One of Merc’s highlights at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, is the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY study vehicle which gives us a glimpse of what the German automaker is preparing for its next generation vans. As with the company’s BlueEFFICIENCY passenger vehicles, the diesel-powered Vito has received a package of measures in order to achieve lower consumption and emission figures. These measures include a new six-speed manual transmission with a wide ratio range, low rolling-resistance tires, power-saving LED headlamps and tail lights and the ECO start/stop function, which switches the engine off automatically as soon as the vehicle is at a standstill.

Moreover, the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY features an extensive aerodynamics package that helps reduce drag. The package includes underfloor paneling, side and floor mounted ventilators that dissipate the heat given off by the engine and differential, and three louvres on the radiator grille that open or close as a function of the vehicle speed and coolant temperature.

Further components of the aerodynamics package include windscreen wipers that remain in a concealed position when at rest as well as a roof with a smooth plastic surface, recessed roof carrier bars, a rear spoiler lip and a camera system that replaces the conventional exterior mirrors.

According to Mercedes-Benz, overall, the fuel-efficiency measures implemented for the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY show vehicle result to a saving of up to 1.5 liters/100 km and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 40 grams/km compared to a standard Vito.

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