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Mercedes-Benz is to launch a 3.2-tonne GVW Vito in September. It will be a definitive model on the manufacturer's price list, and will be based on the long-wheelbase 111 CDI version of the Vito. Steve Bridge, director of van sales and marketing at M-B, says the 3.2-tonne Vito will  help M-B meet the demands of those customers that struggle to stay within the weight limits of existing vehicles, such as the AA and the RAC.

"We aim to profitably grow Vito sales volumes to 10,000 plus within the next few years." However, he goes on to say, there is no fixed time scale to achieve this goal, and it may well be affected by the limit on the number of vans the company is able to produce. Mercedes will also launch a 4x4 version of the Sprinter in June, and will begin testing an NGT (natural gas technology) Sprinter later this year.

Seven companies will begin five-year trials of hybrid versions of the Fuso Canter in April. Tesco, Royal Mail, DHL, Ringway, TNT, Amey and Scottish and Southern Energy will use the hybrid electric and 3-litre Euro-4 diesel engine vehicles with automated five-speed gearboxes for city driving.