Mercedes-Benz Vans Launches New Mid-size Vito Transporter in Argentina

STUTTART/BUENOS AIRES -- June 22, 2015: Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A. is launching the new Vito at the seventh “Buenos Aires International Motor Show”. In addition to the the bestselling Sprinter, which is the established market leader of large transporters in Argentina, Mercedes-Benz Vans is launching another model to target new market potentials in Argentina. The production of the Vito is due to start at the end of June 2015 at the Mercedes-Benz plant Centro Industrial Juan Manuel Fangio near Buenos Aires. The local assembly and introduction of the new Vito in Argentina is part of the company's global growth strategy under the heading “Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global”. The objective of this strategy is to further extend the techonological leadership, to amplify existing activities and to tap into new growth potential outside the European markets. Produced in Argentina, the Vito is thereforeto be exported to other Latin American markets in the future.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans: “Our growth strategy is already taking root. We are continuing to intensify our presence in the regions of opportunity in the U.S. and Latin America which are important for Vans – and do so at a fast pace. Following the market launch of the new Vito in the U.S., Argentina is next. I am delighted to see the great commitment of the international Vans team.”

Joachim Maier, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in Argentina: “In order for us to continue playing a leading role in the market, we will be investing further in this location and will be extending our portfolio of products for the Argentine clients. The new Vito will convince with its safety standards, its efficiency and its driving features. The areas of application are diverse: ranging from delivery service to passenger transportation in tourist regions, the Vito provides an attractive offer to clients.”

Between 2013 and 2015, Mercedes-Benz Argentina invested a total of 220 million U.S. dollars into improving the production efficiency and capacity of the plant as well as into launching new products like the Vito.

In Argentina, too, the Vito will set a new benchmark in the mid-size vans market segment. As a first in his class, he will be available with a choice of rear-wheel or front-wheel drive. Its versatility will be further underscored by a wide range of model variants (panel van, Mixto and Tourer) and engines (diesel for panel vans and Mixto, diesel and gasoline for the Tourer).

Before the end of the current decade, Mercedes-Benz will also be extending its portfolio in another segment with strong growth potential, with the launch of the first pickup model from a premium manufacturer. Latin America is one of the key target markets. The Mercedes-Benz pickup for Latin America will be produced as part of the strategic cooperation with Renault-Nissan in a partner plant in Cordoba, Argentina. This forthcoming entry into the pickup segment represents a further milestone in the international growth strategy “Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global”.

The Centro Industrial Juan Manuel Fangio plant near Buenos Aires was established in 1951. Mercedes-Benz Argentina produces Sprinter vans there, as well as assembling bus chassis and trucks supplied by Mercedes-Benz do Brasil. In 2014, Mercedes-Benz Argentina was the market leader in all three segments of the commercial vehicle market. The plant also celebrated the production of the 250,000th Sprinter and the 185,000th truck to come off the assembly line.