Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Class Commercial vehicle | Production 1996–2013 | |
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Also called Morales Traveller (Philippines) Assembly Ludwigsfelde, Germany
Alcobendas, Spain (CKD) Body style 3-door van/4-door van/4-door minibus | ||
The Mercedes-Benz Vario (model designation BM667/668/670) is a full-size commercial heavy van manufactured by Mercedes-Benz between 1996 and 2013.
In Philippines, Mercedes-Benz rebadged version, Morales Traveller is locally made by Morales Motors. The Traveller also offered as minibus or utility van.
History
The Vario was launched in 1996 as a facelifted version of the Mercedes-Benz T2.
The bodyshell remained relatively unchanged throughout its 17-year production life. The Vario proved a popular base chassis for minibuses and mini-coaches. When new regulations required disabled access, a model with a wheelchair lift was made available.
The Vario was fitted with several types of Mercedes-Benz engines. Pre-2000 vehicles used a 5-cylinder OM602LA (2874 cm3) and 4-cylinder OM904LA (4250 cm3), turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. From September 2000, Vario 618D/818D models were equipped with a 4.2-liter turbo diesel engine with intercooler and direct injection with an output of 136 or 150 hp and torque of 520 or 580 Nm, respectively. The most powerful was a 177 hp, 675Nm engine.
With the introduction of the Euro 4 emission standards, the Vario began to be equipped with OM904LA series BlueTec4 turbocharged and intercooled engine with working volume of 4250 cm3 and a power of 129, 156 or 177 hp.
Two types of gearboxes were available, a 5-speed manual and on buses, an Allison AT 545 4-speed automatic. Maximum payload was 4.4 tons with a load volume of 17.4 cubic meters. A 4x4 model was also available. All models had a suspension on parabolic leaf springs, all ventilated disc brakes and power steering.
On 27 September 2013 the last Vario rolled off the production line in Ludwigsfelde. Between 1996 and 2013 90,743 units were manufactured. The Vario was succeeded in Daimler Trucks' model range by heavier versions of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.