Stuttgart — Many customers need more than just a car: the multifunctional mini-MPV from DaimlerChrysler, the Vaneo, which Mercedes-Benz unveiled to the general public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is a family saloon, recreational vehicle and spacious utility estate rolled into one. Versatility is in demand on the global automotive market: in Europe alone, the expanding mini-MPV segment is due to grow from the 250,000 vehicles sold in 1998 to 960,000 units in 2004. In Germany, for example, the growth rate is even more pronounced: sales of mini-MPVs totalled 50,000 in 1998, in 2004 they are predicted to reach 222,000. Dr. Rolf Bartke, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Van Unit, remarks, "Thanks to its space-saving sandwich construction, the 4.2-metre-long Vaneo represents a unique dimensional concept, which is able to offer a large amount of space for passengers and luggage and unrivalled load space for sports and leisure equipment, despite its compact size. The Vaneo holds huge practical value for a diverse range of target groups." The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo succeeds in offering the spaciousness of a small people carrier on just the vehicle footprint of a compact saloon. Young families, leisure-minded couples as well as singles and "mixed" users in particular, will now be able to have a Mercedes-Benz which is customised to their needs and sets premium standards for this segment.
THREE EQUIPMENT LINES AND FIVE ENGINES AVAILABLE FROM LAUNCH
The three equipment lines — TREND, FAMILY and AMBIENTE — plus a range of innovative recreational packages leave plenty of scope for individual customisation in the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. "We devised these revolutionary accessories packages following the results of customer surveys conducted amongst a broad range of MPV and estate users," explains Heinz Uliczka, marketing project manager for the Vaneo.