Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed it will discontinue two of its small van offerings—the Citan and the T-Class—marking a significant shift in its global commercial vehicle strategy. The announcement, made earlier this week, signals the brand’s departure from a segment it once viewed as essential for urban mobility and light commercial logistics.
A Strategic Exit from the Small Van Market
According to the manufacturer, the decision is part of a broader realignment of priorities within its light commercial vehicle division. The company cited market challenges and evolving customer needs as core reasons for retiring the Citan and T-Class models, both of which shared a platform with Renault’s Kangoo through a long-standing joint venture.
While these models offered practicality and compact design suitable for inner-city delivery and trades, Mercedes has found limited commercial viability in maintaining their presence. Production will wind down gradually, with some units remaining available in certain regions during the phase-out period.
Impact on Fleet and Tradie Buyers
The exit of the Citan and T-Class may have a ripple effect on small fleet operators and tradies who rely on compact vans that offer a balance of space, efficiency, and badge prestige. For Australian buyers in particular, where urban delivery and light commercial trades continue to grow, the loss of these models could shift attention toward rival offerings from Peugeot, Renault, Ford, and Hyundai.
Mercedes-Benz Vans will now refocus its commercial lineup around larger, more profitable models such as the Vito and Sprinter, which continue to lead in their respective segments. Electrification remains a core part of the brand’s strategy, with the eVito and eSprinter set to play a larger role moving forward.
What Comes Next for Mercedes-Benz Vans
This move does not suggest a reduction in Mercedes’ commercial focus but rather a sharpening of it. The brand continues to invest in its midsize and full-size van platforms, aiming to meet modern fleet requirements that demand scalability, electrification, and digital integration.
While the Citan and T-Class were never top sellers in Australia, they served niche markets that valued European engineering in a compact package. Their retirement could create opportunities for competitors to fill the void, particularly among price-conscious fleet buyers or small businesses needing adaptable transport solutions.
Source: GoAuto News – Mercedes-Benz axes Citan, T-Class
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