The Mercedes Benz Viano and Vito light commercial vehicles have become the first vans sold in Australia to earn five-star safety ratings.
The top safety gong was announced on Tuesday by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) after the latest crash tests.
Both vehicles were subjected to frontal offset, side offset and pole crash tests with ANCAP finding the vans' passenger compartments held their shape well on impact.
The vans are fitted with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, while side airbags are standard on the Viano and an option on the Vito.
Side airbags must be fitted for the vans to earn the five-star rating.
ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh said the Mercedes Benz models followed a trend towards greater occupant safety in commercial vehicles.
"Over the past 12 to 24 months we have seen manufacturers actively working to build safety into these vans," he said.
Mr McIntosh said the result was also great news for Australian industrial workers and tradespeople who use such vehicles at work every day.
"We have seen the family car, utes and now these light commercial vehicles gradually become safer in the interests of the occupants and all who use the road," he said.
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