In the run-up to the RAI commercial vehicles show in Amsterdam, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the world premiere of its new Citan delivery van. Following the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan is now the latest addition to the brand’s van family and also the first vehicle to be created as a result of the strategic partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan. The Mercedes-Benz Citan will celebrate its public debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover in September. The market launch is scheduled to take place this fall.Mercedes-Benz is already the market leader for large and mid-sized vans. In Western Europe the brand increased its market share to 18 percent in 2011. Market share rose in the U.S. from 4.9 to 7.2 percent and currently amounts to six percent in China. According to Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, 2011 was the most successful year in the division’s history. “We sold over 264,000 vehicles last year, or 18 percent more than in 2010. We even boosted profits by 85 percent, achieving a new record of €835 million,” he says. Mornhinweg adds that the return on sales also reached an all-time high: “It amounted to 9.1 percent in 2011, enabling us to not only reach our target for 2013 but to exceed it”
The Citan has significant growth potential in established markets
Mercedes-Benz Vans is introducing the Citan this year in order to expand its vehicle lineup into the small vans segment, whose market volume has grown exponentially in Europe in recent years to 700,000 units. Mornhinweg is convinced that the Citan will capture a market share of 4 to 5 percent. In addition to penetrating new fast-growing markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also pursuing another strategic goal: the exploitation of growth potential in traditional markets. “We aim to sell more than 400.000 units worldwide by 2015,” says Mornhinweg.
Mercedes-Benz’ new Citan has been rigorously developed to meet the needs of commercial customers in the small vans segment, and it has all the attributes that have traditionally been the strengths of the brand with the star. According to Mornhinweg, these attributes include top product quality. “Like the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan had to demonstrate its worth in ice and snow as well as dust and heat while completing many thousands of kilometers of tests. But our high quality standards do not end with the conclusion of the vehicle’s development. We’ve done all we can to ensure that the Citan embodies the kind of quality that will impress customers who use the van on a daily basis.”
Citan is launched with a comprehensive model range for ensuring safe and comfortable road performance
The developers of the Mercedes-Benz Citan made very sure that the vehicle delivers the brand’s hallmark road performance in the areas of handling, agility, and ride comfort. The direct-response steering system is very precise and sensitive, resulting in a safe, precise, and comfortable road performance. It is also equipped with the Electronic Stability Program ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard equipment.
The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s broad model range has been customized to meet the requirements of a city delivery vehicle. The basic version is the panel van, which is available in three lengths: 3.94 meters, 4.32 meters, and 4.71 meters. Another model is the versatile Citan Mixto with five seats, which is based on the extra-long version (4.71 m) and has a foldable rear bench seat and two sliding doors. The third basic model is the Citan crewbus, which is mounted on the long wheelbase (4.32 m) and can also be delivered as a five-seater with a foldable rear bench seat and sliding door (optionally available with sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle). Depending on the model in question, the vehicle is available in three weight variants with a GVW up to 2,200 kilograms.
The Citan also features a wide selection of fuel-efficient engine variants. Customer requirements are fully covered by three high-torque turbo-diesel direct injection engines, ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp), as well as a lively supercharged gasoline engine with 84 kW (114 hp). All of the diesel engines offered for this van are equipped with a particulate filter as standard equipment. Power is transmitted to the front wheels by five- and six-speed transmissions with an easily reachable joystick selection lever in the center console.
A BlueEFFICIENCY package is available as standard equipment for the gasoline-powered Citan and as optional equipment for the diesel variants. This package includes the ECO start/stop function, a battery and generator management system, and variant-dependent low rolling-resistance tires, which help to reduce fuel consumption even further.
The Citan boasts a striking appearance - inside and out
The new Mercedes-Benz Citan has an unmistakable, brand-specific look. The basic features of the van’s characteristic appearance are the chromed star in the prominent and rugged-looking radiator grille with its three sporty perforated slats. Just as remarkable are the Citan’s striking headlights and the wedge-shaped hood with its clearly defined edges.
The interior is similarly unmistakable, featuring many high-quality appointments. The driver and front passenger sit on firm yet comfortably upholstered seats. The curve-hugging shape of the backrest in particular provides good side support, thus enhancing comfort and safety. The ergonomic, driver-focused instrument panel with its leather-like grained surface has a look and feel that are immediately familiar and reflect the high quality of the vehicle’s interior.Credits: Daimler AG Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Powerful yet with compact dimensions making it especially suitable for city use – for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz portfolio of vans features a dedicated delivery vehicle for the urban environment. With its impressive quality and driving dynamics, exemplary safety and economy, and high level of versatility and robustness, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is a truly professional urban delivery van.The Mercedes-Benz Citan will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.
Choice of three lengths and three model variants
Due to its versatility and adaptability, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan fulfils a broad range of commercial applications. Based on a panel van, this urban delivery van is available in three different lengths: 3.94 m, 4.32 m and 4.71 m.
There will also be a variable, five-seater Citan Mixto vehicle with folding rear seat bench, wire mesh partition separating the load compartment, and two sliding doors. This mixed-use vehicle is based on the extra-long variant. The third basic design is the Citan crewbus, which is also a five-seater vehicle with folding rear seat bench and optional sliding doors on each side, but this time with a long wheelbase. Depending on the model, there are also three different weights ranging up to a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 2200 kilograms.
As an alternative to the standard rear-end doors, Mercedes-Benz will be supplying the Citan with a wide-opening tailgate. Optional roof rails boost flexibility as does the optional ladder hatch for the panel van to facilitate the transportation of extra-long items.
Comprehensive safety equipment
As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new Citan. The urban delivery van comes with the Electronic Stability Program ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard, which takes the vehicle load into consideration. This innovative dynamic handling control system in the new Citan combines the functions of the anti-locking braking system ABS®, VDC® (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which counters over- and understeer, and TCS® (Traction Control System). It also includes ASR® (acceleration skid control) and drive and braking torque control.
Up to six airbags onboard as standard
Start-off Assist, daytime running lamps, height-adjustable seat belts, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the driver and front passenger, a seat belt reminder and driver airbag all come as standard. Amongst other standard features, the Citan crewbus (with M1 homologation) additionally has a front passenger airbag, thorax sidebags and windowbags for the driver and front passenger.
In the panel van, a full partition wall protects the driver and front passenger from loads sliding or tipping over. There are rings in the rear for securing the load. A plastic floor covering and partial trim prevent items with sharp edges from damaging the body in the load compartment.
Characteristic brand look with prominent radiator grille
The Mercedes-Benz Citan is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz thanks to the vehicle’s characteristic brand look. Providing the brand signature, the chromed star is self-assuredly set against the prominent, robust radiator grille with three sporty perforated louvres. The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s bold headlamps and the pronounced V-shape to the bonnet with its clearly defined edges are equally striking.
The trapezoidal shape of the air intake in the bumper emphasises width and the powerful impression made by the Citan. Again, this feature is one of the brand’s typical style elements at the present time, from the latest Mercedes-Benz cars in the compact class through to the new Actros.
A distinctive tail end styled in detail
Also emphasising width, the angular lower edge of the rear window mirrors the line of the vertically mounted tail lights, the detail of the new Citan reflecting the expert hand of Mercedes-Benz designers. On variants with rear-end doors, the numberplate is affixed on the wider, left-hand side of the asymmetric doors. When buyers order their Mercedes-Benz Citan with a tailgate, the numberplate is positioned centrally.
The new Citan is a compelling urban delivery van with a unique appearance and fits seamlessly into the portfolio alongside the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans.
Equipped to a high standard for ergonomic and comfortable working
Just as distinctive, the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is equipped to a high standard. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from equally firm, comfortably padded seats. The form-fitting shape of the backrests in particular provides lateral support, thereby ensuring comfort and safety. Drawing on the brand’s typical design idiom, the fabric cover on the seats is skin-friendly and breathable, as well as easy to care for and durable.
As powerful and striking as the exterior of the new Citan, the instrument panel is designed around the driver. The surface has a leather-like grain for an attractive look and feel.
Drivers of any other Mercedes-Benz will immediately feel at home in the cockpit of the new Citan and not just due to the familiar star on the steering wheel: the combination switches, gearknob, light switches and keys on the instrument panel all meet Mercedes-Benz’s usual standards for the driver’s area in terms of layout, look and function. Trim over the glove compartment enhances the interior further.
Focus on functionality
The Citan is all about meeting the challenges faced in day-to-day operations. Functional features include a large glove compartment, a stowage compartment between the front seats and a useful overhead stowage compartment across the entire width of the windscreen to accommodate all those items that drivers keep on hand on a daily basis. The practical, standard equipment for the new Citan includes a height-adjustable steering wheel, central locking with remote control and exterior mirrors which can be adjusted from inside.
Engines covering all requirements
The choice of engines is broad. Three high-torque, turbodiesel direct-injection engines with outputs from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp) and a nippy, supercharged petrol engine generating 84 kW (114 PS) cover all standard requirements. All the diesel engines have a particulate filter as standard. Five and six-speed transmissions with a joystick gearshift positioned within easy reach on the centre console transmit power to the front wheels.
Handling as expected of the brand: safe and smooth
The developers of the Mercedes-Benz Citan have paid particular attention to ensuring that the handling is as expected of the brand, delivering a combination of driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The Direct-Steer system is accurate and sensitive, while the suspension, damping and stabiliser bars have been carefully attuned to each other.
Whether empty or loaded, the new Citan is a bona fide Mercedes-Benz, offering precision, driving safety and the smooth handling that drivers are accustomed to from the Sprinter and Vito.
Economical thanks to low fuel consumption
Outstanding economy is another trademark of the new Citan. In addition to long service intervals of up to 40,000 km or two years, this extends to fuel consumption. Factors here are the economical drive system together with the standard electrohydraulic steering.
A gearshift indicator as standard helps drivers of the new Citan to adopt an economical driving style. Fleet operators are able to increase the efficiency of the new Citan still further by way of speed limitation set ex factory.
BlueEFFICIENCY package reduces consumption further
The petrol-engined Citan comes with a BlueEFFICIENCY package as standard, which is optional for the diesel versions. Amongst other features this includes the ECO start/stop function, battery and generator management, plus optimised low rolling resistance tyres depending on the variant which again reduce fuel consumption.
Options allow the Citan to be adapted fully to customer requirements
Thanks to a range of individualisation options, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan can be tailored with ease to a customer-specific deployment scenario. In addition to safety and comfort options, there are also numerous functional extras to choose from.
Different partition systems, a folding front passenger seat to enlarge the load compartment, various door and window configurations and load compartment trim options are just a selection from the extensive range. Accessories that can be supplied ex factory include roof racks, carrier systems and load-compartment tubs. As an alternative to individual options, Citan buyers have access to various specially created packages.
The new Mercedes-Benz Citan is turning out to be a true transport professional in every detail. Special superstructures made by bodybuilders can be adapted to the vehicle technology with the help of a special interface and a parameterisable special module.
Tailor-made service portfolio
Attractive, tailor-made financing and service offerings are being prepared for the new Mercedes-Benz Citan. These aspects are very important to customers so the new Citan scores highly thanks to the integrated expertise of Mercedes-Benz Vans.Credits: Daimler AG Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Every Mercedes-Benz has to earn the right to sport the three-pointed star by completing what is probably the most gruelling and most rigorous winter testing in the automotive industry. The new Mercedes-Benz Citan urban delivery van has successfully completed these tests. Numerous other tests are also testimony to the high quality of the body, interior, drive system and suspension.
Extreme tests at sub-zero temperatures
Sub-zero temperatures down to -40°C, metre-high snow lining both sides of the road, snow often on the road too, coupled with just a few hours of daylight – the winters in northern Sweden are bleak and harsh. The perfect conditions to put the new Mercedes-Benz Citan to the test.
Mercedes-Benz Vans has been testing every new model under extreme conditions near to the Arctic Circle for decades. Sprinter and Vito vans have undergone rigorous winter testing on numerous occasions. Now the new Citan has followed in their footsteps.
Own test centre near the Arctic Circle
In the small town of Arjeplog, Mercedes-Benz has set up its own test centre with workshops, offices and test tracks. It is hermetically sealed to keep out prying eyes. Here and on other test tracks on a nearby lake, on a challenging mountain route, as well as driving on public roads, the new Citan urban delivery van has had to prove its mettle.
Tests focusing on cold start behaviour, the heating and ventilation, the seat heating and windscreen defrosting are par for the course in the Scandinavian winter. But testing in the Artic Circle also looks at how materials respond to extreme temperatures: how do the door seals perform, for instance? At sub-zero temperatures even plastics will go brittle and can break or tear. In certain circumstances, creaking noises may occur where materials overlap.
Such shortcomings are unacceptable for a Mercedes-Benz. If the high-quality hallmark interior of the Mercedes-Benz Citan can withstand this environment, it will take even the harshest Central European winter in its stride. The Citan has passed all the tests. As a genuine Mercedes-Benz it can now stand up masterfully to even the harshest icy-cold temperatures.
Fine-tuned suspension control systems
The Scandinavian test centre with its ice-covered terrain is also the ideal place to test and fine-tune the suspension control systems. ESP® comes as standard on board the Citan, just as it does on any Mercedes-Benz. Yet ESP® is just the overarching term for a wide array of control systems, including subfunctions such as anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control, drive and braking torque control, engine friction torque control, understeer control, rolling-moment intervention.
Each of these systems needs to interact perfectly in a Mercedes-Benz van under the most difficult conditions and different vehicle loads, and hence the need for exhaustive testing. Measuring devices and a laptop are a constant feature on board the camouflaged test vehicles. But the finesse of the experienced developers is at least just as valuable.
Punishing itinerary at the company's own test facility
The company's own test facility in Arjeplog provides the full range of punishing terrain for testing the new Citan, including roads with a 10, 15 and 20-percent incline. Covered on one side with high-grip heated asphalt, and slick ice on the other. The engineers talk in terms of µ‑split, the different friction coefficients on the left and right. Even under these conditions, a Citan has to navigate the inclines and descents safely, just like any other Mercedes-Benz van.
Other courses with compacted snow or the long braking area with a high-grip surface on one side for high-speed braking tests push the new urban delivery van to the limit. Mercedes-Benz has precisely specified the maximum steering correction, as well as yaw-rate characteristics – rotation around the vertical axis –, including response over time and peak value. A Citan must respond safely and predictably at all times.
Icemakers prepare courses on frozen lakes
On the nearby frozen lake, local professionals – the icemakers – have prepared precisely defined courses for Mercedes-Benz, including a circuit with a diameter of 500 metres, covered with snow on the outside, roughed-up ice in the middle, slick polished ice towards the inside. Here and on the various handling circuits with their sweeping and tight bends the Citan has to demonstrate grip and handling stability. The brand's hallmark tuning of the suspension and control systems becomes apparent even at low speeds on ice.
Green light for series production
To find out for themselves about the results of this year's winter testing programme, senior management from Mercedes-Benz Vans made the journey to the far north of Sweden, among them Volker Mornhinweg. The Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans was there not only to discuss the test results and the ensuing fine-tuning measures with the development engineers.
Volker Mornhinweg also got involved in some testing himself. Two days spent in icy-cold Arjeplog behind the wheel of the Citan, putting materials and vehicle to the test. And he is impressed: "Our new suspension and our control systems are now perfectly tuned. It's something you notice on the various handling courses and when moving off or braking. I'm also extremely happy with the changes in the interior – both in terms of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the robust materials selection. The Citan is now a bona fide Mercedes-Benz after all the tests and work our development engineers have done. And so it's ready for series production."
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The arrival of Volker Mornhinweg, former AMG boss, as head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division has eventually paid off as a clever strategic manouevre aiming to heat things up in a market segment which lacks the emotional side. Apart from implementing alternative and more efficient drive solutions, Mr. Mornhinweg has now embarked on the mission of completely refreshing the entire vehicle lineup, starting from the bottom end up to the top models.
To boost sales and "hunt" for new customers, at the IAA Hannover show in September a new line of compact commercial models under the name of Citan is set to make the official debut, with sales following shortly after. This new addition is the fruit of the cooperation with Renault, which looks to spawn several other new technologies and models. The underpinnings come straight from the new Kangoo van and the efficient engines are co-developed by the two carmakers. The exterior styling will feature a more car-oriented influence and, given the teaser sketches we saw a while ago, the new design language has been applied and so the Citan is somehow resembling the new A-Class. Inside, the Mercedes-Benz touch will be visible in the general architecture of the dashboard and in the assembly quality, which aims to deliver a solid, premium package.
Image Credits: Autoevolution
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz will renew its fleet of commercial vehicles for 2013. The new addition to the lineup will the compact-sized Citan van, based on the underpinnings of the Renault Kangoo. The Germans have already previewed this forthcoming model at a special event conducted by Volker Mornhinweg, former AMG boss and current head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division. When it's introduced by fall this year at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, the Citan will sport an entire range of efficiently-running gasoline and diesel engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology as well as several safety features. The vehicle is currently subject to road development; first spy shots come from Arjeplog, a popular region in Scandinavia where all major automakers send their future models for the winter programme. As seen in the images, a camouflaged Renault Kangoo mule is being used for the initial testing phase of the Citan. Check out further photos after the break!
Image Credits: Autoevolution
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz’ new urban delivery van is called Citan. The name was revealed today during a symposium on brand competence and city logistics, which was held at the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen. The name Citan combines the words “city” and “titan,” thus making it clear that the vehicle is a first-rate specialist for city logistics — one that was specifically developed to meet the tough challenges faced in day-to-day operations.
New van series to boost sales
With the introduction of the new urban delivery vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is adding another production series to its family of vans. The Citan is supplementing the Vario (6.0 to 8.2 tons), Sprinter (3.0 to 5.0 tons), and Vito (2.77 to 3.2 tons) to broaden the range of products in the lower weight classes of the van market, where it will significantly boost sales.
Whereas the small vans segment was still a niche market in the mid-1990s, it has now grown to around 700,000 units in Europe. Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to gain a market share of four to five percent in this segment. Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, is convinced that the Citan will be a big success. “We will take advantage of the trend toward city vans, which our brand will be able to exploit thanks to its attractively priced vehicles and the high quality of our products and services,” says Mornhinweg. “Our typical Mercedes-Benz reliability, 24/7 service, and, last but not least, our great brand image are key selling points as far as our commercial customers are concerned.”
Due to its large number of variants, the new urban delivery van with the star is suited for a broad range of commercial applications. Not only will the Citan be offered as a panel van, a crewbus, and a mixed-use vehicle; it will also be available in a variety of lengths and weights.
The Citan will be launched on the market in fall 2012. The vehicle will be unveiled to the general public for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.
The Citan — the ideal partner in city traffic
The Citan was developed and tested in line with Mercedes-Benz’ demanding quality standards. The vehicle is correspondingly durable and robust. At the same time, it meets the requirements of customers from the service, sales, and trade sectors, offering them a large cargo space despite the vehicle’s compact dimensions. In addition, the van boasts attributes typical of the brand, such as great quality, economy, safety, excellent handling, as well as high fuel efficiency and correspondingly low CO2 emissions. The drive concept encompasses a broad range of low-emission, fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines and includes a BlueEFFICIENCY package. An electric drive version is also being planned.
The Citan’s operation, interior, materials, and workmanship are of the same high quality as in other Mercedes-Benz vans. The new urban delivery van can therefore be justly called the “little brother” of the Sprinter and Vito, to which it is in no way inferior. As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new van, all variants of which come with ESP as standard.
New markets for Mercedes-Benz vans
Mercedes-Benz has greatly expanded its vans business in recent years. In line with the slogan of “Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global,” the brand is not only manufacturing vans in Düsseldorf (Sprinters), Ludwigsfelde (Sprinters and Varios), and Vitoria, Spain (Vitos), but also in the U.S., Argentina, and China.
It is also planning to strengthen its presence in the Russian market through a partnership with GAZ, the leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia. Over the medium-term, the GAZ factory near Nizhny Novgorod will produce 25,000 Sprinters each year, and do so strictly according to Mercedes-Benz’ quality standards.
Mercedes-Benz already is the undisputed market leader for mid-size and large vans in Western Europe.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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