Mercedes Citan Crewbus και νέοι κινητήρες για το Citan [Photo Gallery]

H Mercedes παρουσίασε τόσο το επταθέσιο Citan Crewbus όσο και δύο νέους κινητήρες της Renault για το Citan. Το Citan Crewbus μπορεί να μεταφέρει από 2 έως 7 άτομα, αφού έχει σχεδιαστεί ώστε να χρησιμοποιείται τόσο ως όχημα μεταφοράς επιβατών όσο και ως όχημα μεταφορικών εμπορευμάτων.

Παράλληλα η Mercedes πρόσθεσε δύο ακόμη κινητήρες της Renault

Με τον δεύτερο, το Citan 112 ξεκινά στη Γερμανία από τις €15.810 με τα 0-100 χλμ/ώρα τα κάνει σε 11,7 δευτερόλεπτα ενώ έχει τελική ταχύτητα 173 χλμ/ώρα.

[Πηγή: Mercedes-Benz]

New variants and appointments round off the Citanmodel range

One for all: The Mercedes-Benz Citan is one of the great all-rounders among urban delivery vans. As additions to the already familiar models 108 CDI and 109 CDI, two powerful new models now round off the model range: the new Citan 111 CDI develops 81 kW (110 hp) and the Citan 112 petrol model no less than 84 kW (114 hp). In parallel with this, the extra-long Citan crewbus with up to seven seats expands the range by a practical and versatile variant for commercial passenger transport. The Citan model range is already very broad, with three lengths and panel van, Mixto and crewbus variants. Should industry-specific versions be required, Mercedes-Benz working in cooperation with well-known bodybuilders under the certification scheme VanPartner by Mercedes-Benz is also able to offer numerous tested Citan-based solutions for commerce, tradespeople and official bodies. For buyers the certificate represents a seal of real quality for the fully converted vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Citan: successfully established

One year after its launch, the urban delivery van bearing the Mercedes star has established itself well in a difficult market environment. It has meanwhile been introduced in all the EU countries, in Switzerland, in Norway and in Turkey. Russia is currently set to follow as a sales market. The next steps are already in preparation, with the Citan crossing the borders of Europe and becoming a global van with plans for a market launch in e.g. Chile and Singapore.

The basis for the Citan’s success is its combination of great practicality and cost-effectiveness, superior driving comfort and extensive safety features including Adaptive ESP as standard. It also impresses with a load capacity of up to 3.8 cu.m. and a max. payload of 735 kg. Both operators and drivers benefit from the high level of quality and dynamic performance. Added to these are its unmistakable appearance, especially by virtue of the front section that is a hallmark of the brand, plus the cockpit, controls and seats of the Citan. The versatile Mercedes-Benz Citan is adaptable to any situation – whether for commerce, trades, artisans, official bodies, service providers or for mixed operation with a proportion of private, recreational use.

New Citan 111 CDI: powerful, smooth, economical

The Citan also shows its versatility when it comes to engines. The range of output variants begins with 55 kW (75 hp) for the 108 CDI. The new top-of-the-line diesel model is the Citan 111 CDI. It develops 81 kW (110 hp) at 4000 rpm from a displacement of 1.5 l. Maximum torque is 240 Nm, constantly available from 1750-2750 rpm. This means that the Citan 111 CDI is powerful and strong in pulling power over a very wide engine speed range.

Superior performance with low fuel consumption and emissions

The Citan 111 CDI is a lively performer, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 12.3 seconds. Its top speed of 170 km/h also makes it eminently suitable for long distances. At the same time it 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 111 CDI achieves an outstanding combined fuel consumption of up to 4.4 l per 100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 115 g/km, and efficiency class A for the Citan crewbus.

The low operating costs are in part also due to long service intervals of max. 40,000 km or two years. The same applies to the toothed belt driving the camshaft, which has an operating life of 240,000 km or ten years.

Powertrain systematically configured for efficiency

The basis for good performance and the low fuel consumption and emission figures is a powertrain that has been systematically configured for efficiency. At its heart is the OM 607 four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 1461 cc. The engine’s undersquare configuration (bore/stroke: 76.0/80.5 mm) is a precondition for a high level of torque.

The electronically controlled direct injection with highly precise and extremely fast piezo-injectors is based on a common-rail system with a maximum injection pressure of 1600 bar. In contrast to the other two output variants of this diesel engine for the Citan, a VNT turbocharger is used here. This ensures a fast response even at low engine speeds, and therefore high torque over a wide engine speed range.

Like the other two diesel variants, the Citan 111 CDI features cooled exhaust gas recirculation for low emissions. The oxidation catalytic converter is installed close to the engine, with the maintenance-free particulate filter downstream. The oil pump and thermal management are demand-controlled. The engine is also known for its high level of refinement.

Six-speed manual transmission as standard

While the Citan 108 CDI and 109 CDI feature a five-speed manual transmission, power in the Citan 111 CDI is distributed by a six-speed transmission as standard. The final drive and transmission ratios are specifically configured for the higher output. With its wide ratio spread, the transmission ensures both powerful start-off characteristics and low engine speeds at higher road speeds. Accordingly this is accompanied by low driving noise and a favourable fuel consumption. When in the highest gear at a road speed of 100 km/h, the engine speed is a mere 2150 rpm or so. Even when driving at top speed, the engine speed is considerably below the rated engine speed.

The new Citan 111 CDI is outstandingly suitable for customers with high performance expectations who require variants with high permissible gross vehicle weights, frequently carry maximum loads and have operating profiles with a high proportion of motorway and long-distance driving. Within the model mix, Mercedes-Benz expects around 20 percent of unit sales to be accounted for by the Citan with the most powerful diesel engine.

Numerous body and weight variants

With the exception of the short panel van, the Citan 111 CDI is available in all the body and weight variants of this model series. This means that the Citan 111 CDI is available as a long or extra-long panel van, a Mixto and as a crewbus. Depending on the variant, the permissible gross vehicle weight is between 1920 kg and 2200 kg. The maximum braked towing capacity of 1050 kg for the panel van, Mixto and N1 crewbus, and up to 1350 kg for the M1 crewbus, also makes the Citan 111 CDI very suitable as a powerful towing vehicle.

Compared to the Citan 109 CDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and the five-speed transmission, the extra cost of the Citan 111 CDI with 81 kW (110 hp) and the six-speed transmission is precisely € 910 (excl. VAT) in Germany. The list price for the long panel van is therefore € 17,130 (excl. VAT). The five-seater crewbus with passenger car registration costs € 18,790 (excl. VAT).

New Citan 112: lively, comfortable, cost-effective

Within the European Union, one in ten urban delivery vans registered have a petrol engine, and in Germany the figure is even over 20 percent. The new Citan 112 with a petrol engine therefore addresses a wide market, where it impresses with its engine-specific strengths: it is agile and lively, and particularly quiet and comfortable. For purely economic reasons there are also typical markets for petrol-powered vehicles, for example Switzerland or Russia where the price of petrol is considerably lower than in other European countries.

Other financial considerations can also influence the buying decision in favour of a petrol model: buyers of the Citan 112 benefit from a price advantage of up to € 1510 (for M1 crewbus in Germany) compared to the Citan 111 CDI. The petrol model can therefore be worthwhile for infrequent users with relatively low mileages. In Germany the cost-effectiveness threshold is currently around 10,000 km per year.

Highest output from the smallest displacement

Apart from economic aspects, the Citan 112 has another special appeal: at 84 kW (114 hp), it obtains the highest output from the smallest displacement (1192 cc) in the entire model series. The state-of-the-art, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a lightweight aluminium crankcase excels with four valves per cylinder and two overhead camshafts, electronically controlled direct injection, a turbocharger and a three-way catalytic converter for emissions control. With a bore of 72 mm and a stroke of 73.2 mm, the engine ratio is practically square. This allows large valve diameters and therefore efficient cylinder charging. Six-hole injection nozzles ensure optimum fuel injection.

More than 170 Nm, i.e. 90 percent of the torque, is already available from the M 200.71 petrol engine at 1500 rpm. With a maximum torque of 190 Nm it achieves the high tractive power of a diesel engine. Moreover, the maximum torque is available over a very wide range from 2000 rpm to 4000 rpm, a precondition for excellent driveability through a wide engine speed band.

Six-speed transmission with a wide ratio spread

The Citan 112 is likewise equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The overall ratios are configured for the characteristics of the petrol engine. A wide ratio leads to lively acceleration and also to low rpm at higher speeds – this means low fuel consumption and emissions, plus a subdued noise background.

Lively performance, low costs

The performance of the Citan 112 is correspondingly impressive. With a top speed of 173 km/h and acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, it is one of the most lively urban delivery vans.

At the same time the Citan 112 is one of the most cost-effective and low-emission urban delivery vans. A demand-controlled oil pump and BlueEfficiency technology with an Eco start/stop function are standard features of the Citan 112. The combined fuel consumption is at the low level of up to 6.1 l/100 km, corresponding to 140 g/km of CO2. This means that as a crewbus with passenger car registration, the Citan 112 achieves the favourable efficiency class C.

Long service intervals also make a decisive contribution to the good economic and environmental balance of the Citan 112. Depending on wear, these are a maximum of 30,000 km or two years.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Citan 112 as a long panel van. It is also available as a crewbus with passenger car registration. Across all the markets,Mercedes-Benz Vans expects a unit sales proportion of five percent for the Citan 112. This proportion will however be considerably higher in some sales markets. The price in Germany for the Citan 112 panel van is € 15,810 (excl. VAT), while the five-seater crewbus with passenger car registration costs € 17,280 (excl. VAT).

The extensive Citan model range

With the new models, the engine range for the Citan consists of three diesel power units with a displacement of 1.5 l and outputs ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) and 66 kW (90 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp). It therefore covers all the normal performance requirements in this vehicle class. The new Citan 112 petrol model with 84 kW (114 hp) is positioned in the upper performance segment.

There is also a wide range of body variants for the Citan. Three different lengths, closely sequenced gross vehicle weight classes from 1.8 to 2.2 t and body versions as a panel van, Mixto, crewbus with commercial vehicle registration and crewbus with passenger car registration meet practically all requirements. With a wide selection of special equipment, the Citan is also adaptable to the individual needs of its buyers.

Special equipment and an extensive range of accessories for individual customer needs

Customers are able to configure their own, very personal Citan with numerous extras available ex factory. For example, the Construction package includes an increased ground clearance, steel and plastic underbody protection and heavy-duty tyres. Individual extras such as the ladder flap or the folding co-driver seat for carrying very long items are also available, as are a wood floor in the load compartment, wall cladding in the load compartment and additional lashing eyes on the sides.

Via its own-retail outlets and dealerships, Mercedes-Benz also offers a range of tested and approved accessories for the Citan. A selection of these is shown in a model 109 CDI panel van. This is fitted with a fixed trailer coupling at the rear and a roof carrier with two cross-bars and a ladder holder on the roof. Hard-wearing seat covers and all-season floor mats prevent excessive soiling in the interior. The same applies outside, where mud flaps are fitted at the front and rear. Lashing straps reliably secure the cargo, and a portable refrigerator box cools drinks and snacks for breaks taken during a journey. Twelve-spoke aluminium wheels further upgrade the appearance of the Citan – on request these can be further enhanced with valve covers bearing the brand emblem.

The range of genuine accessories also includes cargo baskets with loading rollers or a set of angled brackets for roof carriers, and loading systems such as holding tubs and stowage boxes ensure a tidy load compartment. The zig-zag loading sill protector guards the rear area against scratches during loading – and protects clothing against soiling.

New extra-long Citan crewbus with up to seven seats

As a new addition to the range, the Citan is available as a highly variable crewbus with up to seven seats. It is based on the extra-long variant (length: 4705 mm) with 2.2 t permissible gross vehicle weight. This crewbus is intended for commercial passenger transport as a taxi, commercial transport of personnel and/or cargo or mixed commercial and private use.

The new third seat row in the Citan consists of two individual seats. These are independently adjustable fore-and-aft by 130 mm, and can be individually folded down or removed as required. These fully-fledged individual seats are also suitable for adult passengers. They are easily accessible after folding down the seats in the middle row. Passengers in the rear row also have stowage facilities in the side wall panels available to them.

The new Citan as an extra-long crewbus with up to seven seats impresses with a variability that was previously unknown in urban delivery vans. Depending on the position of the individual seats, the load space behind them will take between 300 and 400 litres of luggage. If these seats are removed, the cargo capacity of the Citan increases to 2200 litres. And if the middle row of 3 seats is folded down in addition, a total capacity of 3500 litres becomes available. The standard equipoment of the extra-long crewbus includes a flexible load compartment cover and lashing eyes in the floor to secure loads when the seats have been folded down or removed. It is available in two engine variants, as the Citan 109 CDI and Citan 111 CDI.

Bodybuilder Centre – the Citan made to measure

Individual solutions for special requirements – conversions and custom bodies have always been an important tradition at Mercedes-Benz Vans. What is not available ex factory can be taken care of by bodybuilders, from a mobile workshop to a police vehicle. Every customer is able to drive a personal van made to measure. In Europe around 50 percent of all newly registered Sprinter vans receive a body or interior fittings from a specialist. The conversion rate for the Vito is around 25 percent, and already around 16 percent in the case of the Citan.

A team of 40 personnel in the Bodybuilder Centre at Mercedes-Benz Vans concerns itself with this aspect. The Centre works together internationally with locations in Stuttgart, at the van plant in Ludwigsfelde and at the Sprinter assembly plant in Charleston/USA. A fourth location will be set up in Brazil in 2014, and in the mid-term the activities in the Russian and Chinese markets will also be expanded. Specialised bodybuilder managers are already active in the individual markets today as liaison contacts for customers.

Mercedes star only after approval by the Bodybuilder Centre

The Bodybuilder Centre is cross-functional in several respects. Its personnel are partners to the body and conversion specialists, provide them with technical advice for new models and supply them with the necessary CAD data. The specialists give the bodybuilders individual advice and price quotations for basic vehicles which have been tailored to their particular needs. They are also there to advise their partners when it comes to modifying the basic vehicle beyond the scope of the body/equipment mounting directives. Examining the conversions is also part of their activities, as only vans approved by the Bodybuilder Centre can bear the Mercedes star.

In addition the specialists from the Bodybuilder Centre accompany new developments by Mercedes-Benz Vans to make sure that the interests of bodybuilders and converters are taken into consideration. They also inform and train the sales personnel of Mercedes-Benz own-retail outlets and dealerships on aspects related to bodybuilding and conversions. As experts they work with bodybuilders to develop all-in solutions from a single source for end-users. They act as intermediaries between Mercedes-Benz and specialist companies when orders are administered by a general contractor, e.g. in the case of tenders issued by official bodies. In addition they are involved in the case of exports from another country to a third country, i.e. when orders are processed across three countries.

And last not least, the end-users also benefit from the Bodybuilder Centre at Mercedes-Benz Vans: The publicly available information portal www.vanpartner.info provides an overview of more than 300 product solutions from around 90 partners, already among them numerous specialist versions for the Mercedes-Benz Citan – a trend that is increasing.

The VanPartner certificate from Mercedes-Benz Vans

The companies featured on the website qualify as a VanPartner by Mercedes-Benz, and have achieved a special status: In this case Mercedes-Benz Vans has not only approved the relevant solution, but even recommends it to end-users separately purchasing the vehicle and conversion. There is a qualifying process before this certificate is issued, however: The Bodybuilder Centre checks and assesses both the quality of the body/conversion and the level of sales and service. The process includes a validation visit to the company – end-users must always be able to rely on a VanPartner.

What began in Germany a few years ago has now been expanded to include Europe: By the end of 2013 there will be VanPartners qualified byMercedes-Benz Vans according to a standardised assessment process in all major European markets. Bodybuilders and converters benefit from this in two ways: Mercedes-Benz Vans recommends them to its customers, and they are permitted to advertise their respective solutions using the title “VanPartner by Mercedes-Benz” and the Mercedes-Benz house lettering.

Although it was only launched one year ago, there are already numerous, sometimes highly specialised conversions available for the Mercedes-Benz Citan. Whether as a wheelchair taxi, mobile workshop or fresh food service, as a police vehicle or airport follow-me vehicle – with interior fittings and conversions the Citan fulfils a wide variety of tasks that go well beyond merely transporting passengers and goods. 15 examples from five countries present a cross-section of the many possibilities.

Wheelchair transport with “Accessible Vehicles”

Ambulances, taxis and wheelchair transporters are the speciality of the British company Accessible Vehicles, an offshoot of Lateral Design Concepts in Keighley, northern England. The company produces around 1000 conversions each year. On the European mainland the service is provided by conversion companies who install ready-made kits.

The company installs a recessed floor measuring 1220 mm in length and 760 mm in width in the rear of the Citan. The maximum interior height is 1400 mm. The wheelchair enters the rear of the Citan via a patented lightweight ramp with one-hand operation measuring 1275 mm in length and 745 mm in width. On request a winch is available to assist the companion of the wheelchair passenger. The company uses four-point docking systems from the specialist Q’straint. The rear docking points are self-locking and self-tensioning to ensure that the wheelchair is firmly positioned in the Citan.

Individualisation of the Citan’s interior and exterior is another speciality of the company. It offers several equipment packages as well as individual solutions for an intentionally unusual appearance – wheelchair users need accept no compromises in the choice of their vehicle, and are able to treat themselves to a special and even luxurious vehicle with a conversion by Accessible Vehicles. The company actively advertises that its vehicles are not suitable for “wallflowers”.

Wheelchair transport with “Bierman”

The Dutch company Biermann in Nieuw Vennep to the south-west of Amsterdam has specialised in the conversion of vehicles for the physically handicapped for more than 60 years. The main focus is on so-called WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles). The company has an international sales and service network. The main customers are wheelchair users, taxi operators, rental companies, hospitals, care homes and other organisations.

The vehicle used as the basis for Bierman conversions is the long version of the Mercedes-Benz Citan. The company installs a recessed GRP floor measuring 1700 x 800 mm in the rear. The maximum interior height is 1500 mm. Access is via a 1400 mm long aluminium ramp. An 800 mm long ramp is sufficient if an electro-hydraulically lowerable rear end or a gas-pressure strut is installed.

The wheelchair is fixed in place by a four-point system, its occupant being held by a three-point safety belt. As the recessed floor is slightly offset to the left, space for an additional passenger seat is created in the middle row. If a tailgate is installed in place of hinged rear doors, the original bumper is mounted on the tailgate extension. In this case Bierman uses extended gas-pressure struts for a wider tailgate opening angle. The entire conversion is approved according to the current standards and regulations.

Wheelchair transport with “Mobitec”

Vehicles suitable for the physically handicapped are the speciality of Mobitec. The company based in Berkheim, Allgäu also has locations in Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The product range includes active conversions for owner-drivers with restricted mobility and vehicles for transporting wheelchair users. The main focus is on vehicle conversions with a recessed floor and rear access.

Mobitec uses the long version of the Citan, with room for four persons plus a wheelchair space. The main feature of the Citan-based WAV taxi (WAV = Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) on display is a recessed, dip-painted floor in the rear and an approx. 1300 mm long access ramp of aluminium. The floor recess is around 1300 mm long and 865 mm wide, with an interior height of around 1460 mm. Owing to the modification to the bodyshell, a different fuel tank with a capacity of approx. 45 l is used.

A four-point restraint system fixes the wheelchair in place, with electrically released tensioning straps at the front and two tensioned retractors at the rear. The wheelchair occupant is held by a three-point inertia-reel safety belt. A taxi ramp can be used to cover the recessed floor section, and installing two pivoting, folding seats transforms the vehicle into a normal taxi. All modifications are according to the relevant regulations.

Mobitec offers numerous optional extras, for example removable individual seats in the rear or pivoting, folding seats, re-installation of the centre bumper section, a set of LED lights in the rear, aluminium side panels in the wheelchair area or assisted access using a cable winch.

Police vehicle from “ACM Mosolf”

This Mercedes-Benz Citan from Kippenheim is intended to be very noticeable – the Citan as an operations vehicle with a blue flashing beacon. ACM Auto-Service and Umschlag-Center Mosolf in Kippenheim, Baden make it possible. Police and fire service vehicles are a speciality of the company, a subsidiary of the freight forwarder Mosolf based in Kirchheim/Teck.

The police vehicle on display features a special signal system with front and rear flashing beacons and recessed pressure chamber loudspeakers. It is prepared for the installation of a two-way radio system, with a power supply, radio handset and loudspeakers. There is additional lighting in the interior, and the load compartment has been fitted out. The police-specific exterior foil covering is typical of the type.

ACM Mosolf produces individual variants to customer requirements. A specification for municipal services is also possible, as are derivatives for fire services, rescue services and aid organisations. As a main contractor and VanPartner, the company has already produced various police vehicles based on the Sprinter and Vito.

Fire service command vehicle from “Gruau”

The Gruau group in France is one of the best-known van conversion companies in Europe. Gruau employs more than 1000 personnel at 15 plants. The product range includes both tailor-made conversions and international industrial production projects. Vehicle variants from Gruau are produced on the basis of the Citan, Vito and Sprinter.

The fire service command vehicle comes from Lanery, the Gruau subsidiary in Lyon which produces fire service and police vehicles, plus security vehicles of all kinds. A rotating beacon and signalling system make it impossible not to see and hear the Citan when in operation. A shelving system installed in the interior accommodates items of equipment. Other features can be installed according to the individual needs of customers.

Follow-me vehicle from “Intax”

The one who knows the way: Follow-me vehicles at airports drive ahead of aircraft after landing and guide them to their bays. Depending on the airport, follow-me vehicles also carry out other duties such as transporting materials or crew members. The usual customers are airport operators, with a worldwide sales market.

Intax in Oldenburg near the North Sea coast employs more than 70 personnel and undertakes development work in addition to producing small and very small vehicle series. The company converts up to 5000 vehicles each year. According to Intax, the company is the world leader in adhesive foil coverings with its Foliocar brand, and is represented worldwide in car dealerships and specialist outlets. Intax is a general contractor partner of Mercedes-Benz.

The vehicles used as the basis for follow-me vehicles include theMercedes-Benz Citan panel van, Mixto or crewbus. The follow-me fixture on the roof is available as a fixed installation or in a magnetic version, with operation by switches or a control panel. Numerous additional mechanical or electronic features are also available. The application of adhesive foil coverings is to individual customer request. The same applies to the installation of shelving or stowage facilities for signalling equipment and airport-specific electronics.

The vehicle on display has five seats and interior fittings by Bott, a company cooperating closely with Intax.

Refrigerated van from “Kerstner”

Carrying out deliveries for butchers, bakers or party services, transporting medicines, cosmetics or laboratory samples, delivering flowers, fish, food, fruit and vegetables – the applications for refrigerated vehicles are extremely varied. As a leading company in this sector, Kerstner in Groß-Rohrheim, Hessia already produces refrigerated versions of the Sprinter and Vito for Mercedes-Benz Vans as part of Van Solution. The refrigeration and insulation systems are produced in-house. Apart from Mercedes-Benz outlets, there are another 200 service partners in Germany. Via its holding company – the refrigerated vehicle manufacturer Lamberet – Kerstner is also active in France. There are also partners in a dozen other European countries.

Roughly two thirds of the annual production of around 1000 conversions and installation kits is based on vans bearing the Mercedes star. Which makes cooperation entirely logical for the Citan as well. Kerstner uses the long version of the panel van for its refrigerated vehicle conversions. The key features are a welded, one-piece floorpan of aluminium, polyurethane insulation with a k-value of 0.341, double insulation of the doors and a combined refrigeration/air conditioning system to the specifications of Mercedes-Benz.

The refrigeration unit is roof-mounted to maximise load compartment capacity, projecting by only 160 mm. This keeps the overall height below 2.0 m, making the vehicle suitable for garages. The load compartment measures 1320 x 1120 x 1065 mm, with straight, continuous walls a typical feature. The weight of the conversion is around 200 kg.

The conversion meets the requirements of DIN 1815, the food hygiene regulations and HACCP, an ATP certificate is available on request. Options offered by Kerstner include auxiliary refrigeration, a temperature recorder, painting the superstructure in the vehicle colour and load securing elements. The conversion is also available on the basis of the extra-long Citan.

Refrigerated van from “Winter”

The weight of the fitments and refrigeration unit is only around 140 kg, the air conditioning evaporator is integrated and adds no height, the fitments with GRP surfaces follow the wall contours and the one-piece floorpan is fully formed. Equipped in this way, refrigerated vehicles by Winter have a very distinctive character. With around 650 vehicles per year, the company based in Eichenzell near Fulda is one of the leading suppliers in the refrigerated vehicle segment.

Typical customers include meat product suppliers, party services and catering businesses, hotels and restaurants and other sectors where temperature-controlled transport is necessary. Sales are on a Germany-wide basis, while service is on a European basis. For single invoice transactions via Van Solution, Winter already produces the Sprinter as a refrigerated vehicle in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Vans. For dual-invoice transactions it produces further variants of the Sprinter and vehicles based on the Vito.

Accordingly the Citan fits into the range very well. Winter produces the conversions on the basis of the long and extra-long Citan. On the basis of the long version, the load compartment capacity is 1.7 cu.m. (extra-long Citan: 2.5 cu.m.), with floor space for 5 (7) Euro-crates and a capacity of 22 (31)Euro-crates measuring 600 x 400 x 200 mm. As the evaporator is integrated, the vehicle height remains unchanged. The Citan with refrigeration package therefore fits into garages and narrow entrances without problems. Standard equipment includes a continuous lashing rail half-way up the load compartment. The conversion meets the requirements of DIN 1815, HACCP, EU Directive 93/43 EEC and the food hygiene regulations.

The refrigeration system can be combined with the cab air conditioner installed ex factory. As options Winter provides an electric auxiliary cooling system as well as various equipment packages such as a deep-freeze package, a cargo securing package or a catering package, plus individual solutions in line with industry-specific requirements.

Individualisation from “Hartmann Tuning”

The individually configured Citan – the Vansports.de department at Hartmann Tuning in Neuss makes it possible. The company specialises in van conversions. The variant on display is named the MetroStream. This features a large front apron, sporty side sill panels and a prominent spoiler lip at the rear. The MetroStream programme also includes stainless steel highlights for the standard front apron and radiator grille, plus a trapezoidal stainless steel exhaust pipe.

The alternative is named MetroLine: This has a front apron with a stainless steel strip, a variety of stainless steel side sill panels and even the option of wide running-boards. MetroProtect has a stainless steel bull-bar plus stainless steel tube sections or running-boards along the sides, and a rear crash bar.

For the interior there are special door sill panels, designer rings and aluminium pedal covers, as well as a sports steering wheel lined in nappa leather and leather trim for the shift lever knob and gaiter.

Emergency ambulance from “BSE”

White is the house colour of BSE, Bruno Scherer Enterprise, a French company producing emergency ambulances. The factory based in Hendaye, south-west France near the Spanish border builds around 250 ambulances per year. This makes the company one of the leading suppliers in France.

The model used as a basis is the extra-long Citan with a sliding door on the left and windows. The bodywork and heavily tinted windows are well insulated against heat and noise. A partition wall with a panoramic sliding window clearly divides the vehicle into rear and driver areas. The air conditioning system has a separate evaporator for the rear. A heating system is also integrated here.

The blue flooring in the rear is waterproof and consists of slip-resistant GRP. The removable fittings are likewise of GRP with smooth, easily cleaned surfaces. The movable features are vibration-dampened, for example the drawers are pneumatically retracted.

On the left side there is space for a folding seat and a workplace. The cupboard spaces include accommodation for an oxygen cylinder. On the right there is sufficient space for a companion seat, an oxygen cylinder and a bag.

In the roof area the fixtures include a holder for infusions, a ventilation system and LED interior lighting.

Mobile workshop from “Aluca”

The brand name already provides an indication: Aluca based in Rosengarten near Schwäbisch Hall in southern Germany specialises in aluminium vehicle fittings. The company employs around 120 personnel, produces around 5000 interior systems each year and sees itself as the market leader in the lightweight interior fittings segment. Customer care is carried out by 25 service partners in Germany and another 20 in other European countries. Aluca works together closely with Mercedes-Benz Vans. The vehicles cover a range from a veterinarian Vito to a Sprinter equipped for machine maintenance in quarries.

The vehicle on display is a typical vending van, a version for operators of vending machines who service and replenish e.g. coffee dispensers. The conversion features large, floor-level drawers for the usual consumables such as coffee, powdered milk and cups. Above the drawer unit there is space for replacement vending machines. A workshop module can be extended out at the open sliding door on the side. This accommodates service boxes with tools and cleaning implements, as well as wearing parts.

The components can be supplied in different dimensions depending on space requirements and individual preferences. Holding brackets for bulky items are also possible.

Mobile workshop from “Bott”

With 670 employees, 38 service partners in Germany and foreign subsidiaries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, Bott is a leading manufacturer of vehicle and operational fittings. Apart from the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter, Bott produces fittings for the Citan.

The base vehicle is the Citan Mixto in a version for Service 24h byMercedes-Benz. The conversion is aimed at low weight in relation to usable area and capacity. Plastics, anodised aluminium and steel are used in the material mix.

For Service 24h by Mercedes-Benz, Bott opts for a module transversely installed in the rear. The lower section contains two heavy-duty drawers for heavy and bulky components such as jacks and canisters. The upper section is used as a writing and stowage surface. Above this, and slightly offset to the rear, there are three further heavy-duty drawers and a compartmentalised section with an aluminium flap. The rear wall is an aluminium panel. The weight of the unit is just under 100 kg, and the drawers are able to bear a load of 70 kg.

Available accessories include partition walls, plastic crates, plasticised rubber inserts for the drawers, lashing points on the side of the shelving, a bag for welding rods etc., a triple power socket and much more. Other versions are also available for the Citan, Vito and Sprinter.

Mobile workshop from “Sortimo”

As part of its Van Solution activities, Sortimo already produces mobile workshop conversions for tradesmen based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito. Sortimo also offers equipment packages for the Sprinter. It is therefore only logical that conversions for the Citan have now been added, in this case as the Citan Bosch Edition for sale via the dealerships and own-retail outlets of Mercedes-Benz.

With around 1000 personnel worldwide, a market share of over 50 percent in Germany and eleven subsidiaries plus 18 importers outside Germany, Sortimo based in Zusmarshausen/Bavaria is a leading supplier of fittings and equipment for mobile workshops. Apart from Germany and Europe, the USA is the most important sales market.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the brand, Sortimo has produced a special edition based on the Citan. This conversion is available for the long and extra-long versions of the Citan. It is based on the Sortimo Globelyst M fitting system with a shelving system on the left side of the load compartment. Floor and wall panels protect the bodyshell. The load securing system Prosafe is installed with additional lashing points to protect the driver and co-driver as well as the fittings and cargo.

Matching the interior fittings, six Sortimo L-Boxxes are supplied as integrated containers for tools and materials, three of them containing power tools. The shelving is of modular construction, and can be retrofitted with additional components for individualisation.

All the vehicle fittings from Sortimo, including the L-Boxxes and cargo loads, have been crash-tested. The decor of the special edition clearly indicates its purpose. Coloured strips along the bonnet emphasise the dynamism of the mobile workshop.

Mobile workshop from “Arobus”

The Turkish company Arobus employs more than 300 personnel in three locations, and produces a wide variety of van conversions. Last year production amounted to more than 8000 units. The product range encompasses commercial vehicles of all kinds. These include workshop vehicles, vehicles designed for people with restricted mobility and minibuses. Mercedes-Benz and Arobus have maintained a close partnership for many years. Early this year this gave rise to a remarkable milestone, when Arobus converted the 11,111th Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a minibus. This variant is sold by Mercedes-Benz Türk as a single-invoice transaction.

Arobus has also designed a service and workshop vehicle based on the Citan panel van. In the rear, two cupboards on the right and left with drawers in various sizes accommodate tools and materials. A vice is installed to allow cutting and shaping of materials. Between the cupboards there is space for carrying larger items; the lower section of the partition wall is therefore protected against damage by grooved sheet metal. Arobus installs a further tool chest across the Citan, between the partition wall and the front seats. Its drawers are accessible from the open sliding door at the side. The fittings are mounted on a textured floor. This is made of steel and is available in various colours. Rounded edges prevent the risk of injury when working in the confined space.