Love Your Work Issue 9 - Mercedes-Benz

Love your work.
February 2011.
More Than A Box On Wheels
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Highlights
3
5
11
15
19
23
Unparalleled precision
State-of-the-art drive
Setting the standard
Down to business
Silky smooth
Go anywhere, reinvented
1 Love Your Work February| 2011
H
ello and welcome to the first issue of
Love Your Work® for 2011, a year for
which we have a high level of optimism for our
Van business.
Firstly, I’d like to wish all of our readers
a Happy New Year. We trust that you took
some much deserved time off to relax, but
most importantly spend some time with your
friends and family before you start to tackle
the year ahead.
2010 proved to be a challenging but very
rewarding year for Mercedes-Benz Vans that
saw us post an all time sales record for
our fantastic Sprinter product. However not
only did we have our best ever sales result,
Sprinter also outsold the competition to take
the Number 1 position in the 3.3 - 5.0t GVM
large van & chassis segment. This is a result
that we are mightily proud of and we would
like to thank all the owners and operators of
the ‘big bloke’ in our range for their loyalty to
Sprinter over the years.
One of the biggest and most exciting activities
for us in 2011 is the launch of the new Vito
this month. This model has had substantial
upgrades, from engines, interior and exterior
and coupled with our new pricing structure; it
makes the Vito a ‘must look’ item for anyone
considering a new van this year. You can read
more about the new Vito in this issue.
Lastly, the Victorian Transport Accident
Commission (TAC) has been a leading
authority in road safety, campaigning for
many years and in this issue we learn how
they aim to educate young drivers on the
impact of driving under the influence of drugs
or alcohol, using the new Vito to help spread
their message. As always we enjoy hearing
from our customers about how much they
truly love their Mercedes-Benz Van, so we
have shared some stories for you to read.
From the team at Mercedes-Benz Vans, we
hope you enjoy this issue and until next time,
happy and safe motoring.
Good luck for a terrific 2011 for you and
your business.
Campbell York
Senior Executive
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Love Your Work February| 2011 2
The New Vito
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Unparalleled precision
The new Vito continues the revolution in the commercial van segment
O
ver recent years, the Mercedes-Benz Vito
has redefined the commercial vehicle
market. Not surprising when you consider
just how much technology is packed into the
model and its proven versatility. The new
Vito continues the model’s evolution without
straying from its much-lauded lineage. Taking
its ‘best on the market’ mantle one step further.
3 Love Your Work February| 2011
Where to start? Firstly, it’s more economical
and environmentally friendly, while more practical
and dynamic than the outgoing model. Secondly,
the Vito gets new engines and transmissions –
reducing emissions by an average of 10 per cent
and fuel consumption by 7.2 per cent.
The paradox is that Mercedes-Benz engineers
have, at the same time, enhanced performance
even further. In short, they’re cheaper to run and
more powerful to drive.
The chassis has also been completely
reconfigured. Inside, the cockpit is even more
attractive than its predecessor. And as with
previous models, the Vito combines the outward
aesthetic of current Mercedes-Benz passenger
cars with the robustness of a commercial
vehicle, giving the Vito a unique and instantly
recognisable ‘face’.
What’s more, the range continues to offer
three different body lengths – the Vito SWB
Van (4,763mm), Vito Crew Cab (5,008mm) and
Vito LWB Van (5,238mm).
Love Your Work February| 2011 4
The New Vito
Mercedes-Benz Vans
State-of-the-art drive
A
t the heart of the model’s revamp is the allnew state-of-the-art drive system, which
features Mercedes-Benz’s BlueEFFICIENCY
technology as standard. The entire engine
range also complies with the EURO 5 emissions
standard – which helps reduce fuel consumption
and lowers C02 emissions to a record level.
The Vito also features a six-speed transmission
for all four-cylinder-drive variants as standard
(with the exception of the 116 CDI SWB model)
– an inherent part of the overall drive system.
The result? Excellent response and acceleration
combined with outstanding economy.
One innovative feature is that maximum
torque is available right from very low engine
speeds, as well as over a broad rev range,
perfect for any commercial operator who
requires high tractive power. Another is the
fact that Mercedes-Benz also offer balancer
shafts (as used in the brand’s passenger car
models) in all four-cylinder variants, delivering
unparalleled ride and comfort.
All in all, the new engines are robust,
economical, clean, powerful and smooth-running.
Finely tuned
H
andling and dynamics have always
been hallmarks of the Vito. The
model’s redesigned, high-tech chassis has
been configured and tuned with the transport
of passengers and goods in mind. Ride comfort
and safety both setting new benchmarks in
the process.
New standard features on the
113, 116 and 122 models include:
•Audio 20 sound system
•Bluetooth® hands-free
•Multifunction steering wheel
•Highline pixel matrix display
Featuring an unparalleled range of safety
and assistance systems as standard, all models
include powerful and robust disc brakes on
all wheels, electronic brake force distribution
(EBD) and adaptive brake lights. Numerous
other invisible safety features are also on board.
ADAPTIVE ESP® with anti-lock braking system
(ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR) and brake
assist (BAS) is obligatory for all Vito models.
Driver and front passenger airbags also
feature as standard across the range, while
thorax side and window airbags are available
as an option (window airbags are standard on
the wagon model).
Inside, the interior has had a makeover.
Expect greater comfort and an even higherquality look and feel than the outgoing model.
The controls have also had a detailed overhaul.
In short, Mercedes-Benz interior designers have
run the rule over every aspect of the interior to
enhance both driver and passenger comfort.
Toping off the model range is the class
leading Vito 122 CDI. Featuring a powerful
three-litre V6 multi-stage turbo diesel engine,
it’s the most powerful diesel van in Australia.
Additional to the already extensive list of
standard features, this model also comes with
Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED daytime driving
lights and bumper mounted headlight washers.
A new face
O
ne word sums up the new Vito’s
appearance: robust. Overall, the exterior
design serves to underpin the model’s solid,
dependable character, while incorporating the
aesthetic appeal of the brand’s passenger car
range. Robustness aside, the look is really
quite striking.
Key changes include new headlamps,
complete with daytime driving lights, as well
as a new bumper and grille. Others include
newly designed exterior mirrors that offer a
larger field of vision, further underlying the
model’s focus on safety.
5 Love Your Work February| 2011
Love Your Work February| 2011 6
The Mercedes-Benz
that’s priced like a van.
The new Mercedes-Benz Vito sets itself apart from the competition. Redefining the van with a highly
powerful EURO 5 engine, 5 star ANCAP safety rating when fitted with optional curtain airbags and
superior suspension that handles like a car. What’s more, our new comprehensive Mercedes-Benz Van Boss
program makes owning a new Vito even more affordable. Competitive monthly repayments, full scheduled
servicing and guaranteed future value of your vehicle all contribute to already incredibly low running costs.
Visit your nearest dealer for a test drive today or go to mercedes-benzvans.com.au for more information.
TAC Vanessa
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Sister act
Mercedes-Benz helps to raise the stakes on road safety in Victoria
R
oad safety is a big issue. And while
the road toll has more than halved in
Victoria since 1989, 303 and 290 people lost
their lives on Victorian roads in 2008 and
2009, respectively.
Mercedes-Benz has partnered with the
state’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
in an effort to educate youth on the impact
of driving under the influence of drugs and
alcohol, as well as provide vital information
9 Love Your Work February| 2011
on the safest vehicle options available, for both
first-car buyers and business owners alike.
How, exactly? Through a community-based
project called Vanessa (and now via ‘Mini
Vanessa’). Both of which aim to help keep
people safe on the road, especially young
drivers, who, statistically, have more serious
accidents than any other group.
The project was borne out of a disused
Victoria Police ‘booze bus’ in 2005. Put simply,
‘Vanessa’, as the converted bus became
known, has had a presence at numerous music
festivals, universities and community events
over the past six years.
The idea? To help young people party safely
and get home in one piece. Festival-goers, say,
can do a breath test to see if they’re okay to
drive, pick up strategies for getting to and from
festivals safely, right through to learning how to
look after their mates when on the road.
Adorned in bright orange, Vanessa has been
hard to miss. But given the vehicle’s size – it is a
bus, admittedly – part of the TAC’s strategy has
been to make the project more versatile. Like
being able to set up shop at Melbourne’s laneway
festivals, for example, where Vanessa, per se, is
rather ‘size’ challenged. Enter Mercedes-Benz.
Mini Vanessa is essentially an extension of
Vanessa, but under a smaller guise, namely a
Mercedes-Benz Vito.
“She’s the first five-star commercial van,”
said Phil Reed, Head of Community Relations
at the TAC. “And certainly more mobile than
her big sister. Outside of everything we’ve done
through Vanessa, she’ll promote things such as
the First Car Buyer’s list, which serves to educate
first-car buyers around the safest options on the
market under $5,000.
“She’ll also be the face of the Commercial
Vehicle Safety list. This provides business
owners and operators with info on the safest
vehicles available that they can purchase for
their staff. The flipside to this is promoting
our ‘vehicle as a workplace’ message. In short,
it’s encouraging businesses to place more
importance on vehicle safety.”
Visitors who currently own a car will
also be able to ascertain just how safe their
current vehicle is – something the TAC
is pushing through its dedicated website,
www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au. For Commercial
Vehicle owners and operators, Mercedes-Benz
Vans has developed in conjunction with ANCAP,
www.howsafeisyourvan.com.au, to help arm you
with the right information when choosing a van.
You’ll find Vanessa and Mini Vanessa at
any of Victoria’s prominent music festivals
this year. To name but a few, these include,
Stereosonic, Meredith Music Festival, Falls
Music and Arts Festival, Solar Festival, Big Day
Out, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Soundwave
and Golden Plains.
Check out www.facebook.com/ilikevanessa
for more information.
Love Your Work February| 2011 10
Airbag anniversary
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Setting the standard
One of motoring’s most important life-saving technologies turns 30
T
his year heralds an
important anniversary.
While many of us take
airbags for granted nowadays,
Mercedes-Benz was the first
company to equip a series
production car with this lifesaving technology some 30
years ago.
After more than 13 years
of development, the first
production car equipped with
an airbag rolled off the brand’s
Sindelfingen production line
in Germany – the model, an
S-Class saloon. October 1992
then saw all models bearing
the three-pointed star carry a
11 Love Your Work February| 2011
driver airbag as standard.
Now commonplace, it’s a
technology offered by the
vast majority of automotive
manufacturers, with most
new models featuring airbags
as standard. Which is a good
thing and something that
Mercedes-Benz is proud to
have helped spark.
To give you some idea,
statistics have revealed
that the introduction of the
humble airbag has saved
more than 28,000 lives since
its introduction in the United
States alone.
According to the US National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHSTA),
“Compared to an occupant not
wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle
with no airbag, the statistical
probability of fatal injury
with an airbag and seatbelt is
61 per cent lower.”
Outside the US, airbags
continue to be one of the
main reasons behind a
rapid, continuing decline in
the number of road-accident
victims in Germany. Provisional
figures show that there were
1,675 road-traffic fatalities in
the country from January to the
end of June 2010. This was 291
– 15 per cent fewer than in the
first half of the previous year.
A study undertaken by the
German Road Traffic Office
stated: “During collisions
with oncoming traffic, passive
safety features such as
airbags and seatbelts mitigate
the severity of an accident by
a significant 42 per cent in
new vehicles, compared to 14
per cent for older vehicles.
While all experts agree that
an airbag can never truly be
regarded as a substitute for
seatbelts, when used in
conjunction with the latter, this
system is a major contributor
in the prevention of severe
or fatal injuries to occupants
during serious accidents.
The airbag, however,
remains just one of a host of
technologies that MercedesBenz has helped to pioneer
– many of which have made
their way into various models
from other manufacturers.
Take ESP®, for example.
Mercedes-Benz was the first to
bring the concept of handling
safety systems to the world.
The aim being to prevent
accidents when a driver loses
control of the vehicle.
PRE-SAFE® is another lifesaving technology that the
brand has introduced to the
market. Available exclusively
in Mercedes-Benz models
since 2002, this innovative
anticipatory safety system
has been designed with the
intention of helping to avoid
accidents completely.
The
brand
then
revolutionised the concept of
airbags with the development
of side- and head-bags – namely
to offer occupants protection in
the event of a lateral collision.
In-house research has revealed
that this technology reduces
the likelihood of serious or fatal
injury by more than half.
What’s more, MercedesBenz protective systems
are becoming increasingly
intelligent. Belt-tensioners
improve the protective effect
of seatbelts, while multi-stage
airbags respond according
to the severity of a potential
accident. With these in mind,
the control systems for these
onboard safety features now
have the processing power of,
say, the supercomputer that
sent the first space shuttle to
the moon.
At Mercedes-Benz Vans,
we are proud to offer driver
and front passenger airbags
as standard across the
range, further enforcing
our philosophy that safety
shouldn’t be regarded as an
option. In fact, it’s a necessity.
Love Your Work February| 2011 12
Lifestyle
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Interesting ways to spend
a summer’s day
Learn to surf
Moonlight Cinema
For most of us, getting to the beach for the
day (or longer) is a must over summer. Unless
you’re content basking in the sun all day
sunbaking – with 30+, obviously – learning
to surf can be a lot of fun. Most popular
beach-town destinations have an array of surf
schools, which can save you a lot of time when
learning the basics.
If you live in the city, Moonlight Cinema is
the perfect way to spend a balmy summer’s
evening It’s also a great way to spend time with
friends. You’ll find Moonlight Cinema in most
capital cities, all of which show an eclectic mix
of both classic and mainstream film.
Wine tour
Planning a winery tour with family and friends.
The warmth of summer’s a great time to enjoy
the white varieties, in particular, offered by
Australia’s plethora of wineries. A dedicated,
organised tour is your best bet. These are often
very good value for money, given that tour
organisers often have great relationships with
your chosen region’s winemakers.
Trail walking
Australia is blessed with some truly
breathtaking national parks, close to our
cities and scattered throughout the country.
Whether you’re staying local or away on
holiday, get in touch with your nearest tourist
information centre to find out what trail walks
you can do in the area. There are number of
safety precautions to take into consideration,
but aim for trails that you can complete in, say,
a five-to-six-hour round trip.
Support local growers at your
local farmers’ market
Melbourne
The Victorian capital is home to a number of excellent farmers’ markets. Probably the most
popular being the Collingwood Childrens’ Farmers’ Market. Flanking the city’s Yarra River, it
lays claim to being Melbourne’s first farmers’ market and is on the second Saturday of every
month. St Heliers Street, Abbortsford
Sydney
Pyrmont Grower’s Market is one of inner Sydney’s more diverse, popular farmer’s markets.
Opposite the Star City complex, it showcases some of the finest examples of fresh, organic food
from the Sydney basin and beyond. The market also prides itself on its ever-increasing customer
subculture, ‘lovacores’. Put simply, those who only purchase food that has travelled a minimal
distance (some adhering to a strict 100km diet). Pyrmont Village, Pyrmont
Brisbane
Held every Wednesday, the City Farmer’s Market is the Queensland capital’s premier market.
Colourful and vibrant, the weekly market is hugely popular and boasts, for example, delectable
examples of some of the country’s favourite summer fruits – the sunshine state’s famous for its
bananas and mangoes. Reddacliff Place (Brisbane Square), CBD
Adelaide
A stone’s throw from the CBD, the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market is huge. Offering
some of the state’s finest produce, the market also prides itself on promoting and supporting
agricultural diversity and consumer choice. Quality and prices are exceptional and, if anything,
it’s worth checking out purely for the experience, given how busy the market gets, particularly
first thing in the morning. The market is open seven days a week. Leader Street, Goodwood
Perth
Now in it’s fourth year, Perth’s Organic Grower’s Market is decidedly unique. How? It’s the
only market to feature exclusively certified organic and biodynamic stallholders. Amazing fruit,
veggies, breads, meats, etc., aside, it’s fast becoming one of the city’s most popular markets. It’s
open every Saturday morning. Lime Street, East Perth
Love Your Work February| 2011 14
Sprinter updates
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Another bright new star.
Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the completion of the renovations at
North Star Mildura Motors, Mildura VIC.
The new state of the art showroom provides a spacious, convenient and
welcoming atmosphere for you to see and experience our products. So if
you’re after a Mercedes-Benz Van, drop in and talk to us about how we can
help your business shine.
Down to business
Mercedes-Benz updates its multi-talented commercial workhorse
T
he first thing you notice when you step
inside the new Sprinter is just how
car-like it is upfront. Much like our passenger
cars, everything’s within reach.
Take the new Audio 20 sound system. Added
Bluetooth functionality ensures ease of use,
with hands-free operation. All your typical
audio mod-cons and a five-inch colour display
aside, the unit also features a telephone keypad,
perfect for anyone who spends the majority of
their working day behind the wheel.
15 Love Your Work February| 2011
With the audio unit and onboard computer in
mind, the Sprinter’s new luxury, Multifunction
steering wheel allows you to change radio
stations or make a phone call on the fly,
for example.
The new highline instrument cluster shows
a range of information including time, speed
limiter setting, warning messages and audio,
telephone and trip computer functions.
Little things that make the Sprinter more
than just a box on wheels.
North Star Mildura Motors 19-29 Orange Avenue Mildura, VIC 3500. Tel (03) 50213866, mbnorthstar.com.au LMCT 8241
Vito Office Plan
PLAN NOTES
Safety
features
Standard features include ADAPTIVE ESP® along
with Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
ANCAP
rating
When fitted with optional curtain airbags the Vito
earns the highest ANCAP safety rating of 5 stars,
making it the safest workplace possible
Extensive
warranties
Mercedes-Benz Vans are covered by a 3 year/
200,000km warranty, whichever comes first
Total cost
of ownership
Competitive running costs over the life of a
vehicle makes running a fleet of Mercedes-Benz
Vans more affordable than you think
Longer service
intervals
Up to 30,000km service intervals for the Sprinter;
22,500km for the Vito
Roadside
assist
Enjoy peace-of-mind 24/7 with Mercedes-Benz
roadside assistance for the term of the warranty
period
Reliability
Legendary reliability that only Mercedes-Benz
Vans and over 100 years of experience can provide
Strong
resale value
Built for longevity, Mercedes-Benz Vans enjoy
strong resale value
Australia’s most valuable office space.
If you own a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’ve invested in
some prime real estate. You’ll take comfort in knowing your fleet is not only economical, it’s also one of
the leading motoring options for sustainability and efficiency. Powered by engines that already comply
with EURO5 emission standards, Mercedes-Benz Vans come with standard safety features such as
ADAPTIVE ESP® and driver and front passenger airbags. When fitted with optional curtain airbags, the
Vito earns the highest ANCAP safety rating of 5 stars, making it Australia’s safest van. Add to this 125 years
experience, and it’s no wonder that most frontline ambulance response units run fleets of Mercedes-Benz
Vans. Discover how Australia’s most valuable office space can add more value to your business.
morethanaboxonwheels.com.au
New Viano
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Silky smooth
Mercedes-Benz popular mega-mover gets a luxurious makeover
D
river and passenger
comfort lie at the heart
of the new-generation Viano.
And as with other models from
within the Mercedes-Benz
commercial stable, the facelifted model continues to set
the standard in the largecapacity vehicle market.
Inside,
the
upgraded
cockpit takes comfort and
material quality to an all-new
level. Upholstery has been
completely redesigned, offering
increased comfort, while new
control buttons and a fourspoke multi-function steering
wheel improve functionality.
Innovative features such as
a passenger-compartment
ambient lighting system also
aid overall functionality.
Road noise is virtually zero.
Thanks largely to the Viano’s
revised suspension, which
19 Love Your Work February| 2011
seamlessly melds overall ride
comfort, driving enjoyment and
the van’s raft of active safety
features. In short, this equates
to exceptional handling.
Underneath the chassis, the
model boasts an all-new drive
system. Standard on all Viano
variants, the brand’s revered
BlueEFFICIENCY technology
also ensures maximum
fuel efficiency and minimal
impact on the environment.
To put things in perspective,
BlueEFFICIENCY
reduces
C02 emissions and fuel
consumption by up 15 per
cent compared to the outgoing
model. Powered by a EURO 5
compliant, three-litre V6 multistage turbo diesel engine,
delivering an impressive
output of 165kw/440Nm, it’s
powerful and efficient.
Outside, the model’s bold new
look emphasises the Viano’s
sense of independence. As with
its stablemates, the model takes
on current Mercedes-Benz
passenger model design cues,
and gets distinctive headlamps
and reimagined rear-end.
New standard
features include:
•COMAND APS multimedia
system including
Satellite Navigation,
LINGUATRONIC voice
control, and DVD video
and music playback
•4GB internal memory for
audio files (MP3/WMA)
•Bluetooth® hands-free
system
•Bi-Xenon headlights
•Electric dual sliding doors
•Dual sunroofs
Love Your Work February| 2011 20
Customer Profile
Mercedes-Benz Vans
typically covers a 20km radius in what he calls
the ‘Big Pink Monster’.
After delivering in a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180D
for many years, then adding two older Toyotas,
Jodie McGregor picked up the Sprinter in 2009
with a view of expanding the business further.
storage compartments come in really handy.”
So has their choice of colour started to pay
dividends?
“Put it this way. One family, a customer,
plays ‘Spot the Jodie van’. The Pink Monster
scores 10 points and our two older Toyotas
“Men who buy flowers to get out of trouble
with the ‘missus’ is a bit of a misconception”
Jodie McGreogor Flowers
T
he florist industry is highly competitive.
That’s a given. So how do you stand out
in a city such as, say, Sydney, with its myriad
of florists that have virtually the same ability
to send flowers from all over the city to pretty
much anywhere?
A bright pink Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
aside, it’s about consistently giving each and
every customer an amazing, unforgettable
experience, according to Sydney-based florist
Jodie McGregor Flowers, which first opened its
doors in Annandale in 1999.
With this in mind, Stu White, Jodie’s
business partner, believes it’s also seeing
your competition as any service provider
who provides something that makes people
feel good. Pardon the pun, but quite a fresh
approach, if you will.
“Just yesterday a customer called before
close wanting an arrangement delivered
21 Love Your Work February| 2011
So why opt for a Sprinter, then?
“Being associated with the Mercedes-Benz
brand was a massive factor,” added White.
“Something that’s definitely had an impact. Plus
the dealer at West Orange Motors was a great guy.
“Reliability played an important part in
the decision, too. Particularly given that we
use the van for purchasing flowers as well.
As for driving it on a day-to-day basis, it’s
comfortable, fuel economy’s fantastic, it’s
incredibly spacious, which is critical, and the
are worth five and three points, respectively.
Pretty funny. It definitely stands out when we
deliver flowers – people get awfully excited
when they see the van pull in their driveway.’
And their biggest customers? Women, 25 to 50,
who treat themselves to the odd bunch of flowers.
And the men?
“Men who buy flowers to get out of trouble
with the ‘missus’ is a bit of a misconception,”
White said. “Most guys purchase for their wives
and girlfriends simply to make them feel special.”
before 7.30am this morning,” said White. “As
our couriers don’t deliver before eight (and
that the shop doesn’t open til then, either),
I brought the flowers home and wrapped
them first thing this morning before making
a special trip from home in the Sprinter to
deliver them by 7.30am. It’s simply comes
down to being all about the customer.
“The biggest feedback we get from our
customers is that our flowers last so long.
That’s because if they’re past their best, we’d
rather give them away than sell them on. It’s
about building trust. Plus, the relationships
we’ve forged with growers over the years
mean we get access to unique, interesting
flowers that you don’t see in most florists.”
White and McGregor now run two shops
– the Annandale store, as well as one in
Castlecrag – and employ a team of 10. While
they send flowers around Australia, White
Love Your Work February| 2011 22
Motorhome
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Go anywhere, reinvented
Versatile Sprinter the motorhome of choice for serious travellers
W
ith the right set-up, touring Australia’s
endless expanse of natural wonders is
a must-do. It’s easy to be bias, obviously. But
this country is truly blessed when it comes to
taking some time out for road trips or touring
holidays.
For seasoned travellers Kelvin and Julie
Ward, the choice was relatively simple when it
came to replacing their previous motorhome.
“We had it for five years before upgrading
to the Sprinter” said Kelvin. “Over the years,
we’ve also hired around six motorhomes –
varying models – whilst travelling overseas,
so we got to experience a variety of makes and
styles along the way before eventually settling
on the Mercedes-Benz.”
“The Sprinter was
the obvious choice.
Safety, comfort,
reliability all being
major considerations”.
Safety and versatility, however, were
overriding factors in the couple’s decision.
“Our children were very keen for us to get
something safe – airbags, ABS, safety features,
the whole lot,” Kelvin went on to say. “All the
options we were after weren’t available in one
23 Love Your Work February| 2011
package with all the other makes. The Sprinter
had everything. It really makes for a state-ofthe-art motorhome.
Essentially, Kelvin and Julie were looking to
purchase a new vehicle that could be fitted to
their exact specifications.
“The Sprinter was the obvious choice.
Safety, comfort, reliability all being major
considerations.”
“We also wanted something that’s as
environmentally friendly as possible. In
this regard, we were particularly impressed
with the model meeting all the relevant EU
emission standards.
“We chose the 4WD Sprinter because we
wanted to go rock-hopping and be pretty much
self-reliable. Meaning that whether we’re
travelling on forest, sand or outback roads, we
have some peace of mind and added security
of knowing that we’ll be able to get ourselves
out of trouble, if need be.”
What makes the Sprinter unique is the
tailored fit-out the couple had completed by a
Sydney based company.
“This is the second vehicle we’ve taken
them. They did a fantastic job. They really did.
They bent over backwards to get it to where it
is. The additional work means it’s extremely
robust – the quality of workmanship is simply
excellent.”
The other consideration in Kelvin and Julie’s
decision was that the Sprinter is versatile
enough that they can use it for both catering
and as support vehicle with the voluntary
work they do with groups such as Landcare
and camps for refugee children.
Love Your Work February| 2011 24
Love to drive?
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Victoria
New South Wales
Albury, Baker Motors
T (02) 6041 8400
Alexandria, Mercedes-Benz Sydney
Ballarat, Godbehears
T (03) 5331 3717
Campbelltown, Macarthur Automotive T (02) 4629 8888
Bendigo, Poyser Motors
T (03) 5442 3250
Coffs Harbour, Coffs Coast
T (02) 6648 3577
Berwick, Central Star Auto Haus
T (03) 8794 0900
Gosford, Coast Star Motors
T (02) 4323 9000
Fairfield, 3 Point Motors
T (03) 9489 7777
Geelong, Geelong City Motors
T (03) 5244 8200
Huntingwood,
Mercedes-Benz Commercials
T (02) 8822 4800
Laverton, Mercedes-Benz Commercials T (03) 9680 8777
Miranda, Tynan Motors
T (02) 8545 8300
Mildura, North Star Mildura Motors
T (03) 5021 3866
Mona Vale, G Brothers
T (02) 9999 5111
Moorabbin, Barloworld Motor
T (03) 8506 9888
Newcastle, Hunter Star Motors
T (02) 4974 4244
T (03) 5973 9688
Orange, West Orange Motors
T (02) 6361 1000
Shepparton, Ken Muston Automotive
T (03) 5821 6688
Port Macquarie,
Andrew Miedecke Motors
T (02) 6583 8855
Mercedes-Benz Melbourne
T (03) 9690 8833
Traralgon, Gippsland Star T (03) 5175 8080
Tasmania
T (02) 6768 3111
Taree, Taree Motorama
T (02) 6539 3300
Wagga Wagga, Wagga Motors
T (02) 6933 0100
Hornsby, Northside Star
T (02) 9487 4344
T (02) 9828 8002
T (02) 4228 8933
Hobart, Performance Automobiles
T (03) 6210 7000
Launceston, Neil Buckby Motors
T (03) 6334 8444
Wollongong, Illawarra Star Motors
Australian Capital Territory
Mt Gambier, Carlin and Gazzard
T (08) 8723 8881
Fyshwick, Mercedes-Benz Canberra
Regency Park,
Mercedes-Benz Commercials
T (08) 8348 5100
Western Australia
Wayville, Australian Motors
T (08) 8179 3666
Queensland
and vehicle control in real world applications.
Or, if you would prefer to drive a golf ball on
some of Australia’s best courses, you need to
book a tee time at one of our Mercedes-Benz
Vans Customer Golf Days. It’s a fun day with
great prizes to be won as well as a barbecue
buffet and some cold drinks at the end of
your round.
Vacancies are strictly limited so visit
www.mercedes-benzvans.com.au for more
information.
Tamworth, Peel Valley Motors
Warwick Farm,
Peter Warren Automotive
South Australia
Sometimes a brochure just won’t cut it when
you are searching for a new van or want to
upgrade your fleet. A Mercedes-Benz Van drive
day brings our brochure to life and is certainly
an event that you won’t forget.
Our professional instructors will allow you to
experience the key safety and dynamic aspects
of our vans, including ESP and braking exercises
as well as handling, acceleration and cornering.
The drive days are an excellent way to assess
the quality of our product, driver ergonomics
T (02) 9697 7777
Mornington, Barloworld Motor
Somerton, Mercedes-Benz Commercials T (03) 9305 4152
South Melbourne,
Love to drive?
Authorised Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealers
Bunbury, Coastal Automotive Centre
T (08) 9721 8199
Osborne Park, Westpoint Star
T (08) 9492 8188
Welshpool, Diesel Motors
T (08) 9311 7400
Aspley, Zupps Aspley
T (07) 3246 8000
Bundaberg, Bundaberg Prestige
T (07) 4151 1923
Northern Territory
Cairns, Trinity Auto Group T (07) 4050 5000
Darwin, Kerry’s Automotive Group
Gold Coast, Grand Motors T (07) 5569 5700
Mackay, Carlisle Motors
T (07) 4957 0707
Maroochydore, Garry Crick Prestige
T (07) 5409 0100
Noosaville, Garry Crick Prestige
T (07) 5440 3600
Rockhampton, DC Motors
T (07) 4999 1200
Rocklea, Mercedes-Benz Commercials T (07) 3275 8711
Toowoomba, West-Star Motors
T (07) 4639 0111
Townsville, Carmichael Motors
T (07) 4750 0460
T (02) 6175 5555
T (08) 8980 8080
If you would like to receive a FREE
subscription to Love Your Work® Magazine,
visit www.mercedes-benzvans.com.au
Over 100 years of van experience come standard
As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz aims to fulfil its responsibility toward society and
the environment, and to ensure safe, sustainable mobility for the future – not only for carrying people,
but also for transporting goods. Besides being a world leading manufacturer of premium passenger
cars, Mercedes-Benz is also the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles. Since building
the first van in 1896, Mercedes-Benz engineers have been continually setting new standards in this
segment as well.
Whether it is reliability, durability, or safety, those valued Mercedes-Benz traits are what you will find
in the Mercedes-Benz Vito. By developing close working relationships, and offering comprehensive
services based on your needs, Mercedes-Benz does absolutely everything it can to help ensure your
business success.
Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz Vans.