The Association serves as a pro-active forum for the advancement of persons with physical disabilities so as to enable them to attain their maximum level of independence and integration into the community, and is active in the prevention of physical disablement.
Mercedes-Benz Vito 115 CDI Background
"The new Mercedes-Benz Vito"
A single van offering a wealth of solutions for goods and passenger transport and for mixed applications. The new Vito from Mercedez-Benz is the successor to the van model first unveiled in 1995. The ideal combination of practicality and driving pleasure Even at first sight, the Vito has an extra something that sets it apart from other vans: a harmonious combination of dynamism, agility, practicality and driving pleasure.
You can expect more from the Vito than reliability and quality. Ride comfort, practicality and safety are also high on the agenda. Not to mention environmental compatibility, comprehensive service and intelligent solutions designed to maximise cost-effectiveness.
How much fun the Vito can be is something you will discover as soon as you get behind the wheel.
"CHARACTERISTICALLY MERCEDES-BENZ"
Compared to the previous Vito, the side profile has taken on a noticeably more dynamic form. The headlamps, the radiator grille and the way in which the lines flow harmoniously from the bumper back to the front windscreen and blend smoothly into the side panelling are all unmistakable traits.
At the rear of the vehicle, it is the vertical strips of large-sized taillights, which really make the new model stand out.
"ENORMOUS PRACTICALITY"
The long wheelbase, vehicle length and two roof heights make it possible to offer a range of load capacities varying from 3,16 to 5,14 cubic metres for the Crew Cab and the Panel Van respectively, together with loading lengths of between 1482 mm and 2470 mm whilst at the same time maintaining compact exterior dimensions.
The Panel Van, Crew Van and Crew Bus variants are now available in two roof heights, fitted with the proven 115 CDI diesel engine, 110 kW (150 hp) of power. The new Panel Van models offer up to 5,14 cubic metres of load space and a payload of as much as 955 kg for transporting goods and materials. When the Crew Bus variants are carrying their full quota of seven passengers plus driver, there is still almost one cubic metre of load space available for luggage.
"REAR-WHEEL DRIVE"
The new Vito is powered by a CDI diesel engine in-line, four-cylinder diesel unit with power rating of 110 kW (150 hp). The increase in power translates into greater agility, particularly at low rev speeds, making driving the new Vito even more fun.
The diesel model delivers a peak torque of 330 Nm over a broad rev band. The diesel engine's power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, with the option of a five-speed automatic gearbox.
"SAFETY"
Achieving maximum levels of active and passive safety came right at the top of the list of priorities set out in the specifications book for the newVito. The Vito is fitted with disc brakes all round, measuring 300 mm across at the front and 296 mm across at the rear.
The standard specification of all models also includes
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Dynamic Handling Control System
Incorporating the ABS (anti-lock braking system)
ASR (acceleration skid control)
EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
BAS (the hydraulic Brake Assist system)
transport benefits
Parking guidelines
The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA (NCPPDSA) requested
the Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities to coordinate a survey
looking into the problems that persons with disabilities experience with parking
permits. Response to a questionnaire circulated to 50 persons with disabilities
who are presently parking permit holders resulted in the draft document listed
hereunder, which was subsequently submitted to NCPPDSA. The National Council
are currently in the process of finalising the document.
Beach Access
On 21 December 2002, the previous Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, published regulations
prohibiting the use of vehicles in the coastal zone. Whilst these regulations did allow the permissible use
by a person with a physical disability of an electrically propelled or manual wheelchair, a permit had to be applied
for to gain access with a vehicle such as 4 by 4 or quad bike. Please note that a permit is still not required to gain access with a wheelchair only.
This application process was a cumbersome procedure and very few permits were granted. Following appeals by
Council and QASA, the National Director consulted with the new Minister, Mr. Van Schalkwyk, resulting in the
amendment of these Regulations. The amendments were gazetted during December 2004 and publicly announced by
the Minister at an International Day for the Disabled function held in Cape Town on 3 December 2004.
rebate on customs duty on importation of motor vehicle
FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED VEHICLES
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF OR TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
The Department of Trade and Industry provides a rebate on the customs duty
for the importation of adapted vehicles, either for use by a person with a disability,
or by an organisation that transports persons with disabilities. It is advisable to
read the information document before proceeding to completing the necessary forms.
IMPORTANT NOTES
If the application is approved, an undertaking will be required to the effect that the motor vehicle/s will
not be offered, advertised, lent, hired, leased, pledged, given away, exchanged, sold or otherwise
disposed of without the prior consent of the Director General : Trade and Industry within a period of 5
years from the date of entry under this rebate item.
Any of the foregoing acts with any such vehicle/s during a period of 5 years from the date of entry in
terms of this rebate item shall render such vehicle/s liable to payment of duty in accordance with the
regulations.
Applicant's written motivation in support of the application, which must state that the proposed vehicle/s
will be used exclusively for the transport of a person with a physical disability, must be forwarded to "The
National Director, National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa, PO Box 426,
Melville, Johannesburg, 2109".
Applicants are advised that it may be necessary to appear personally before a panel of adjudicators
who will assess each application. Panels are available at major centres; contact details of which are
available from the nearest regional office of the Association for the Physically Disabled.
Applicants must not place orders for vehicles to be imported before the requisite permit is obtained.
Please note that an administration fee of R100-00 is levied.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Applicants are requested to complete this documentation as set out below -
Application form, to be completed by the applicant;
Assessment form to be completed by a panel of adjudicators. The panel in the Western Cape is headed by Ms Engela Nel who may be contacted at (021)555-2881 for an appointment to conduct the assessment. Applicants are requested to arrange their own appointments.
Medical report, to be completed by the applicant's medical practitioner.
Once completed, the documentation should be forwarded to -
The Provincial Director
Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities
PO Box 1544
MILNERTON
7435
Tel : (021) 555-2881
Fax : (021) 555-2888
E-mail : director@apd-wc.org.za
The Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities will forward this documentation to the
National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa who will in turn forward it to the
Department of Trade and Industry. The DTI will liaise directly with applicants.
A single van offering a wealth of solutions for goods and passenger transport and for mixed applications. The new Vito from Mercedez-Benz is the successor to the van model first unveiled in 1995. The ideal combination of practicality and driving pleasure Even at first sight, the Vito has an extra something that sets it apart from other vans: a harmonious combination of dynamism, agility, practicality and driving pleasure.
Compared to the previous Vito, the side profile has taken on a noticeably more dynamic form. The headlamps, the radiator grille and the way in which the lines flow harmoniously from the bumper back to the front windscreen and blend smoothly into the side panelling are all unmistakable traits.
The long wheelbase, vehicle length and two roof heights make it possible to offer a range of load capacities varying from 3,16 to 5,14 cubic metres for the Crew Cab and the Panel Van respectively, together with loading lengths of between 1482 mm and 2470 mm whilst at the same time maintaining compact exterior dimensions.
The new Vito is powered by a CDI diesel engine in-line, four-cylinder diesel unit with power rating of 110 kW (150 hp). The increase in power translates into greater agility, particularly at low rev speeds, making driving the new Vito even more fun.
Achieving maximum levels of active and passive safety came right at the top of the list of priorities set out in the specifications book for the newVito. The Vito is fitted with disc brakes all round, measuring 300 mm across at the front and 296 mm across at the rear.
