us to use electric vehicles in our Munich fleet. Amazon recently co-founded "Climate Pledge" and strives to implement the conditions of the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2040 already – a whole ten years ahead of the Agreement's defined fulfilment date of 2050. Strong partnerships such as this one with Daimler will enable us to achieve this aim".

eVito fit for urban operations

The eVito is, above all, at home in the urban jungle and as a Panel Van, it is ideally suited to last-mile, locally emission-free transport tasks. An installed battery capacity of 41 kWh ensures a range of between 150 and 184 kilometres[1]. And even in unfavourable conditions – such as wintry temperatures – customers can expect a range of around 100 kilometres. After a charging time of six hours, the complete range is again available for use[2]. The battery-electric drive delivers 85 kW of output and can reach a torque figure of up to 295 Newton metres, which is optimally tailored to urban operations. The top speed can be configured according to the intended use at the time of ordering. If the eVito is predominantly used in inner-city areas, the top speed of 80 km/h goes easy on the energy reserves and increases the vehicle's range. Alternatively, a top speed of up to 120 km/h can also be configured. The positioning of the battery in the underfloor area of the eVito creates a generously dimensioned interior without encroaching on the available load volume. The mid-size van can be ordered in two different lengths: in the basic version with an overall length of 5140 millimetres or in an extra-long version measuring 5370 millimetres. Alongside the Panel Van variant for goods transport, the Vito is also available in the Tourer version (electrical consumption in the combined test cycle: 24.2 - 20.2 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) [3],[4] for passenger transportation operations.

 

[Wolfgang]

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[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz eVito van finally arrives in the UK

Mercedes-Benz now offers its electric van e-Vito in the UK. Finally, you may add and at prices starting around the 40,000-pound mark (before the plug-in grant) and is available to order now.

In detail, pricing for the entry-level Mercedes eVito Pure starts at £39,895 for the smaller L2 model and £40,415 for the larger L2 version. All those figures exclude VAT – but they also don’t include the UK government’s electric vehicle grant. The eVito qualifies for the plug-in-van-grant, which means a saving of as much 20% off the list price, up to a maximum of £8,000 in case of commercial vehicles.

The pure electric van offers 85 (70) kW of power and a 92-mile (about 150 km) average range from 41 kWh battery pack. Being AC charging only, it takes about six hours for a full charge.

The eVito comes in tow lengths and two trims each, so four variants in total.

The more extended version, L3 offers 6.6 m3 cargo volume, while the eVito L2 is slightly smaller and offers 6.0 m3 cargo volume. Being smaller means, it is also lighter, and as both vans have the same gross vehicle weight at 3,200kg, the payload of the L2 is 923 kg. This means the larger van has a lower payload at 898kg as the van as such weighs more.

More so, Mercedes offers its eVito as Pure and Progressive range. The eVito Pure specification mostly resembles the Vito van. The Progressive line includes colour-coded bumpers, full wheel covers, front fog lights, headlight assist, and other features such as electrically foldable mirrors, all as standard.

In all variants, buyers will receive remote access, digital drivers’ log, drive style monitoring, real-time variable servicing monitoring, parking time monitor and geo-fence options.

The eVito van is available for anyone to order from Mercedes-Benz van dealers in the UK as of today.

A first client has already been found in Royal Mail that is growing its London fleet with 87 electric vans, including the eVito and Peugeot Partner EV reported. In other countries like Germany or the Netherlands, the Mercedes electric van has been on sale for some time.

www.electrive.com/2020/01/28/mercedes-benz-evito-van-finally-arrives-in-the-uk/

 

[Wolfgang]

IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ V 300 D 4MATIC FROM KÜHTAI TO THE ÖTZTAL IN TYROL

With the top-of-the-range V-Class - the V 300 d 4MATIC - Mercedes-Benz now offers a motorization with its 239 hp and 500 Nm that is ideally suited for long-haul driving. In case of doubt, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides the appropriate propulsion, which is optionally available for 4,150.72 euros. We have now tested the model in Austria.

THE V-CLASS: LARGE-ROOM LIMOUSINE BY MERCEDES-BENZ

With the V-Class along the steep coast around Barcelona, or through the big city traffic from Berlin, everyone can do it - the journey becomes demanding in completely snow-covered road conditions. A case for the V-Class with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and one of the most snow-sure areas in Austria: around the Kühtai in the Stubai Alps on the Kühtaisattel at around 2,020 meters above sea level. The winter sports resort of Kühtai is one of the highest ski resorts in Austria.

From the Kühtai towards Innsbruck

We start our tour at the local “Dorfstadl” - probably one of the most beautiful restaurants in Kühtai and definitely worth a visit. Turned onto the local connecting road towards Innsbruck, this first offers a completely snow-covered road. Basically the best prerequisite for permanent all-wheel drive in the V-Class. Due to the elevated seating position of the series and the large window areas, we have everything in view here and can therefore concentrate on the route.

V 300 d 4MATIC: Quiet and acoustically unobtrusive

The smooth-running four-cylinder, which usually remains acoustically covered when driving, is particularly pleasant here. Here the model with optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive is well encapsulated and leaves little engine noise in the interior. While wind noise was hardly noticeable, corresponding landing gear noises could only be heard on poorer road surfaces. A background noise that can be described as very pleasant and allows the whole journey to run quite relaxed.

The automatic nine-speed converter shows a very smooth gear change, which allows the 2.2 ton vehicle with its 5.14 meter length to move quite comfortably from A to B. In the case of performance requests, the gearshift is carried out quickly - depending on the situation, the gear is then held a little too long - at least once in a while - and shifted up again too late. The “SPORT” driving program is still recommended for a sporty driving style, which we rarely use ourselves.

TRANSPORT SPACE FOR PEOPLE AND LUGGAGE

The V-Class with 4MATIC drive - especially in conjunction with the top-of-the-range engine of the V 300 d - is a vehicle that can deliver sufficient power as a “VIP shuttle” or as a MPV in almost all situations and at the same time more than the transport tasks assigned to it justice. The high pulling power for slopes is just as advantageous as for overtaking maneuvers. On snow-covered roads, the built-in all-wheel technology reliably ensures that the engine power is always distributed to the bike that is still in the best contact - apart from steering, braking and operating the accelerator pedal, little is required of the driver's seat. However, a gentle driver is required on downhill gradients, especially since the vehicle weight and its physics require earlier braking. However, thanks to its all-wheel drive and superior performance, the vehicle is often the first choice as a means of transport.

Less tendency to understeer desirable

To what extent an optional agility control chassis with a selective damping system in snow proves to be an advantage remains to be seen - however, it keeps the roll movements of the body very limited. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive for 4,150.72 euros is always only available in conjunction with the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system (191.59 euros - standard for Avantgarde or Sport package exterior).

In the event of bumps on the road, the V-Class continues to offer sufficient comfort. However, a lower tendency to understeer of the model would be advantageous, which would further improve the driving impression. This way, load change reactions in curves are noticeable from time to time.

The speed-dependent power steering is comfortable to hold and prevents vibrations from the chassis. The straight-ahead running also shows no defects in the 4MATIC model, which is therefore identical to the rear-wheel drive variant of the V 300 d. The direct steering is more than smooth and scores with a variable steering ratio with small steering angles.

What we liked:

• Comfortable, high seating position with good clarity
• Good performance of the V 300 d 4MATIC (top engine)
• Clear turning circle
• 360 degree camera ensures good visibility in narrow spaces even in snow
• Comfortable space, also for the rear passengers and in the trunk
• Fast responding heating, also for the rear

What we didn't like so much:

• Disassembly of the rear individual seats is difficult due to their weight
• Load compartment divider difficult to dismantle
• Old touchpad in the test car (no longer necessary with the introduction of MBUX)

Conclusion: V 300 d 4MATIC

For the V-Class with 4MATIC drive, there are few areas that cannot be driven on directly - regardless of the weather. The vehicle is more than suitable for everyday use, especially since it can still use the most common parking garages with an optional all-wheel drive. With drive on both axles, the MPV not only shows up on long journeys at home, but also away from roads, be it for the transport of people or material.

The price remains a shortcoming: the 239 hp variant starts as a compact model and permanent all-wheel drive in the basic configuration only at 59,497.62 euros and remains - also as a V 250 d 4MATIC with 190 hp and 57,117.62 euros - still no bargain.

MB Passion tests the V 300 d 4Matic in Ötztal in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria.

 

[Wolfgang]

New electric van presented: Mercedes vans are said to be back on the road to success

With the eVito transporter, Mercedes presented another component of its electrification strategy. Van boss Marcus Breitschwerdt wants to get the division back on track after the loss-making year 2019 - and also talks to Tesla. It is supposed to be a sign of change: After the horror year of the Mercedes Van division with a loss of more than three billion euros, van boss Marcus Breitschwerdt has now presented the refreshed Vito van and its purely electric counterpart eVito Tourer at a digital premiere. The division is supposed to find its way back to its old strength with new products.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

 

[Wolfgang]

REFRESHED FOR TRANSPORT: NEW VITO AND eVITO TOURER

The Vito has been refreshed and is starting with new equipment features. As a proven specialist for craft, trade and service, the Vito is the ideal basis. Its strengths are versatility, flexibility and a balanced price-performance ratio. Since its introduction in autumn 2014, almost 530,000 units of the current third generation have been sold worldwide.

The highlights of the facelift for the Vito are:

• eVito Tourer with 150 kW and 421 km range
• New engine generation OM 654, incl. 176 kW top unit with passenger car approval
• Air suspension AIRMATIC
• More safety thanks to DISTRONIC and Active Brake Assist
• Improved rear view camera
• Digital interior mirror
• New infotainment portfolio including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Upgraded interior and new seat covers
• Grille in a new look

Pia Herkewitz, Product / Marketing Management Mercedes-Benz Midsize Vans, on the new Vito: “The extensive range of new assistance systems and the new generation of engines continue the success story of the Vito and make it even more attractive. The Vito continues to make no compromises on operating costs or the desire for low emissions. As before, the payload and variety of variants are among the highest in the segment. The new infotainment offers also meet the increased demands of our commercial customers."

"The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer sets standards in its segment in terms of everyday suitability. Thanks to the quick charge function and a range of 421 kilometers, it can be used flexibly and offers our customers a high degree of usability. With it, we are underlining our vision for a locally emission-free van, ”explains Benjamin Kaehler, Head of eDrive @ VANs at Mercedes-Benz Vans.

THE NEW EVITO TOURER: LOCAL EMISSION-FREE SPECIALIST FOR PERSONAL TRANSPORT

The change in mobility is already having an increasing impact on urban traffic. In order to continue to guarantee traffic on the last mile in the future, the purely electric drive in the van segment is the logical consequence: with the eVito in 2018 and the eSprinter in 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans has a pioneering role in the premium segment for locally emission-free, commercial freight transport taken over in urban space. The performance and range of the newly presented eVito Tourer define a new dimension and are up to all requirements: be it as a hotel shuttle, as a large taxi or as a vehicle for ride sharing services.

The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer takes on the independent look of the Vito with a combustion engine. But under the dynamic front sits the electric drive train (eATS), which drives the front wheels with a peak output of 150 kW. The electric machine, the fixed-ratio gearbox, the cooling system and the power electronics form a compact unit. The energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery in the underbody of the vehicle. Their deep and central arrangement has a positive effect on the driving behavior of the eVito Tourer. The top speeds of 140 km / h in series and 160 km / h as optional equipment ensure rapid progress even away from city traffic.

FAST CHARGING - LARGE RANGE

The Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer has a water-cooled AC on-board charger with an output of 11 kW. This means that it is prepared for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. Charging takes place via the CCS charging socket in the front left bumper. This also makes it possible to charge using direct current (DC). Thanks to the maximum charging power of 110 kW, the eVito Tourer can be charged from 10 to 80% at a quick charging station in less than 45 minutes. The battery with a usable capacity of 90 kWh enables a range of 421 kilometers.

Thanks to an intelligent operating strategy, the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer charges its battery even while driving. In overrun or braking operation, the mechanical rotary movement is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation). The driver has a big influence on this. He can change the strength of the recuperation via shift paddles behind the steering wheel as required. A particularly efficient and comfortable driving style is made possible by a new feature in the eVito Tourer: the DAUTO recuperation level. According to the maxim "drive with foresight and save energy", information from the safety assistants is networked and the strength of the recuperation is adapted to the situation and in real time.

In addition, three driving programs help the customer to choose between maximum comfort and maximum range while driving, at the push of a button.

AS PRACTICAL AS WITH CONVENTIONAL DRIVE

By placing the battery in the underbody, the interior is fully available. The eVito Tourer thus fulfills the highest demands on functionality and variability in many areas of passenger transport. The locally emission-free van can be ordered in two different lengths: one with a total length of 5,140 millimeters and as an extra-long version that comes to 5,370 millimeters.

Taxi companies, for example, benefit from the diverse seating configurations. With two seats in the rear, the eVito Tourer becomes a comfortable shuttle vehicle that meets all the requirements of modern passenger transport with an agile and particularly quiet driving experience. Thanks to its flexible seating configurations, it can e.g. Equip with up to nine seats or face-to-face seating.

LOADING INFRASTRUCTURE: ADVICE AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION

In addition to analysis and advice, Mercedes-Benz Vans also offers hardware solutions for the charging infrastructure: For individual customers, the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home is available in a compact and high-quality design in partial sales. It must be installed by an expert electrician, freely selectable by the customer, in accordance with local regulations. The offer for customers with more than two vehicles at one location is even more extensive: With the charging infrastructure offer for fleet customers, Mercedes-Benz Vans accompanies fleets - offered through selected partners - from advice and site preparation to the installation of the charging hardware and maintenance and support.

SPECIFIC MERCEDES PRO CONNECT SERVICES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEETS

Drivers of an eVito Tourer also benefit from the connectivity solutions around Mercedes PRO connect. The value-added package "Digitized eVan Management" comprises two services. Thanks to the "Remote-controlled charging management" service, it is possible to temper vehicles before the start of the journey, so that the full battery charge is available when the journey begins. The driver can use the Mercedes PRO connect app to remotely program when to start and how the vehicle should be tempered. In addition to the driver, the fleet manager also receives all relevant information on battery charging and air conditioning in the vehicle management tool. Programming is possible directly via Mercedes PRO. This has no influence on the range, since the charging current is used for the pre-air conditioning.

For fleet customers in Germany, an intelligent charging solution with networking of the vehicle and a compatible charging station is also offered. The Mercedes PRO service "Intelligent Charging Management" [4] enables fleet managers to avoid or at least reduce peak loads and to save costs through the optimized electrical connected load.

WITH DIVERSITY TO SUCCESS

The Vito also demonstrates its versatility in other areas. It is the only model in its class available in three lengths, with two wheelbases and three drive systems. With a payload of up to 1,369 kg, it is also the payload giant in its class. The large variety of variants makes it a partner for a wide variety of trades: as a panel van, it reliably fulfills all requirements in goods and goods transport. It is used almost as often as a mobile parts warehouse and service vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer, on the other hand, mainly transports people and goods - often also in works traffic. The Vito Mixto builds the bridge between panel van and tourer: It is particularly suitable for mobile teams of craftsmen. Last but not least, customers can choose between different equipment packages. So there is the Vito Tourer with the lines BASE, PRO or SELECT.

DIGITAL INTERIOR MIRROR: FREE REAR VIEW UNDER ALL CONDITIONS

A special highlight with the current unique selling point in the segment is the digital interior mirror. It transfers the image from the HDR camera in the rear window to the display of the mirror, which can be used in the same way as a conventional, optical interior mirror - even if the trunk or cargo space are stacked up to the roof. The advantage: the view of what is going on behind the vehicle is not restricted by headrests, passengers or other obstructions. The camera mounted on the inside of the rear window transmits a field of view that is twice as wide as a conventional inside mirror, which is limited by the window area. A clear security plus for the digital interior mirror.

The digital interior mirror also scores in poor visibility: the camera can also cope well in underground garages and in the rain and sends a sharp image to the high-resolution 1,600 x 320 pixel TFT LCD screen. The image processing of the digital interior mirror ensures that dark and light areas of the image are displayed in a balanced manner. The picture on the display cannot even be irritated by the low sun.

With the usual dimmer switch, the digital interior mirror can be switched from the camera image to the analogue view. As an optical mirror, it enables a view of the rear of the vehicle.

 

[klier]

Vans are dead, but the Vito and V class are probably the best the world has ever seen.

And the Vito obviously as a commercial vehicle is very healthy. I drove one for 2500 km in two days last autumn. Brilliant.
And the eVito needs at least twice the range. Pretty pointless with the range it got, imo. My two day trip would have lasted a day longer with the electric version.

 

[Wolfgang]

Refreshed Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity Arrives With Up To 236 HP

An air suspension can raise the ride height by as much as 1.4 inches to access more rugged terrain.

European adventurers can enjoy a weekend away in the newly updated Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity. It wears the revised styling from refreshed Vito (known as the Metris in the United States) but also has some upgraded amenities to make a camping trip a little more luxurious.

Buyers have lots of powertrain options. The top of the range is the Activity 300D that makes 236 horsepower (176 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque, plus an extra 22 lb-ft (30 Nm) of temporary overboost. This lets it reach 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour in 7.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 131 mph (210 kph). In addition, there's the 250d with 188 hp (140 kW), 220d with 161 hp (120 kW), 200d with 134 hp (100 kW), and 170d with 101 hp (75 kW). The 170d gets front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. The rest of the models use a nine-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an option.

Mercedes offers the Marco Polo Activity with an adaptive Airmatic air suspension. For off-roading, drivers can lift the ride height by 1.4 inches (35 millimeters) at speeds up to 19 mph (30 kph). Buyers can also drop the standard ride by 0.4 inches (10 millimeters).

Inside, Mercedes tweaks the interior styling with turbine-inspired air vents and piano black trim on the dashboard. The radio now has standard DAB+ digital reception. There are also available systems with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Buyers can get the Marco Polo Activity with either five or seven seats on the inside. When it's time to sleep, there's a pop-up roof with a bed up there, and the bench seat also folds outward.

The expanded driver-assistance tech includes Active Brake Assist that can automatically stop the van to avoid a collision. There's also Distronic adaptive cruise control and a camera display in the rearview mirror for an easier time of seeing what's going on behind the Marco Polo.

www.motor1.com/news/403750/mercedes-marco-polo-activity-refresh/

 

[hannaz]

came across this one, look like Daimler can study an option of V-Class in Maybach trim with high level of luxury and customization. May not be a hot selling in some markets, but some other markets will definitely have a good scope. We have came across some very premium looking Vans from Japanese & Koreans.

 

[Yaz]

Yeah, but with a van ride? Doubt it.

 

[Wolfgang]

"Soon the #Vito and #Vclass will be available with #AIRMATIC #airsuspension - this brings this stylish #van to a new level of driving dynamics and comfort.
(not available for the US sister #Metris )", writes Der_Landgraf.

 

[J.E]

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[bialkov]

Made in China, for China: market premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class

• Presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class at the Auto China in Beijing
• The new V-Class for China: even more attractive, even more customer focused
• Production continues locally with the Daimler joint venture FBAC
• At a glance: facts and figures on the V-Class in China

Stuttgart/Beijing – Last weekend the new V-Class celebrated its market premiere in China at the Auto China in Beijing. The facelift of the Mercedes-Benz MPV is now available on the world's largest automotive market – tailored to the wishes of Chinese customers. The vehicle will continue to be produced at the local Daimler joint venture Fujian Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (FBAC) in Fuzhou. Since its market launch in 2016, more than 62,000 units of the V-Class have been produced and sold in China.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans: "China is an extremely important, steadily growing market – and for us the V-Class is definitely the most important driver of growth here. Thanks to consistently focussing on the specific requirements of the market and customers as well the excellent performance of our sales team, we have been able to put our MPV in a very strong position on the Chinese market – every fourth V-Class sold worldwide drives on Chinese roads. We are convinced that the new V-Class with equipment that is even more luxurious and a significant increase in driving comfort will further strengthen its position."

The new V-Class for China: even more attractive, even more customer focused

The new V-Class for the Chinese market has numerous attractive innovations to offer. Like its European counterpart the facelift for China features a refined exterior design with a new mix of paint colours and rims as well as the revised front section. The 9G-TRONIC automatic torque converter transmission in combination with the AIRMATIC air suspension system1, which automatically provides the optimum damping effect on each wheel for all driving and road conditions, ensure increased driving comfort. With AIRMATIC Mercedes-Benz is again setting standards in the segment. Thanks to the now available Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus the vehicle is even safer too.

Specifically in response to the requirements of Chinese customers, the facelift of the V-Class boasts new equipment in the interior which creates a modern and luxurious ambience. The designers and engineers at Mercedes-Benz placed particular focus on the comfort of rear compartment passengers – the most important place in the vehicle in China.

With the facelift new, exclusive trim elements made in light wood look with an embedded ambient light decorate the backrest of the driver and co-driver seats and emphasise the luxurious character of the passenger compartment. The new highlight in the rear are, however, the re-designed luxury seats in the second row. They offer heating, ventilation and massage functions as well as a head restraint, leg and foot rests and with that make for a perfect feeling of well-being. The extended armrests contribute to increased comfort, providing not only a cup holder and USB ports, but also an integrated stowage facility for a smartphone. The seats also have a new look: Chrome and light elements put the luxury seats in the limelight.

Style and comfort in the cockpit are increased by the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system – with a touch display of 10.25 inches in size, a touchpad on the centre console and the self-teaching voice control which is activated with the key phrase "Hey Mercedes". MBUX is also equipped with a smartphone integration specific to China: BAIDU Carlife.

Another new feature: Mercedes me connect. With Mercedes me connect customers gain access to a variety of connectivity services in and around the MPV. Developed specifically for the market, this also includes as standard the integration into the WeChat app - a Chinese multi-messaging, social media and payment app. A variety of vehicle information, such as the vehicle position, can be viewed and shared directly in the WeChat app. Upon request further services are available. Customers can for instance access QQmusic – and with that a wide selection of IP radio stations and online music tracks.

Production continues locally with the Daimler joint venture FBAC

The V-Class will continue to be manufactured locally at the production plant in Fuzhou. The plant belonging to Fujian Benz Automotive works closely with the Spanish production plant in Vitoria – the global Mercedes-Benz Vans competence centre for mid-sized vehicles. The plant in Vitoria supplies the V-Class to all global markets, except China.

The mid-sized van models made by Mercedes-Benz have been rolling off the production line in Fuzhou, destined for the Chinese market, since 2010. In 2013 the joint venture Fujian Benz Automotive expanded the plant to include the first research and development centre outside of Germany. Development focusses on models that are produced and sold locally. Up to the present day FBAC has invested more than 400 million euros. A large part of the investment was used to localise components and equipment, to prepare and modernise the body-in-white production and the assembly process as well as to qualify the employees at the Fuzhou plant.

At a glance: facts and figures on the V-Class in China

• Since its market launch in 2016, more than 62,000 units of the V-Class have been sold in China, which means that worldwide every fourth V-Class drives on Chinese roads
• More than half of all V-Class vehicles in China are operated as company cars and transport executives, business partners and VIP customers
• The new V-Class is available in three variants: "Pilot", "Exclusive" and "Luxury"
• The production plant in Fuzhou covers a production area of 660,000 m²
• At present more than 2500 employees work in Fuzhou; so the production plant is one of the most important employers in the region
• Up to the present day more than 400 million euros have been invested in the production plant in Fuzhou

1 The AIRMATIC air suspension system is available in Europe from autumn 2020.