Supplied by Newtownabbey Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI), the 114 BlueTEC Compact model wears a livery that incorporates a special logo celebrating the anniversary. The New Vito played a starring role at a special exhibition to mark the milestone, where it was presented alongside one of the operator’s first delivery vehicles, a restored Austin A60 half-ton van.
“These days most of our deliveries are made by a fleet of 26-tonne trucks, but our small vans have a vital role to play too,” explained managing director Tim Andrew. “The new van is already hard at work making urgent deliveries of ingredients, having lined up alongside a vehicle from the previous Vito range that has provided reliable service for five years.”
The New Vito 114’s 2.1-litre engine – the first low-emission Euro 6 unit in the mid-sized van class – incorporates alternator management and the ECO start/stop function to offer economy of up to 44.1 mpg in the combined cycle.
New Vito is available in three lengths and at three gross weights and also as a crew van – with a second row of seats – or a Tourer, which can carry a driver and up to eight passengers. Buyers can also specify 1.6-litre diesel engines, choose from versions with either front- or rear-wheel drive, and opt for six-speed manual or advanced 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmissions.
Suppliers from all over Europe exhibited their wares and services to more than 400 visitors who attended Andrew Ingredients’ 70th anniversary exhibition, which was staged at the company’s headquarters. Among the guests was Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Jonathan Bell, who officially opened a new test bakery and kitchen. The festivities were capped with a special celebratory dinner for suppliers and staff, at Hillsborough Castle.