Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

DIMO launches Mercedes-benz Vito

- By Supun Dias

Diesel & Motor Engineerin­g PLC (DIMO), the sole agent for Mercedes-benz in Sri Lanka, this week launched the new generation of Mercedes-benz Vito van, which is considered an ideal product for the Sri Lankan market due to its versatilit­y in being able to handle to road and climatic conditions in Sri Lanka.

Manufactur­ed in Spain, the new Vito comes with a brand new body design and is available as both passenger and dual purpose vans. Similar to other Mercedes-benz passenger car counterpar­ts, the Vito is a van that offers the highest power in its class of 163BHP which is priced at Rs.9.9 million.

It has a 7-speed forward transmissi­on (7-G tronic) which can be operated using the Fl style paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It boasts a 3 tonnes loading capacity amongst similar sized vans and has a new generation Euro 4 Grade Ill engine which has a fuel efficiency of 17.2 km/l.

According to DIMO, the versatilit­y of the new Vito vans makes it ideally suited for several segments in the market especially the country’s booming tourism industry where hotels and tour operators could shuttle tourists around the city and the country in absolute luxury, comfort and safety.

The Chairman and Managing Director of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage said that his company is proud to launch the newest range of Vito vans, the latest offering from the No.1 luxury brand in the world - Mercedes-benz.

“It is a vehicle that will take you further by offering a combinatio­n of versatilit­y, safety, economy and quality. As with all Mercedes-benz vehicles, it comes with an array of innovative assistance and safety systems that will provide you an experience like no other vehicle in its class,” he noted. “We are the longest or rather the surviving agent of Mercedes-benz in this part of the world. What we offer, cannot be matched by anyone in Sri Lanka. We have over 60 service points all across the island with a 24-hour roadside assistance service,” he said.

He said that despite high taxation, DIMO has been able to provide an excellent service to its customers. “I have spoken many times that we need to save our next generation when we have over 1.1 million trishaw driver, much of them youths. Skilled youths are going abroad for employment because they get better opportunit­ies. So we have invested a lot on to our workshop and training centre to retain our skilled youth,” he added.

Business Manager (Commercial Vehicles) DIMO Shamal Fernando said that the Vito also stands out with better noise insulated interior and flight-like driver cockpit independen­t seats for driver and passenger as well as comfort suspension with independen­t shock absorbers. “The other standard features include front-rear air conditioni­ng, multifunct­ion steering wheel with trip-computer, rain sensor, daylight sensor, cruise control, reversing camera and Audio 15 multimedia and radio player,” he said.

He added that while providing best in class fuel consumptio­n, the Vito also offers longer service intervals of 15,000km coupled with extended operating life for its engine and powertrain. DIMO’S reputed after sales services in Colombo and Siyambalap­e will be utilized to service and support the Vito vans.

The local arm of the global courier giant DHL also operates a large fleet of the cargo version of the Vito van which can be easily spotted on the streets of Colombo.

 ??  ?? From left: Business Unit Manager – Mercedes-benz Commercial Vehicle Sales Shamal Fernando, Group CEO of DIMO Gahanath Pandithage, Chairman and Managing Director of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage ceremoniou­sly handing over the Mercedes–benz Vito vans to...
From left: Business Unit Manager – Mercedes-benz Commercial Vehicle Sales Shamal Fernando, Group CEO of DIMO Gahanath Pandithage, Chairman and Managing Director of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage ceremoniou­sly handing over the Mercedes–benz Vito vans to...
 ??  ?? From Left: Business Unit Manager – Mercedes-benz Commercial Vehicle Sales Shamal Fernando, Group CEO of DIMO Gahanath Pandithage, Chairman and Managing Director of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage ceremoniou­sly handing over the Mercedes–benz Vito Vans to...
From Left: Business Unit Manager – Mercedes-benz Commercial Vehicle Sales Shamal Fernando, Group CEO of DIMO Gahanath Pandithage, Chairman and Managing Director of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage ceremoniou­sly handing over the Mercedes–benz Vito Vans to...
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