The cheque is in the Merc

Some mail and courier items in New Zealand will be arriving by Mercedes-Benz in the future.

That's because New Zealand Post and its DHL courier joint venture, Express Couriers, has just granted official supplier status to Mercedes-Benz, meaning the companies' contract drivers can buy vans from the German carmaker to use on courier and postal deliveries.

The agreement covers the mid-size Mercedes-Benz Vito and large-volume Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Both use turbodiesel engines and come with extensive electronic safety devices, including a stability system.

Once considered too expensive for many commercial uses in New Zealand, Mercedes-Benz has come into the picture with its competitively priced new generation of vans.

New Zealand Post had to be satisfied that the Mercedes-Benz vans met its requirements for performance, safety, emissions and was available in desired colours before it granted official supplier status.

Brian Carr, national sales manager for DaimlerChrysler light vehicles, said: "The new competitive environment in light commercial vehicles has opened up a lot of opportunities for Mercedes-Benz sales in New Zealand. We are no longer considered a niche product. We are a viable option for businesses and contract drivers."

The Vito van is most likely to be used for around-town deliveries. Available in three panel van sizes, its load capacities range from 980kg to 1200kg, and it costs from $36,700.

Couriers and postal delivery drivers who require larger volume are likely to select the Sprinter, which is available in three wheelbase sizes, with large Euro body sizes to match, and in 3500kg or 4495kg gross vehicle weights. The Sprinter is priced from around $39,000.