According to German media reports, Mercedes-Benz has informed its dealers in an internal memo that it is discontinuing the small commercial vehicle class and withdrawing the EQT and eCitan electric versions from the market. Production is to be cancelled without replacement in the second quarter of 2026.
Both models originate from the collaboration with Renault, which is also coming to an end. The eCitan as an electric panel van and the EQT as a high-roof estate for private customers are built by Renault at the French plant in Maubeuge and also adopt the electric drive from the Kangoo E-Tech Electric: the electric motor delivers 90 kW, the battery offers 44.5 kWh of energy.
This has ensured that the range is manageable – the 278 kilometres according to WLTP are often sufficient for a delivery van, but the range is naturally low for private customers in this price range. The more expensive Mercedes offers no more here than the Renault or Nissan Townstar, which use the same technology – only both models are cheaper. However, it was not only the electric versions that fell short of Mercedes’s expectations, but also the Citan and T-Class combustion models. In 2024, 28,500 small vans were sold, around ten per cent fewer than in 2023, meaning that the small model series accounted for less than a tenth of total sales in Mercedes’ van division.
“In line with the ‘growth in profitable segments’ strategy communicated in May 2023, we are deploying our investments in a targeted manner and further optimising our product portfolio. We are therefore focussing on the midsize and large van segment in future and will end our involvement in the small van segment next year,” quotes the German publication Auto, Motor und Sport from a statement by the manufacturer. In other words, the small vans were not profitable and Mercedes-Benz Vans will focus on the more lucrative segments from the V-Class upwards.
The co-operation with Renault and Nissan was concluded in 2009 – at that time still under the CEOs Dieter Zetsche and Carlos Ghosn. It included light commercial vehicles, a cooperation with Smart and Renault as well as various engines. Most of the projects have now come to an end, and the last collaboration will also end with the light commercial vehicles in mid-2026.
Even if production ends then, the chapter of light commercial vehicles for Mercedes-Benz Vans is not yet completely closed. “We will continue to fulfil our responsibility as a manufacturer for our small van products on the market: spare parts will be available for the Citan, eCitan, T-Class and EQT for up to 10 years and mobility-related spare parts for up to 15 years after the end of production,” Mercedes writes to its dealers.
auto-motor-und-sport.de, handelsblatt.com, automobilwoche.de (all in German)
