Van Era Ending

In the Van Lane

Mercedes is saying goodbye to its compact van duo, the Citan and T-Class, along with their electric versions. This news marks the closure of a chapter in a partnership with Renault that has been ongoing for some time. They’re pulling these models off the market by mid-next year, as they turn their focus toward more robust vehicle categories, like medium and large vans.

Future Plans

The last of these vans will roll out from Renault’s plant in Maubeuge, France, which also produces the similar Renault Kangoo. It’s not just a supply chain shift; it reflects Mercedes’ strategy change, disclosed back in May 2023, to put more resources into more profitable segments. As a result, they’re getting out of the business of making smaller vans.

Market Dynamics

The commercial logic here is clear. Sales numbers tell the story: only 23,351 Citans found homes last year, and the T-Class slipped by 31%, with just 5,117 units sold. It makes sense that Mercedes wants to step away from the small van scene.

Citan Specs

For businesses that did indulge, the Citan came in panel and passenger van formats. The panel van variant started at about $27,355 and was powered by a 101-horsepower engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It was a choice more about function and utility than flair.

T-Class Appeal

The T-Class, meanwhile, positioned itself as a minivan with a premium edge for families. Priced from approximately $30,291, it upped the ante with color-matched bumpers and five seats, with options for heated front seats and a snazzy heated steering wheel. Powertrain options offered a bit more gusto, catering to family needs on the go.

The Drive

Driving these vans wasn’t exactly about getting pulses racing. The Citan provided the basics, akin to driving something like a Ford Transit Connect or a Nissan NV200. They weren’t built for speed or thrills but for practicality and reliability around town or on longer hauls. The T-Class gave a taste of Mercedes luxury without breaking the bank, still focusing more on the comfort and convenience side of things than on raw performance.

While moving on from these models may be a smart business decision, it’ll likely leave a small hole in the lineup for loyal fans who appreciated their utility and Mercedes branding.