Although known for its iconic luxury sedans, Mercedes isn’t that shy when it comes to minivans. It’s kept up the momentum by offering a range of different minivan modes throughout the years, and in 2024, it’s going to come through with a Long-Wheelbase Citan – a vehicle that shows potential thanks to the awesome combination of looks, performance, and utility.

Spied during transit, the new Mercedes Citan isn’t a sight too different from the models already released by the German manufacturer. But, the added long wheelbase itself is an impressive element and it can make the vehicle a choice worth considering.

Here, we’re going to talk about what we found out about this soon-to-be-released minivan along with some of our speculations about what we should expect from it.

The Mercedes Citan | What Do We Already Know About it?

The Mercedes Citan is a minivan that was first launched by Mercedes-Benz in 2012. The design and idea of the Citan were based on the Renault Kangoo, which is a popular minivan model that was in existence for quite some time beforehand.

The main appeal and selling point of the Citan is its availability in different variants. For example, the minivan is available as a “duoliner” panel van that can be used for commercial purposes. Similarly, it is also available as a passenger van that can be used for personal/family use. In the latter variant, the empty space in the back is equipped with seats.

Another great quality of the Citan is that its models are usually available with both diesel and gas engines. This allows buyers to be more selective about the variant they purchase, which subsequently helps them to have a more tailored driving experience later on.

The New Citan 2024 Spied…

According to sources online, the 2024 model of the Mercedes Citan was spied on by photographers as it was being transported to colder snowy areas for testing purposes. In the spy images, the minivan can be seen standing in a snowy backdrop.

Here is what we concluded from the spy pictures:

1.  Camouflage

The first thing that we saw in the spy pics was that the camouflage on the Citan 2024 was very sparse. It was plastered right at the back, and there wasn’t much effort by the manufacturer to conceal anything on the front area.

There isn’t actually anything surprising in this. The Citan is largely known and brought for its utility, and it has sustained a simple and generic façade throughout its different releases. While a facelift or modification would have been welcome, its absence doesn’t really detract from the overall desirability of the vehicle.

The small camouflage covering the back and sides could be masking some finer details. We’ll have to wait to see what comes from under it, but for the time being, we can safely say that the camo is just for concealing some curves and contours.

The Citan in general is available in different variants such as the passenger version and the panel van version, etc. Since this is one of the salient features of this vehicle, we don’t expect Mercedes to deviate from the trend. The 2024 Long Wheelbase will also probably be available in these different variants.

It is for this reason that some of the Citans were snapped with camo only on some parts of the sides whereas some Citans were snapped with the camo covering the back window and the rear door as well.

To understand what sort of camouflage unreleased cars usually come with during the brief exposure to the public, the examples of the Rover Defender 2020 and the Audi e-Tron are sufficient. Both these vehicles were fully plastered with camouflage when they were taken out for testing.

In comparison, the Citan had very little camo on it.

2.  Looks and Aesthetics

Let’s discuss the looks and aesthetics.

From the spy pics, the appearance of the Citan 2024 looked more or less the same as the 2022 model. On the front. it had the same type of headlights along with the large grille decked out with the Mercedes logo.

The sides of the minivan, hood, and roof had the same simplistic look as the past Citan models. Once again, the 2024 LWB Citan is not a facelift, so the looks are more or less the same.

Now, let’s actually come to the focal point of this whole review i.e., the longer body.

The New Citan 2024 LWB Making Space for Seven Seats…

The previous Citan models have a pretty simple deal. In the passenger or “Tourer” versions, there are a total of five seats, with two at the front and three at the back. Behind the backseats is the storage compartment that can either be left covered or uncovered and is accessible via the back doors.

However, in the new LWB Citan, this appears to be changing. The new Citan has a longer wheelbase (and consequently a longer body in general), and it appears as if Mercedes has made space for two more seats at the back, bringing the total number to seven.

The first clue that points to this is the obvious increase in the minivan’s length. In pictures, the increased length is a little hard to discern, but if you look carefully, you will see that the rear wheel wells don’t encroach on the back sliding doors. With the 2022 Citan, the rear wheel wells partially invade the back doors, leading them to have a contoured shape near the bottom.

However, in the LWB Citan, the wheel wells are situated well behind the back doors. This appearance closely resembles the Renault Kangoo 7-seater minivan, which is yet another reason to believe that the new LWB Citan will have the same number of seats.

Of course, it’s worth remembering that since the previous Citan releases were available in the ‘panel van’ version along with the ‘passenger van’ version, the same can be expected from the LWB. This would mean that the panel van variant would just have increased space at the back as compared to the older Citans.

3.  Colors

Spy shots are usually taken when an unreleased vehicle is taken out of the manufacturing facility for real-time testing purposes. As such, there is no reason to expect that the manufacturer would bring out all the colors that the car would be available in at launch.

Nevertheless, the reason that we’re mentioning the color aspect here is to give good news to the fans of the old black and white design on the previous Citan models. The 2024 LWB Citan was seen in different colors, including blue, black, and white. The white variant typically comes with the iconic black bumper detail on the front and back, and that is what we spied with the soon-to-be-released seven-seater as well.

Performance and Engine

Let’s move on from what we spied on the new Citan to what we expect.

To give some backing to what we’re assuming here i.e., with regard to the performance, we have to look at what the trend has been in the series so far.

The previous Citan models have been released in both gasoline and diesel variants, and it’s safe to expect the same from the LWB. And based on what we’ve already seen in the series, the LWB Citan would most probably be available with the following engines:

1. 5-liter diesel engine
2. 3-liter gasoline engine

While we’re on the topic of performance and engine, it’s also worth noting that Mercedes had also released an electric version of the Citan back in 2022. The “e” version of the Citan catered to the zero-emission market, and it is highly probable that the new LWB Citan will also be available in this variant.

Actually, considering the fact that Marcus Breitschwerdt (Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans) had announced that “all future new developments will be available exclusively with electric drive,” it’s somewhat safe to speculate that the LWB could be available only as an electric version. There’s no certainty, but this is what seems probable.

Final Thoughts

And that wraps it up.

The new LWB Citan looks nice. It has the same old look to it and, other than some details at the rear, there isn’t much that the company tried to conceal.

Of significance is the fact that while the previous Citans had targeted a very particular market thanks to their 5-seat capacity, this is most likely to change with the release of this new 7-seater version. 5-seaters are usually considered fine for normal urban use, which can include frequent rides with the family.

While the 7-seater variant will continue to cater to this type of use, it could become a no-go for some customers due to the increased size.

Smaller vans fit better and drive easier. Although the increased length comes with its obvious benefits, it could be something of an unnecessary addition for some buyers, who may consequently decide to stick with the previous models.

As far as the price and other particulars of this vehicle go, we’ll have to wait for the release to get an accurate idea.

If you love your car as much as you love your adventures, The Mercedes V-Class is one of your top go-to luxury vans where form meets function.

Being a luxury van the V-Class offers ample space and comfort for both passengers and cargo. Further, its AIRMATIC air suspension adjusts to a wide range of terrains, from a motorway to a gravel track.

On top of that, its 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and the Dynamic Select drive programs enhance your driving comfort to an unimaginable degree.

However, for many of us car aficionados, that’s not enough! We want more, and that’s where the whole concept of “Van Tuning” comes in!

What’s Van Tuning?

Van tuning involves van modifications and customizations to improve performance, functionality, and appearance. Extreme Van tuning can involve engine upgrades, that tremendously speed up your vehicles, while cosmetic to intermediate van tuning is restricted to suspension improvements and exterior and interior design changes.

With the increased popularity of Van tuning among road-trippers and adventure-seekers, Modifications such as a built-in bed, kitchen, and storage space go without saying. Every other van buyer wants to get comfort-oriented van tuning to make their van long-haul ready.

Further, Van tuning is another way of expressing your personality through the vehicle you drive. Most of such Van tuning is majorly aesthetic. It includes custom paint jobs, graphics, and lighting to create a unique and personalized look for the vehicle.

Some van connoisseurs also make their vans more environmentally friendly by installing solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and other sustainable add-ons.

Finally, the most detailed form of van tuning starts when you start tinkering with the van performance, analogous to giving it a nitro boost like you would while playing any of the Asphalt games! Such van tuning is generally preferred by commercial or professional van owners.

Who’s Vansports?

If you prefer Mercedes Vans and you are into Van tuning, it’s impossible to not have heard about Vansports. This German Van Tuning company specializes in Mercedes-Benz Van tuning, in fact, they are the designated van tuning partners for Mercedes.

Van Tuning since 1989, Vansports offers almost every kind of van tuning customization for your latest Merc van. From engine upgrades to exterior designs, Vansports has experience and expertise in everything.

Further, if you love accessorizing your van, you will not find a wider offering of high-quality van accessories anywhere else.

If that wasn’t convincing enough, Vansports enjoys an elite status in the van tuning circles and has won numerous awards for its innovative designs and engineering prowess.

What Vansports Brings To Table for V-Class Vans?

In early 2023, Vansports delighted the V-Class owners with the most awaited Van Tuning News. It released a subtle body kit among several other Van Tuning upgrades, specifically for the V-Class vans.

So without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the newly released van tuning upgrades:

Enhanced Aesthetics:

Most of the upgrades are Aesthetic. The newly released body kit includes several enhancements such as a front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.

As Vansports’ reputation goes, all the enhancements are made from high-quality materials and blend in truly well with the V-Class’s original bodywork.

Specifically, all the parts are painted in the same color as the van, therefore don’t look shockingly out of place, and in turn, don’t reduce the van’s sophisticated appearance.

On top of that, these enhancements do not restrict access to the van’s tow hitch, therefore they don’t affect the van’s connecting ability to other vehicles.

Enhanced Handling:

Greying out the aesthetics and handling line, Vansports has added its signature VAED 20-inch ET45 wheels to the vehicle. These not only come with aggressively sporty, high-contrast black aero alloy rims but also improve the vehicle’s movements.

To further improve Van’s handling, Vansports has lowered the van’s suspension. This upgrade ensures that the van comes closer to the ground, improving its handling and stability, even when you are cruising at high speeds.

No Performance Compromises:

Vansports believes in not tinkering with something that’s already at its best. Therefore, it has not made any upgrades to the V-Class engine. Therefore, the van’s original diesel-fed 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine retains an output of 237 hp and 369 lb-ft torque.

No Comfort Compromises:

While the modifications enhance the aesthetics and handling, you still get the spacious, comfortable, and versatile V-Class, with ample room for passengers and luggage.

Wrapping it up

Overall, the Vansports V-class Van Tuning body kit is mostly aesthetic to make your van bring out your personality and enhance the original boxy appearance.

Early March 2023, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van owners have a reason to fume. 52,993 van owners received an email notification that their favorite outdoor vehicle can catch fire and should be immediately recalled.

How Severe Is The Recall This Time?

Vehicle recalls are not new. Automotive manufacturing history is rampant with bank-breaking recalls for example the infamous 2016 VW “Dieselgate” Scandal and the 2017 Takata Airbag Recall leading to Takata’s bankruptcy.

However, none seems deadlier than the 1978 Ford Pinto recall where a rare collision could cause a fuel-tank puncture. This, in turn, would cause fuel to enter the passenger compartment and ignite. The faulty manufacturing led to 27 reported deaths, all because the manufacturer estimated the fixing cost would shoot up the car price by $11!

Leaked internal memos revealed that the automaker had even estimated annual deaths and the per lawsuit costs, but still went ahead with releasing the car to the market.

Compared to such a lack of consideration for people’s safety and lives, the current Mercedes Recall has come to light long before any damage has been done.

Are You At Risk?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a popular commercial van for its versatility, durability, and spaciousness. But if you own the 2019 and 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van or the Freightliner Sprinter VS30 you should pay very close attention to your email box. Even if no notification has reached you, don’t wait for even a second and give Mercedes-Benz USA a call. You may even take the van to your local Mercedes Dealer for a quick inspection.

However, if your vehicle has been produced post-February 2020 there is a little chance that you are at risk. Mercedes implemented an improved fuse layout since then to rectify the overheating issue.

Still, if you are concerned, you must not hesitate in getting the inspection.

What’s The Issue?

So, you do own the 2019 and 2020 Mercedes-Benz-Freightiner Sprinter Van. Then keep an eye on whether the blower motor or the wiring harness is getting too heated up.

Basically, the van’s engine doesn’t directly have a problem; it is the HVAC system that’s causing the overheating issue – precisely the blower motor.

The vehicle manufacturer suspects that some vehicles might have a blower motor with an inadequate circuit. This could be causing the wiring harness to overheat. Therefore, the manufacturer has recalled close to 53K vans for replacing the faulty harness free of charge.

Should You Be Worried?

The overheating wire harness could be a potential cause of vehicle fire. Therefore, you mustn’t take the issue lightly. However, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet reported any actual vehicle-fire till now. However, Mercedes has reported 11 thermal events to date.

Owing to the reports, Mercedes doesn’t want to take any chances with people’s lives, therefore it has initiated the recall.

If you have received an email somewhere around April 14^th, you should definitely go and get your vehicle checked up. If you have not received any email, you might still be at risk, so give the Mercedes helpline a call to verify whether your vehicle is within the 53K affected models.

However, even if it’s not, you can still go to the local dealer and request an inspection because there could be more affected models.

What To Do If You’re On The Road?

It is a fair possibility that you have taken the van on an adventure and received the news while you’re still miles away from a Mercedes Dealer.

If that’s the case, you should try to locate the closest dealer and head there for an inspection.

As a precautionary measure directly released from Mercedes, operating the front blower in manual mode will reduce the fire risk. So, avoid using the Auto-Mode till your vehicle is inspected.

Further, avoid using maximum blower speed or extreme temperature settings to prevent overheating. If you smell any unusual odor, switch off the blower immediately, and give the vehicle a rest.

What To Expect Post-Inspection?

If your vehicle is affected, the dealer will do the following free of charge:

• Replace the 25-amp fuse (Part number N000000004207)
• Replace the fuse supply line
• Relocate the fuse within the fuse box to meet the new fuse layout

It’s recommended that you don’t try to fix the fuse yourself.

Is There An Aftermath Action?

Till now, NHTSA has not ordered Mercedes to stop the sale of the Sprinter van. The Base Cargo variant is available for purchase at $43,500 and soon, the electric variant – eSprinter is also set for launch.

Sky, an industry-leading entertainment company, purchased eleven brand-new Mercedes-Benz eVito electrified vans in its bid to meet net zero carbon goals by 2030. The latest electric panel models feature the latest technologies, enhancing its mileage and speed of charging.

The recently bought e-vans will serve as transport vehicles for engineers providing TV and broadband services for clients across the UK.

Going zero

Sky, UK’s renowned media and entertainment powerhouse, added eleven Mercedes-Benz eVito vans as part of its #GoZero campaign. This move aims to fulfill the company’s sustainability targets that align with the country’s carbon neutrality goal of the country by 2030. The use of electric panel vans supports Sky’s 15-year plan to reduce its environmental impact effectively.

Purchased through Midlands Truck and Van, a Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer, Sky acquired the units to reach emission-free mobility for its fleet operations. The firm aims to decrease its carbon footprint by at least half in the next seven years.

Sky fleet operations manager Lorraine McNiven commented that choosing eVito enabled the company to fully take a greener path. The e-van is a 100% electrified model and has the ideal size and features matching the engineer’s needs.

McNiven also emphasized that the electric panel van offers a great workspace for employees who travel to service customers in different parts of the UK. She mentioned that Sky can bank on the confidence provided by the top-quality Mercedes-Benz manufacturing.

Introducing the eVito

The eVito electric panel van is the latest model among the brand’s outstanding product line. It is fully electric and capable of going further compared to other models. The extended range capability of this model meets the daily average mileage of European drivers, which is about 62 miles per day.

Introduced as the eVito 66kWh, the e-van uses a 66kWh lithium-ion battery and rapid charging feature; charging 10-80% in only 35 minutes. A full charge from 0% to 100% is estimated to last for 6 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the power available and other factors like temperature and type of cable.

The e-van can handle a generous payload of up to 807kg, which is one of the main reasons why Sky chose this model. It also has other excellent features like an active brake assist and double locks, among others, to ensure the safety of the driver and passenger.

Rob Hannam, Unipart Logistics head of fleet, lauded the eVito for its suitability in carrying out Sky service operations. As engineers head to customers’ location, they are expected to bring equipment and tools that require ample room in the transport vehicle, making eVito an obvious choice.

Unipart Logistics, a repair and customer support service partner for Sky, is one of the suppliers that can benefit from this purchase. Hannam stated that this unit can provide comfort, safety, and excellent handling for drivers, which they appreciate. He also underlined the role of the new vehicle as a great way to reduce Sky’s carbon emission to net zero.

Bespoke enhancements

Sky enlisted the help of Bott, a van racking and conversion company in Leicestershire, to incorporate more features that improve the performance of the vehicle. The team provided customized racking and an effective telematics system requested by Sky for its new fleet.

The eleven eVito electric panel vans also have eye-catching graphic wraps that distinguish them as a Sky vehicle. The design includes the hashtag #GoZero, which is the company’s tagline for its sustainability strategies and goals. This aesthetic feature is made to be easily recognized by the public and inspires people to set their green ambitions as well.

Mercedes-Benz UK fleet business manager Carol Kirk lauded Sky’s decision to buy eVito units from the Midlands and South dealership. She expressed delight for the broadband company’s top-tier choice, which works best for their repairs and customer service visits. She mentioned that the e-van has all the equalities they need: extensive range, practicality, and zero carbon emissions, above all.

Kirk added that many businesses, sole traders, and even the bigger corporations choose the latest eVito 6kWh model. It is a testament to the vehicle’s capacity in handling different work situations. The e-van’s excellent market performance reflects how the Mercedes-Benz brand dominates in terms of innovation and quality.

Preparations for the turnover

Kirk also praised the Midlands Truck & Van team headed by ben Redding for offering their unwavering support for Hannam and the other key parties involved in the purchase. The dealership oversaw preparing and delivering the eVito units to Bott. Thereafter, the team will handle the full handover of the vans that are ready for Sky engineers’ usage.

The MBV business manager also stated that the Midlands team is tasked with presenting a thorough product overview. This information includes driving tips and charging guides to maximize the power and capacity of the electric vans. The experts will provide in-depth knowledge on electric mobility and the salient features of eVito that can help improve Sky’s services.

E-vans work similarly to fuel-run vehicles, but they ultimately help save on taxes and gas. The biggest benefit is the significant reduction in carbon emissions that endanger the environment. What new e-van users need to learn is how to care for the unit and make the investment worthwhile. These pointers are what the dealer imparts to Sky’s engineers who will use the eVito vans as their transport vehicle.

Electric fleets: the better choice

One of the reasons that individuals and businesses struggle to switch to electric vehicles is the associated high cost in purchasing the unit. However, plenty of studies support the idea that the long-term benefits of e-vehicles far outweigh the initial investment.

With the government’s efforts, more buyers are seeing the advantages of e-vans and other 100% fully electric vehicles. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the light commercial vehicle market increased its size by 17.3% in March 2023. Of this figure, 5.3% belong to the electric van market segment.

A 5% share may not seem much, but it is already a significant number that emphasizes the rise of the electric vehicle market. Battery-powered electric vans saw a 32.7% increase in sales in March 2023 compared to March 2022. A total of 2,534 e-van units were sold within that period.

Industry experts believe that electric van sales can still further improve since the UK government is implementing its zero net carbon goal in full force. The launch of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund sees the government investing £381 million to reach its targets. It also allotted £15 million for the installation of new charges across the nation via the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.

With the full support of the government, establishments and car owners switching to EVs are likely to reap tax incentives, discounts, and other monetary benefits. It can mean more savings in the future, especially since the running costs for e-vans and other e-vehicles are only a fraction of what a person spends on fuel.

However, the biggest and most important factor that makes electrified vehicles the better choice is their clear environmental benefits. According to EDF Energy, a single electric car can potentially save an estimate of 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide. The UK can reduce CO2 emissions of several million tonnes once residents make the switch.

Sky’s #GoZero drive

The green ambition of Sky extends to its global network of suppliers, promising to achieve the net zero carbon target by 2030. To do so, the company is going all-out in its efforts, including purchasing the new eVito units to add to its fleet.

The entertainment and broadband firm announced its net-zero commitment in February 2020, followed by a series of improvements in its operations. In July 2020, the company began to transform a more sustainable its TV and film production site. In the same year, Sky managed to partner with other key players and accept awards for media companies prioritizing sustainable development goals.

In August 2022, Sky became one of the few UK companies to use all-electric private buses for their employees. It’s a vivid demonstration of the firm’s bid to becoming a sustainability leader. Over the past twelve months, its Sky Zero strategy will reach greater heights as it nears the completion of the world’s most eco-friendly studios.

To date, Sky has introduced more than 150 plug-in hybrid e-vans to its engineering fleet. The addition of eleven 100% fully electric eVito models further cemented the company’s indispensable role in pushing environmental sustainability for the media sector.

The firm offers Sky Glass, the first CarbonNeutral certified TV in the world. It comes in recyclable packaging that their team can take away for the customer and recycle to rid of waste. The company also claims that the manufacturing process is devoid of any single-use plastic. In addition, Sky offsets its remaining emissions by investing in projects under renewable energy generation.

Businesses in the UK and across the globe can follow Sky’s dedication in reaching net zero targets. It’s a great option even for non-consumer-facing enterprises like delivering manufactured goods since electric vans cut emissions on long-haul journeys by a significant fraction.

Two Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer partners bagged accolades for the brand’s Dealer of the Year Awards ceremony held at Edinburgh Castle.

The 2022 winners included Rossetts Commercials for Best Customer Service Team, and Northside Truck & Van for Best Sales Team. Both stars from the brand’s Dealer Network were given the distinction for their stellar performance in the aforementioned areas. Hailed ‘best of the best’, the awarded businesses topped all other independent dealer groups nationwide.

Dealer of the Year awards

Robert Veit, managing director for Mercedes-Benz UK, offered congratulations on behalf of the brand to the winners. He also praised the dealer network for the partners’ overall performance, granting MBV’s very successful year.

Northside Truck & Van, a Yorkshire-based dealership, bagged the Best Sales Team award owing to the top-tier talent of its sales force. On the other hand, Rosset Commercials was hailed as the Best Customer Service Team for the company’s unwavering dedication to satisfying clients across the Sussex and Surrey areas.

Veit revealed that the recent victors bested competitors by surpassing the strictest performance criteria. As a result, the shortlisted teams had a slim margin of difference in terms of points. The extremely tight competition ended with the two dealers rising to the top of the list as winners. Viet added that both teams are deserving of their well-earned success.

The award ceremony at Edinburgh Castle saw top executives of the brand and dealer representatives in attendance. The Dealer of the Year Awards is an annual event hosted by the manufacturer to recognize franchisee excellence.

The most recent format of the annual event is a first for Mercedes-Benz Vans. In the past, the brand handed out prizes for several categories including after sales and financial services best performing dealer. Instead of its usual set of individual awards, MBV decided to cut the list to just two winning categories for 2022.

Emerging as champions

Darren Doleman, light vehicle sales director for Northside, gave credit to the team’s effort in attracting new buyers. The Yorkshire dealership found success in creating superior sales funnels for the brand’s retail vehicles. Along with its impeccable sales strategy, the company also maintains a high standard of customer care. It’s no surprise that Northside consistently receives top client satisfaction scores.

Doleman attributed the award to the dealership’s strategic approach and targeted training from the ground up. Every department across seven branches had the uniform goal of growing their sales and dominating the retail sector. They managed to successfully breach the market for single-vehicle operators and smaller businesses, gaining double the sales in these segments.

Northside also handles large fleet customers on top of their latest sales targets. Doleman, on his first year of heading the company’s van sales operation, praised the cumulative effort of Northside’s employees. The all-around approach of the team paid off in the end, helping them bag the prestigious Best Sales Team award.

Dealer principal for Rossetts Commercials, Richard Wheeler, mentioned the recent years’ struggles of their customers. The difficult trading period made matters challenging for clients, but the winning firm strived harder to assist their valued clientele. In the end, the team bested other dealerships to win the coveted award.

Wheeler mentioned that the teams at Rossetts are proud to have been given recognition for their exceptional customer support for 2022. The team achieved the highest five-star rated client satisfaction scores, the best percentage across the UK dealer network.

Wheeler paid tribute his colleagues’ dedication in attending to their customers. He attested to Rossetts’ constant determination to provide the best service for every MBV client. Winning the accolade is proof that the team is adept at listening to concerns and providing solutions for those in need.

About Northside Truck & Van

Northside is a Yorkshire-based company with seven depots across the country. From 2011, the company established a new site in Lincolnshire that handles the sale, maintenance, and repair of Mercedes-Bens vans. The dealership is available in Bradford, Immingham, Hull, Doncaster, Sheffield, Leeds, and York.

Of the seven Northside depots, six are open 24 hours, enabling customers to obtain excellent service at any time. Their showrooms display various new and used MBV models, including the Sprinter, Vito, and Citan. The company also offers a great range of Mercedes-Benz trucks. The variety offered by the dealer makes it one of the most trusted firms in the UK market.

The dealership has been in the business since the 1970s. In the forty years since its inception, Northside has managed to grow its network and provide sales and technical services, as well as top-notch support for its treasured clients. In addition, the firm provides financial services and offers packages that enable sales and hire purchases for business across their services areas.

Northside carries the largest stock volume of vehicles among MBV dealerships in the UK. Their repair and maintenance team offers their expertise regardless of whether the vehicle is bought from the dealership.

With Mercedes-Benz genuine parts available in their depots, Northside is capable of handling after-sales services, too. The professional service team promises reduced labor time since the components and accessories in the dealership have a standard fit. The company makes a sizeable investment in its research and development year after year, greatly improving its sales performance.

About Rossetts Commercials

Rossetts Commercials is a Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer with a registered address in West Sussex. It also has a site in Surrey, which serves customers that need high-quality trucks and vans. The dealership has depots in Worthing, Aldershot, Eastbourne, TPS Trade Parts, and Crawley.

The company offers up to 30 years of roadside assistance and an unlimited mileage warranty for three years. Customers can find a great range of new and used Mercedes-Bens vans and trucks at Rossetts, promising to satisfy the needs of individuals and business alike.

The company emphasizes the workmanship and quality of Approved Used vans, which are the same as their brand-new offerings. This guarantee ensures that people can purchase various models at a more affordable price. Along with its impeccable selection, the dealer also offers best-in-class customer support that the brand acknowledged in the 2022 Dealer of the Year awards.

Rossetts has well-structured recruitment and training strategies, reinforcing the team’s strength. The dealer invests in people, and it shows in the customer satisfaction scores it achieved for the current sales year. As such, it enjoys the reputation of being a highly trusted dealership for the Mercedes-Benz Vans products and services.

Included in the dealership’s van offers are the new Citan Panel van, and the tried and tested Vito and Sprinter models. Rossetts also proudly presents the Mercedes-Benz line of eVans, which are a show of support for the sustainability goals of the country.

The firm has electric vehicle versions of the manufacturer’s main van models. It also features the new eVito 66kWh, which brings a fast-charging capacity and overall better performance thanks to the latest technologies incorporated with it.

Worldwide performance

As a testament to the manufacturer’s fruitful outcomes in 2022, the MBV brand enjoys global success as it increased worldwide deliveries despite challenges in the market. In 2022, 411,000 van units were supplied to customers, a 4% increase from the previous year.

Over 15% of the units are the manufacturer’s electric vehicle line. MBV has already introduced the e-version of four models previously, with two newer units, the eCitan and EQT, offered in the first quarter of 2023. The availability of these models means that all products in the van range are already electrified.

The Mercedes-Benz e-vans are the manufacturer’s resounding commitment to dominating the market for the foreseeable future. The brand also aims to meet the needs of international customers, with a key focus on targeting profitable industries and markets. Its North America arm managed to secure a one-fifth increase in sales for 2022, a strong growth rate of more than 20%.

Emission-free mobility

Mercedes-Benz e-vans are indeed making a noise in the market today. Of the 98,900-unit sales for the first quarter of 2023 across the globe, 3,600 (22%) of which are electric vans. The numbers mark the steady growth of e-vehicles, allowing MBV to position itself as a market leader.

Mercedes-Benz Vans head Mathias Geisen made a statement regarding the realignment of the manufacturer’s European production network. The brand signed a memorandum of understanding that makes Jawor a new location for the newest production plant. MBV collaborates with the Poland government and the country’s economic partners to make this plan a reality.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vans plant is set to produce a top-quality range of all-electric vehicles in the brand’s catalogue. It is a bold move to enhance the competitiveness and innovation of MBV in all areas, which are now a must, given the saturation of the global vehicle sector. The success of this highly anticipated realignment can mean safeguarding the company’s tenancy in the market.

This development will empower the MBV Dealer Network further, offering more future-ready options for customers. It demonstrates the powerhouse’s capacity to create sustainable, fully emission-free mobility solutions for the worldwide automotive market.

Failing to acknowledge the sturdiness, authenticity and secured advancements of the Mercedes-Benz Vito in its commodious and adaptable vans would be a shame. Marking their 25 years of successful existence, the resourceful van comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert in combination with Blind Spot Assist. Not only did they introduce facelift recently, but they also accommodated various safety tools for the vans, which will be seen mentioned below. 

Safety Features of Mercedes Benz Vito

Acting as a pioneer for the luxurious yet flexible innovators of the vehicle industry, Mercedes- Benz has been able to sell 1.8 million vans since they first coined their existence in 1996. Setting new safety standards, Mercedes initiated the instalment of auto emergency braking helps to apply breaks to reduce the possibility of a car crash in a high traffic area with the blind spot assist, which supports when changing lanes.

Not only these vans are economical and strong, but they accommodate the usage of every kind of driver, making it more alluring to the buyers. With the attractive outerwear, these vehicles operate with eight airbags and an alert to make drivers and passengers wear seat belts.

In situations that are more prone to accidents, the system sets in motion to protect the people in the car by tensioning the seatbelts, closing windows and initiating the opening of airbags.

Another feature is an attention assist which, in case of detecting drowsiness of the driver, activates an alert that makes sure that the driver doesn’t doze off.  The operating crosswind assist feature reduces stress on the driver to counter-steer working on the electronic stability program. The attractive part of the van is the introduction of 4-cylinder diesel, and it is within the budget of the average user. 

The four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engines is a feature we all have been waiting to get our hands-on, which not only runs on low consumption but also provides a smooth drive.  The system also reduces the effect of wind with the extra usage of fuel and issue a warning signal in case of deflated tyres.

They also come with LED high-performance headlamps that work efficiently during the night, providing a better vision. The fog lamp in the system helps to distribute light evenly on the road to enhance the driving experience and reduce the chances of accidents.

Furthermore, active parking assist helps in operational parking where it’s tough to adjust the placement of the van. It also helps in detecting parking space at a speed of 30 km/h. The system works on ultrasonic sensors at the front and back.

Its Airmatic system helps in adapting to the different environmental conditions in accordance with the situation. The large wide-angled exterior mirrors help in making on-spot decisions of changing lanes or merging them. It helps them allocate the blind spot, diminishing collisions with other vehicles and providing control over the driving spot. 

Considering the growth potential of this company, until now, it has managed to introduce three-generation advances, which are continuously being upgraded with time. These vehicles can be tailored in any way to accommodate a different kind of drivers and their usage.

The luxurious yet compliant build of this vehicle is a well- balanced price-performance ratio. By making different lengths available to the buyers, it was also called the “the vehicle of the year’ in 2005.

 In the revolutionising era, Mercedes-Benz making its vehicles more automated on modernized technology made it a huge success for the people who are accustomed to living a lavish yet comfortable lifestyle. In this hustle-bustle of life, the ease of transport is seen as the top priority when it comes to getting a vehicle which not only helps in getting to one place securely but also, providing additional benefits to operate businesses while stuck in heavy traffic or involved in a late-night trip to a meeting.

Launching a 7-inch touch screen helps in not only ease of operating the tools in the car but also reduces the risk of accidents as its harder to use a remote to control settings while driving. The visual and vocal sensors help in easing the drive as drivers can demand the services without taking their eyes off the road.

It can be seen that in the future, Mercedes-Benz will continue to work on the betterment of the usage of the Vito and will keep maintaining its high-class standards as one of the best operational vehicles worldwide.

The new Mercedes-Benz eVito has now taken a step forward to its launch. With dual trim levels and double lengths, the features added to this automobile at the beginning of this year have accelerated its specifications. The progressive trim has enabled its competitive range with the additional (PLUS) package that adds to the overall deal. 

The Pricing of Mercedes-Benz eVito & Its Features

With exclusive pricing at £40,895, the evolved Mercedes-Benz eVito is also available at £549 per month. This rental price incorporates the Service Care agreement along with a £3,219 advance rental for finance customers. This one would include an eVito PROGRESSIVE panel van with the capacity of 35kWh L2. The price of the eVito PLUS package panel van is £42,015 with a capacity of 35kWh L2.  With these additions, the automobile offers various features and multiple benefits. The list of standard specifications includes DAB radio, Audio 20 infotainment, double locks, reverse camera, anti-theft protection pack, type 2, 8m, 32 amp charging cord, chrome fins packed with new style grille. The charging cord enables expedited AC charging time relying on the infrastructural efficiency. 

The PLUS Package with eVito Benz

The PLUS version is available with mid-range specifications of the new automobile. It consists of smart foldable mirrors, full wheel covers, color-coded bumpers, PARKTRONIC sensors for parking, 75mph speed limiter. Also, the new package includes 300Nm of torque, power of 85(70) kW, a range blended with 92-mile WLTP, and a superior 6 hour charging period acquired through a three-phase charging facility with stable drive mode “E”**.  

The evolved Mercedes-Benz eVito is equipped with PRO to connect to Mercedes, which is the benchmark around every trim line. It also persists in a quick connection with the optimized assistance.

This feature facilitates real-time reports of significant parts of the automobile along with extending benefits like journey records, fluid data, live locking through your smartphone, theft alerts and warnings, live traffic data, geofencing, and Accident and Breakdown management. Other than this, the eVito has inbuilt heaters that make your space apt for pre-conditioning. Also, it emphasizes the effective use of vehicle charging options in your surroundings.