Viano production anniversary at Westfalia Van Conversion

Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Mar 30, 2007 Today, the employees of Westfalia Van Conversion are celebrating a small anniversary. Since the start of production of the Viano in 2003, they have converted 5,555 Vianos into recreational vehicles. Whether as the Viano Marco Polo Westfalia or as the Viano Fun with pop-up roof, the vehicles find satisfied customers in all parts of the world, including China. Wilfried Porth, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans at DaimlerChrysler AG says: "This anniversary clearly demonstrates that your excellent work is the best publicity for our products." The basis for each vehicle was the Viano, which is currently available in a choice of three diesel engines between 85 kW (115 hp) and 150 kW (204 hp). Of course, all diesel vehicles are equipped as standard with a soot particulate filter. The range of engines is rounded off at the top end by two six-cylinder petrol engines with either 140 kW (190 hp) or 170 kW (231 hp).

Two additional sleeping berths are optionally available under the pop-up roof, which is part of the standard specification on the Viano Marco Polo. The roof bed is based on especially kind-to-the-back, point-elastic springs with overlying mattress. In addition to healthy comfort, the advantages include underside ventilation. The roof bed was the first in a camper vehicle to be awarded the seal of approval from the German "Healthy Back Campaign".

The bellows of the roof bed automatically retract when the roof shell is lowered. Optionally available is the Easy-up version, which has an electrohydraulic drive that conveniently raises the roof in a matter of seconds. With an overall height of 1980 mm with the roof closed, the Viano is fully suitable for everyday use.

Modern, functional design of living area in the Viano Marco Polo

In the living area, the wardrobe and kitchen are lined up next to each other on the left as viewed in the direction of travel. High-grade aluminium surfaces with ornamental fittings with a natural wood look provide for a modern ambiance. The kitchen is composed of a twin-flame gas cooker, sink, draining board, compressor-type cool box with 40 litre volume as well as spacious storage areas with drawers and floor unit. Striking features include the practical, space-saving roller shutters of the kitchen cabinet in natural look aluminium. The passengers eat their meals at a folding table, which stows away in the panelling of the sliding door when the vehicle is in motion. In just a few easy steps, a convenient double bed can be made from the sliding seat bench with electrically adjustable backrests and bed extension. The standard equipment includes electrically inflatable air pockets in the cushions, which provide for either anatomically favourable seating or relaxed lying on a flat sleeping surface.

The seat bench in the Viano Fun can be adapted to meet every requirement

In just a few easy steps, the seating arrangement can be adapted to suit the particular transport situation. For example, thanks to a system of rails, the seat bench can be fixed at 2.5 cm intervals, providing the basis for a variable luggage space in the rear. To allow for the transport of large objects, the seat bench in the rear of the Viano Fun can be removed without the use of tools. Alternatively, it easily folds out to provide a large, comfortable lying area measuring around two metres in length thanks to the extension, which is part of the standard equipment. The safety of the passengers on the rear seat bench is assured not only by three three-point automatic seat belts and three head restraints, but also by integral Isofix connectors for three child seats.

Produced in Spain at the Vitoria plant, the vehicles are converted in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, from where they are then shipped to customers all around the world.