The focal point of the Mercedes-Benz Vans stand at the 2014 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover (25 September to 2 October) is the public premiere of the Vito. With three drive systems, a large payload, unique safety equipment and maximum economy, it sets standards. The new Vito is framed by the Sprinter and Citan – Mercedes-Benz Vans is attending with the youngest fleet in the segment.

The new Vito is the versatile professional among vans from 2.5 t to 3.2 t permissible gross vehicle weight. It has a record-level payload of up to 1369 kg, but its procurement price and maintenance costs are low. From skilled crafts and trades to retail, service providers, shuttle services and taxis – the new Vito is truly one vehicle for all. The Vito panel van is the only model in its class available in three lengths. The Vito Mixto combines the advantages of a panel van and crewbus. A new chapter is opened by the Vito Tourer: it is available as the functional Vito Tourer BASE, the versatile Vito Tourer PRO and the premium Vito Tourer SELECT. By virtue of this complete model family, the Tourer can accommodate all types of passenger transport.

Both the driver and front passenger enjoy well contoured seats in the new Vito and benefit from more space than before. The newly developed cockpit is a model of functionality and quality and has parallels with the Sprinter.

It is the first vehicle in its class to be available with a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel and front-wheel drive too. The front-wheel drive is very light, and when the vehicle is unladen or carrying only a low load, it offers better traction. Proven rear-wheel drive is the right solution for all applications involving heavy weights, high towing capacities and exceptional driving dynamics. All-wheel drive is the answer to the need for maximum traction.

Available for the new Vito with front-wheel drive is a horizontally installed compact four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.6 l in two output categories of 65 kW (88 hp) and 84 kW (114 hp). In the new Vito with rear-wheel drive, the familiar four-cylinder model with a displacement of 2.15 l works at three output levels: 100 kW (136 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) and, as the Vito 119 BlueTec, 140 kW (190 hp). As the first Euro 6 engine in this class it assumes a special role and is also the heart of the Vito 4x4. The power transmission is taken care of by a six-speed manual transmission and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission – the world's only automatic transmission with torque converter offering seven levels for vans.

The developers have streamlined the new Vito for maximum fuel efficiency. On average, consumption of diesel in the NEDC is some 20 percent less than for the preceding version. The Vito BlueEfficiency is exceptionally economical when it comes to fuel use. The certified figure of 5.7 l/100 km for the Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency and truck registration is unmatched in this vehicle category. The CO₂ emissions are correspondingly low.

The Vito panel van is the only van to provide airbags and a seat belt reminder for both the driver and passenger as standard. The Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT models also impress with windowbags and thorax/pelvis sidebags in the front. It is possible to get windowbags in the rear for the Vito Tourer. With up to eight airbags in total, it is the new benchmark by comparison.

The new Vito's standard equipment includes Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist. Crosswind Assist virtually eliminates the effects of wind gusts acting on the vehicle. Tyre pressure monitoring is another item of standard equipment. The new Vito may be equipped with other assistance systems to suit individual needs. Active Parking Assist is new and unique for vans. The distance warning function is equally unique in this segment. Blind Spot Assist issues a warning if there are other vehicles in the blind spot when changing lanes, Lane Keeping Assist if the vehicle deviates from its lane.

An optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) provides an alternative in the new Vito to the powerful halogen headlamps. Unique for vans, this technology consists of LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and main beam with cornering light function. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.

The undisputed number one in its class is driving in forward gear, as the Sprinter is more economical, safer, more environmentally friendly and more attractive than ever. With a permissible GVW from 3.19 t to 5.0 t and a multitude of variants it seamlessly covers its segment.

Behind last year's restyled look of the Sprinter is high technology: it is the first van to feature a full range of engines complying with the Euro VI emission standard as an alternative to the standard-specification emission standard Euro 5b+. At the same time the Sprinter is positioning itself more than ever through its economy. As demonstrated by the new leading figure for combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km. This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 165 g/km and places the Sprinter on a par with passenger cars.

The centrepiece of the diesel engine range for the Sprinter is the four-cylinder OM 651 with a displacement of 2.15 l. For the Euro VI emissions level, SCR technology with AdBlue injection and a particulate filter ensures clean exhaust gases. The four-cylinder unit is available in outputs from 70 kW (95 hp) to 120 kW (163 hp). The top-of-the-range engine is the V6 OM 642 with a displacement of 3.0 l, brilliant engineering and an output of 140 kW (190 hp).

With the distance warning assistance system, Adaptive Brake Assist BAS pro, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Crosswind Assist, the Sprinter has launched numerous safety systems in the van segment.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan is the all-rounder amongst the urban delivery vans. Its model range is densely staggered with three lengths and with the panel van, Mixto and crewbus plus permissible GVWs of between 1.8 t and 2.2 t. Worth a special mention, the Citan is available as a crewbus with up to seven seats for commercial passenger transport.

Two years after its launch the urban delivery van with the star has established itself very well. The basis for the success is its combination of great practicality and economy, very good ride comfort and extensive safety features including Adaptive ESP as standard. Both operators and drivers benefit from the high level of quality and dynamic performance.

The engine range of the Citan, with a diesel unit in output levels of 55 kW (75 hp), 66 kW (90 hp) and 81 kW (110 hp) and a petrol version rated at 84 kW (114 hp), covers all the usual requirements. At the same time, the Citan is among the most economical and environmentally friendly vehicles in its class: equipped with the optional BlueEfficiency package including the Eco start/stop function, the Citan 108 CDI and 109 CDI as panel vans achieve an outstanding combined fuel consumption of from 4.3 l/100 km upwards. This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of just 110 g/km.