Mercedes-benz takes the safety award, for the sixth time running, for the new Vito Commercial Vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has collected an unprecedented sixth consecutive What Van? Award for Safety, with the newly-launched Vito cited by the judges as offering the latest in safety-enhancing technology.

“The consistent focus on vehicle safety and occupant protection has seen Mercedes-Benz retain its industry leading position as the pinnacle of the industry,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. 

“The latest technologies offered on the new Vito are a clear sign that the momentum is continuing, and we’re proud to reward Mercedes-Benz for its pioneering approach that is an example to the rest of the industry.”

Vito sets new safety benchmarks, with advanced features like brake-disc wipe, Crosswind Assist, Adaptive ESP^®, and Attention Assist all fitted as standard. The Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT models also come with windowbags and thorax/pelvis sidebags in the front and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. For the first time, it is also possible to get windowbags in the rear for the Tourer, meaning that with up to eight airbags in total, the Tourer sets the new benchmark.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, added: “We are incredibly proud of our safety legacy – we were the first manufacturer to put airbags in our vans as standard since 2000, and have continued to innovate ever since, most recently in the introduction of PRE-SAFE, Attention Assist and Active Parking Assist for the New Vito.

“Since the Safety category was added to the What Van? Awards, Mercedes-Benz has received the honour each year, which is a fact I am extremely proud of.”

What Van? is the UK’s premier title offering Light Commercial Vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.