Have you heard of the Mercedes-Benz Vito? This model was manufactured in Vitoria, Spain. It’s not hard to imagine where the name Vito came from, right? But aside from that it was also named after a loyal employee in that place, Vito Rosenstein. Anyway, enough of its history.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito which is equipped with battery-electric drive has been put to test to ensure it can withstand all kinds of weather conditions. It was recently driven in Lapland and thankfully it was able to pass the test on minus 30 degree weather. Those who opt for this vehicle will be safe even when driving in snow-paved roads because it is equipped with ABS and ASR, as well s airbags. 

Photo Credit: Emercedesbenz

Road trips can be more enjoyable for large families because Daimler Vans USA is launching its fourth Sprinter Model. This time it’s a shuttle van for Daimler Vans USA.

This Shuttle Van seat up to 16 persons! Sounds like the work of a mini-bus already right? Aside from the people, this van also has enough space for their luggage.  And take note, this Shuttle Van comes in four seating configurations and these are:

• Airport Shuttle – Perimeter seating for 15 passengers, plus driver as well an 80-inch 2-tier luggage rack.
• Commuter Shuttle – Forward-facing seating for 16 passengers, plus driver and optional video equipment with monitors ranging from 11- to 17-inches.
• Hotel Shuttle – Forward-facing seating for 15 passengers, plus driver and rear luggage area with fixed dividing wall.
• Paratransit Shuttle – Available with side or rear wheelchair lift, the ADAcompliant shuttle offers multiple wheelchair positions and forward-facing seating for up to 8 passengers, plus driver.

Photo Credit: Emercedesbenz

just found the perfect vehicle for the family. It’s in the form of the Volkswagen Caravelle. This car has some unmistakable features that brand it as a Volkswagen. The front-end design has an almost similar look as that of the Polo and Golf. It also has a new rear light clusters, door mirrors, and chrome side trim. The interior in installed with a three-spoke steering wheel, a USB interface, and a very convenient touchscreen navigation system.

This vehicle has two brothers, the Transporter which is a cargo van, and the California which is a camper van.

Aside from being convenient, the Volkswagen Caravelle looks really gorgeous on the outside. Take a look at these pictures.
Here’s also the Press Release about this vehicle: 

PRESS RELEASE:

19 August 2009

NEW CARAVELLE AND CALIFORNIA TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT FRANKFURT

First details of the new Volkswagen Caravelle people carrier and California campervan are released today ahead of their world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

No other manufacturer can compete with Volkswagen’s rich heritage of iconic people carriers and campervans, and the enhancements to the latest generation of these models offer the latest technology, comfort and safety features, with lower emissions and improved fuel economy by approximately ten per cent across the range.

The new models stand out with changes to the external design. These include new rear light clusters, chrome side trims, more aerodynamic door mirrors and an entirely new front using the latest Volkswagen passenger car design for the grille and headlights seen most recently in the new Polo and Golf.

Other new features carried over from Volkswagen’s latest passenger cars include comfort and safety items such as three-spoke steering wheels, stylish new instruments, a recommended gear shift display, a USB ‘Media-in’ interface to connect external devices, and the latest audio and integrated, touchscreen, hard-drive navigation systems.

A new generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) with hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function are also introduced across the range, while other new features now available include Volkswagen’s Side Assist lane change system, first seen in the Touareg, which warns the driver of anything in the vehicle’s blind spot, and a new TMD (Tyre Monitor Display) to alert the driver to any decrease in tyre pressures.

Refinement is also improved thanks to a new range of four quieter, more economical 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines. These offer power outputs of 84 PS, 102 PS, 140 PS and 180 PS, and all meet the latest Euro V emissions standard. The new models also benefit from the introduction of Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, which will also be available later in 2010 with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with fourth generation Haldex coupling for the first time (on selected models).

Prices and specifications for the new Caravelle and California will be released closer to launch. The new models will arrive in selected Volkswagen Van Centres from January 2010.

 

Photo Credit: Motordaily

Have you ever thought about disability? You know, you are lucky if your family is free from any kind of disability. So, what is your understanding of disability? This term is actually very broad. But commonly, it is used to refer to physical, sensory, cognitive, and intellectual impairment. All these types of impairments are damaging. There are lots of families around the world that are faced with this challenge. Mother and fathers are struggling on how to deal with an offspring who is disabled. Giving disabled persons that care and consideration is the best way to recognize their worth. Making traveling more convenient is also one way.

Travel can be made more convenient by getting a vehicle that offers more space and comfort whether for short and long distance travels. There are different brands of vehicles that provide models for disabled persons. However, all of them have something in common. They all provide extra space, tremendously comfortable interior, as well as convenient driving choices. A must-have in these vehicles is the facility for getting in and out.

Those who are shopping for a vehicle for the disabled must look out for the following features:

Ramps – can be located in the rear door or the side doors. Provide very easy access for the wheelchaired person. Chairs and scooters can easily glide up or down these ramps.

Lift – These bars either lift or act like mini-cranes for lifting the accessories of the handicap person, mostly with chairs or for scooters. They are fixed at the trunk of the car.

Seats – Convertible and rolling seats provide more space for the disabled person to make movement inside the car easier.

Photo Credit: n-e-ability

A full-size van is always the best thing for family use. If the van is not full some of the passengers can stretch out on the seats so the trip becomes less tiring. What’s one example of a great van? I found this one on the web, the 2010 Chevrolet Express 1500.

It is a rear-wheel or all wheel drive designed to be rugged and durable. Two engines are available for the 1500 model. Buyers can make a choice between the 4.3-liter V6 engine and the E85 FlexFuel 5.3-liter V8.  The passenger vans, which are in LS and LT trims, can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people.

Take a look at the pictures of the Chevy Express van.

If you really want to have a satisfying ride while bringing your whole family with you, a great choice would be a full-size van, like the GMC Savana. It’s a huge van that guarantees more than enough space for people and cargo. It’s available in several trims – 2500s, 3500s, and 1500s. But they have a lot of similarities that make each of them a great choice. The 1500 models come in regular length, and both the 2500 and 3500 come in regular or extended length.

With all these trim available it’s already confusing to tell them apart. So, to make things easier for you, I will enumerate the features that they have. Here they are:
• Two swing-open rear cargo doors
• Either a 60/40 hinged doors or a sliding door on the passenger side.
• Regular-length passenger vans can accommodate up to 12 people while the extended passenger van can seat up to 15.
• They have front buckets seats and others have removable benches.
• The cargo models feature front bucket seats with metal side and rear panels instead of windows.

 Since there are many models available for the GMC Savana, it only follows that there are plenty of engine configurations to choose from as well. These engines are:
• 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 engine on light cargo models
• V8 engines – 279-hp 4.8-liter, 301-hp 5.3-liter, and 323-hp 6.0-liter
• Turbodiesel 250-hp 6.6-liter V8
All of these engines are matched with a 4-speed automatic transmission, standard tire pressure monitoring system, and information console that provides vehicle information.

Of course, since the GMC Savana is basically a van, it’s only proper for it to be equipped with necessary safety features. These safety features are Anti-lock braking system, traction control, dual front airbags, and curtain side airbags.

if you are thinking of getting a GMC Savana and you think the abovementioned features are not enough, there are other optional features that you can add. These are access panels with keyless remote release in place of side windows, rear air conditioning, fuel-operated auxiliary heater, limited-slip differential, CD player, heated power mirrors with turn signals, and a heavy-duty alternator.

So, do you think you’ll like the 2009 GMC Savana?

Photo Credit: Webridestv