They new models were supplied by Bell Truck and Van, and have lined up alongside the 20 Vito models that entered service with Blueline two years ago. “Our first Vito taxis continue to perform superbly so it was a foregone conclusion that we’d go back for more,” explained operations director, Lee Clayton.
“The previous generation Vito is excellent for taxi work. It’s great to drive, comfortable, and accessible, with a highly flexible seating configuration, as well as being economical and comprehensively equipped in terms of safety features. Yet the new model has raised all of these attributes to an even higher level.”
Blueline operates a fleet of 600 vehicles which carry some 7.4 million passengers each year. The company has traditionally purchased outright but acquired its first Vito models through a lease deal arranged by Bell Truck and Van. The new arrivals are the subject of an Agility funding package from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
The Vito 114 BlueTEC is powered by a 135 hp 2.1-litre diesel engine, and is capable of returning up to 43.5 mpg on the combined cycle – helped by features such as the standard ECO start/stop system which cuts idling time by automatically stopping the engine when the vehicle is stationary.