Mercedes-Benz world premieres at Bauma 2013: Arocs and Atego – two world premieres at Bauma

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Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling two new vehicles to the public for the first time at "Bauma 2013", in the guise of the Arocs heavy-duty construction truck and the new Atego which has been developed for the medium-duty segment. The world's largest fair for the construction industry will be opening its doors to international visitors from 53 countries in Munich from 15 to 21 April.

Six Arocs configured specifically for heavy-duty construction site transport show what a powerful, robust and efficient construction vehicle looks like in 2013. As such, they are continuing a Mercedes-Benz success story which extends back over more than 110 years in the field of construction vehicles – whereby the Arocs showcases the merits of this lineage in particularly imposing, heavy-duty style. With its high-torque, resilient BlueEfficiency Power engines, spanning an output range from 175 kW (238 hp) to 460 kW (625 hp), and its robust, solid chassis, suspension and frame design, a defining feature of the Arocs is its exceptional load-carrying capacity. And this capacity certainly stands it in good stead in view of the types of use revealed by recent customer surveys, ranging from construction sites (45 percent) at a gross permissible vehicle weight of up to 41 tonnes, through construction materials transportation (30 percent) to concrete transport (15 percent). Specifically in the area of ready-mixed concrete, the Arocs sets the benchmark in its payload-optimised "Loader" variant, with a transport volume of 8 cubic metres.

The Arocs Grounder comes up trumps for customers requiring particularly high levels of stability and robustness in off-road use. Assets on the environmental and efficiency fronts are the most eco-friendly emission control technology to date in compliance with Euro VI and a reduction in fuel consumption of up to five percent.

The same applies to the equally new Atego for the light- and medium-duty segment. 42 basic model variants ex-factory, four cabs in three lengths, a wealth of different wheelbases and newly developed Euro VI-compliant BlueEfficiency Power engines with four and six cylinders ranging in output from 115 kW (156 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp) – these are the key features of the new Atego range. It is a popular choice in the ancillary building trades, such as roofing, scaffolding or carpentry. For the transportation of building material in difficult terrain, the Atego is also available in all-wheel-drive variants with permanent or manually selectable all-wheel drive.

At the smaller end of the range of vehicles for the construction industry, the Mercedes-Benz Citan is on show at Bauma for the first time. The Citan brings small construction crews, tradesmen and materials for construction and finishing work directly to where they are needed – including environmentally sensitive inner-city locations, thanks to its highly efficient and low-emission engines. Like every Mercedes-Benz, the Citan comes with a comprehensive scope of safety equipment, such as ADAPTIVE ESP®, which is able to identify the load situation and adapt intervention by the control system accordingly.

Mercedes-Benz's new stars for the construction industry are on display in hall B4 and on the adjoining open-air site of the Munich trade fair centre from 15 to 21 April 2013. With 550,000 square metres of exhibition space, over 3200 exhibitors and some 420,000 visitors expected, Bauma is the largest fair for the construction industry worldwide. It takes place in Munich every three years.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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MacGyver and the new Citan: every hero needs a strong partner

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"Over the past seven years I’ve done nothing else but drive all over the world. I’ve escaped gunslingers, prisons and time bombs. And all I’ve got to show for it are a few empty rolls of duct tape!" (MacGyver). Those days are over, but the master of resourcefulness is now back on our screens, and with a good-looking new sidekick. In its recently launched advertising campaign, Mercedes-Benz has given MacGyver a reliable, can-do partner for his adventures in the form of the brand-new Citan. At www.macgyver-citan.com you will find the advert for the campaign as well as the trailer and extensive behind-the-scenes material for the new webisodes, which will be available on the site from 18 September.

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan, which is being unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show in September 2012, is ideal for coping with the challenges of the city thanks to the wide choice of models available, the vehicle’s functionality and its high safety standards.

Mercedes-Benz Citan and MacGyver: problems are there to be solved

He’s needed again! MacGyver may have retired from life as a secret agent to go it alone as a handyman, but he cannot escape his past. In the action-packed advert and three brand-new MacGyver episodes, the hero of the 1980s and 1990s has once again found himself caught up in the struggle between good and evil. In time-honoured fashion, the maverick problem-solver uses quick thinking, dexterity and everyday items to overcome the challenges and adversaries that he faces. But now, alongside his ever-present Swiss army knife and duct tape, Richard Dean Anderson can also rely on the capable and trusty support of his vehicle. As he embarks on a fresh round of MacGyver adventures, he knows he can count on his newest partner – the compact, manoeuvrable and versatile Citan.

The new Citan, always there when you need it, presents the ideal solution for the challenges ahead: the narrowest of streets and tightest of corners are mastered with ease and MacGyver never runs out of space for his equipment – whether it’s a pocket knife or a Euro pallet. There’s even room inside for a spare roll of duct tape! The Citan copes supremely with adverse situations thanks to its robustness and low-maintenance running. And if a little bit more speed is required, the choice of engine series provides enough power to send the duo swiftly on their way.

High functionality and wide choice of models

There is a huge choice of models and customisation options for the Citan, making it highly adaptable for the day-to-day challenges of a secret agent’s life. It is available in three lengths, as a panel van, Mixto or crewbus, and can be fitted with a wide range of special equipment to suit individual needs. To help MacGyver stay one step ahead of his enemies, he can choose from three zippy diesel models producing between 55 and 81 kW and a supercharged petrol model with 84 kW. Sliding side doors and asymmetrical rear doors ensure speedy access to those all-important tools in dicey situations. The Citan also has numerous stowage compartments in the driver’s cab, enabling the most important things be kept at close hand.

Versatility and functionality mean the Citan excels in any terrain. Compact proportions and a dynamic chassis make this a nimble city van for urban driving that can cope with both busy stop-and-go traffic and narrow access lanes.

Exemplary safety standards, a high level of comfort and very economical

After a long career as a secret agent MacGyver has certain expectations of comfort and safety. The Citan comes equipped with firmly padded, luxury seats made from materials that are kind to the skin. All of which raises the driving comfort up a notch in combination with the pleasantly smooth ride. The Citan also meets the highest standards of safety. Good news for MacGyver, whose adventures have seen him exposed to hazardous situations on numerous occasions. The ADAPTIVE ESP® electronic stability programme, which continuously monitors the vehicle load status, is fitted as standard in every model.

MacGyver, in his new role as handyman, is also a businessman, of course. So he very much appreciates the Citan’s remarkably economical fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100km and the long maintenance intervals of 40,000km/2 years. After all, the Citan never knows when the next challenge awaits and when it will be needed next!

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Growth in the vans sector: New Mercedes-Benz Citan celebrates its world premiere

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In the run-up to the RAI commercial vehicles show in Amsterdam, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the world premiere of its new Citan delivery van. Following the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan is now the latest addition to the brand’s van family and also the first vehicle to be created as a result of the strategic partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan. The Mercedes-Benz Citan will celebrate its public debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover in September. The market launch is scheduled to take place this fall.

Mercedes-Benz is already the market leader for large and mid-sized vans. In Western Europe the brand increased its market share to 18 percent in 2011. Market share rose in the U.S. from 4.9 to 7.2 percent and currently amounts to six percent in China. According to Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, 2011 was the most successful year in the division’s history. “We sold over 264,000 vehicles last year, or 18 percent more than in 2010. We even boosted profits by 85 percent, achieving a new record of €835 million,” he says. Mornhinweg adds that the return on sales also reached an all-time high: “It amounted to 9.1 percent in 2011, enabling us to not only reach our target for 2013 but to exceed it”

The Citan has significant growth potential in established markets

Mercedes-Benz Vans is introducing the Citan this year in order to expand its vehicle lineup into the small vans segment, whose market volume has grown exponentially in Europe in recent years to 700,000 units. Mornhinweg is convinced that the Citan will capture a market share of 4 to 5 percent. In addition to penetrating new fast-growing markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also pursuing another strategic goal: the exploitation of growth potential in traditional markets. “We aim to sell more than 400.000 units worldwide by 2015,” says Mornhinweg.

Mercedes-Benz’ new Citan has been rigorously developed to meet the needs of commercial customers in the small vans segment, and it has all the attributes that have traditionally been the strengths of the brand with the star. According to Mornhinweg, these attributes include top product quality. “Like the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan had to demonstrate its worth in ice and snow as well as dust and heat while completing many thousands of kilometers of tests. But our high quality standards do not end with the conclusion of the vehicle’s development. We’ve done all we can to ensure that the Citan embodies the kind of quality that will impress customers who use the van on a daily basis.”

Citan is launched with a comprehensive model range for ensuring safe and comfortable road performance

The developers of the Mercedes-Benz Citan made very sure that the vehicle delivers the brand’s hallmark road performance in the areas of handling, agility, and ride comfort. The direct-response steering system is very precise and sensitive, resulting in a safe, precise, and comfortable road performance. It is also equipped with the Electronic Stability Program ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard equipment.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s broad model range has been customized to meet the requirements of a city delivery vehicle. The basic version is the panel van, which is available in three lengths: 3.94 meters, 4.32 meters, and 4.71 meters. Another model is the versatile Citan Mixto with five seats, which is based on the extra-long version (4.71 m) and has a foldable rear bench seat and two sliding doors. The third basic model is the Citan crewbus, which is mounted on the long wheelbase (4.32 m) and can also be delivered as a five-seater with a foldable rear bench seat and sliding door (optionally available with sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle). Depending on the model in question, the vehicle is available in three weight variants with a GVW up to 2,200 kilograms.

The Citan also features a wide selection of fuel-efficient engine variants. Customer requirements are fully covered by three high-torque turbo-diesel direct injection engines, ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp), as well as a lively supercharged gasoline engine with 84 kW (114 hp). All of the diesel engines offered for this van are equipped with a particulate filter as standard equipment. Power is transmitted to the front wheels by five- and six-speed transmissions with an easily reachable joystick selection lever in the center console.

A BlueEFFICIENCY package is available as standard equipment for the gasoline-powered Citan and as optional equipment for the diesel variants. This package includes the ECO start/stop function, a battery and generator management system, and variant-dependent low rolling-resistance tires, which help to reduce fuel consumption even further.

The Citan boasts a striking appearance - inside and out

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan has an unmistakable, brand-specific look. The basic features of the van’s characteristic appearance are the chromed star in the prominent and rugged-looking radiator grille with its three sporty perforated slats. Just as remarkable are the Citan’s striking headlights and the wedge-shaped hood with its clearly defined edges.

The interior is similarly unmistakable, featuring many high-quality appointments. The driver and front passenger sit on firm yet comfortably upholstered seats. The curve-hugging shape of the backrest in particular provides good side support, thus enhancing comfort and safety. The ergonomic, driver-focused instrument panel with its leather-like grained surface has a look and feel that are immediately familiar and reflect the high quality of the vehicle’s interior.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The new Citan from Mercedes-Benz: a truly professional urban delivery van

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Powerful yet with compact dimensions making it especially suitable for city use – for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz portfolio of vans features a dedicated delivery vehicle for the urban environment. With its impressive quality and driving dynamics, exemplary safety and economy, and high level of versatility and robustness, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is a truly professional urban delivery van.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.

Choice of three lengths and three model variants

Due to its versatility and adaptability, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan fulfils a broad range of commercial applications. Based on a panel van, this urban delivery van is available in three different lengths: 3.94 m, 4.32 m and 4.71 m.

There will also be a variable, five-seater Citan Mixto vehicle with folding rear seat bench, wire mesh partition separating the load compartment, and two sliding doors. This mixed-use vehicle is based on the extra-long variant. The third basic design is the Citan crewbus, which is also a five-seater vehicle with folding rear seat bench and optional sliding doors on each side, but this time with a long wheelbase. Depending on the model, there are also three different weights ranging up to a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 2200 kilograms.

As an alternative to the standard rear-end doors, Mercedes-Benz will be supplying the Citan with a wide-opening tailgate. Optional roof rails boost flexibility as does the optional ladder hatch for the panel van to facilitate the transportation of extra-long items.

Comprehensive safety equipment

As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new Citan. The urban delivery van comes with the Electronic Stability Program ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard, which takes the vehicle load into consideration. This innovative dynamic handling control system in the new Citan combines the functions of the anti-locking braking system ABS®, VDC® (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which counters over- and understeer, and TCS® (Traction Control System). It also includes ASR® (acceleration skid control) and drive and braking torque control.

Up to six airbags onboard as standard

Start-off Assist, daytime running lamps, height-adjustable seat belts, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the driver and front passenger, a seat belt reminder and driver airbag all come as standard. Amongst other standard features, the Citan crewbus (with M1 homologation) additionally has a front passenger airbag, thorax sidebags and windowbags for the driver and front passenger.
In the panel van, a full partition wall protects the driver and front passenger from loads sliding or tipping over. There are rings in the rear for securing the load. A plastic floor covering and partial trim prevent items with sharp edges from damaging the body in the load compartment.

Characteristic brand look with prominent radiator grille

The Mercedes-Benz Citan is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz thanks to the vehicle’s characteristic brand look. Providing the brand signature, the chromed star is self-assuredly set against the prominent, robust radiator grille with three sporty perforated louvres. The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s bold headlamps and the pronounced V-shape to the bonnet with its clearly defined edges are equally striking.

The trapezoidal shape of the air intake in the bumper emphasises width and the powerful impression made by the Citan. Again, this feature is one of the brand’s typical style elements at the present time, from the latest Mercedes-Benz cars in the compact class through to the new Actros.

A distinctive tail end styled in detail

Also emphasising width, the angular lower edge of the rear window mirrors the line of the vertically mounted tail lights, the detail of the new Citan reflecting the expert hand of Mercedes-Benz designers. On variants with rear-end doors, the numberplate is affixed on the wider, left-hand side of the asymmetric doors. When buyers order their Mercedes-Benz Citan with a tailgate, the numberplate is positioned centrally.

The new Citan is a compelling urban delivery van with a unique appearance and fits seamlessly into the portfolio alongside the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans.

Equipped to a high standard for ergonomic and comfortable working

Just as distinctive, the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan is equipped to a high standard. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from equally firm, comfortably padded seats. The form-fitting shape of the backrests in particular provides lateral support, thereby ensuring comfort and safety. Drawing on the brand’s typical design idiom, the fabric cover on the seats is skin-friendly and breathable, as well as easy to care for and durable.

As powerful and striking as the exterior of the new Citan, the instrument panel is designed around the driver. The surface has a leather-like grain for an attractive look and feel.

Drivers of any other Mercedes-Benz will immediately feel at home in the cockpit of the new Citan and not just due to the familiar star on the steering wheel: the combination switches, gearknob, light switches and keys on the instrument panel all meet Mercedes-Benz’s usual standards for the driver’s area in terms of layout, look and function. Trim over the glove compartment enhances the interior further.

Focus on functionality

The Citan is all about meeting the challenges faced in day-to-day operations. Functional features include a large glove compartment, a stowage compartment between the front seats and a useful overhead stowage compartment across the entire width of the windscreen to accommodate all those items that drivers keep on hand on a daily basis. The practical, standard equipment for the new Citan includes a height-adjustable steering wheel, central locking with remote control and exterior mirrors which can be adjusted from inside.

Engines covering all requirements

The choice of engines is broad. Three high-torque, turbodiesel direct-injection engines with outputs from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp) and a nippy, supercharged petrol engine generating 84 kW (114 PS) cover all standard requirements. All the diesel engines have a particulate filter as standard. Five and six-speed transmissions with a joystick gearshift positioned within easy reach on the centre console transmit power to the front wheels.

Handling as expected of the brand: safe and smooth

The developers of the Mercedes-Benz Citan have paid particular attention to ensuring that the handling is as expected of the brand, delivering a combination of driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The Direct-Steer system is accurate and sensitive, while the suspension, damping and stabiliser bars have been carefully attuned to each other.

Whether empty or loaded, the new Citan is a bona fide Mercedes-Benz, offering precision, driving safety and the smooth handling that drivers are accustomed to from the Sprinter and Vito.

Economical thanks to low fuel consumption

Outstanding economy is another trademark of the new Citan. In addition to long service intervals of up to 40,000 km or two years, this extends to fuel consumption. Factors here are the economical drive system together with the standard electrohydraulic steering.

A gearshift indicator as standard helps drivers of the new Citan to adopt an economical driving style. Fleet operators are able to increase the efficiency of the new Citan still further by way of speed limitation set ex factory.

BlueEFFICIENCY package reduces consumption further

The petrol-engined Citan comes with a BlueEFFICIENCY package as standard, which is optional for the diesel versions. Amongst other features this includes the ECO start/stop function, battery and generator management, plus optimised low rolling resistance tyres depending on the variant which again reduce fuel consumption.

Options allow the Citan to be adapted fully to customer requirements

Thanks to a range of individualisation options, the new Mercedes-Benz Citan can be tailored with ease to a customer-specific deployment scenario. In addition to safety and comfort options, there are also numerous functional extras to choose from.

Different partition systems, a folding front passenger seat to enlarge the load compartment, various door and window configurations and load compartment trim options are just a selection from the extensive range. Accessories that can be supplied ex factory include roof racks, carrier systems and load-compartment tubs. As an alternative to individual options, Citan buyers have access to various specially created packages.

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan is turning out to be a true transport professional in every detail. Special superstructures made by bodybuilders can be adapted to the vehicle technology with the help of a special interface and a parameterisable special module.

Tailor-made service portfolio

Attractive, tailor-made financing and service offerings are being prepared for the new Mercedes-Benz Citan. These aspects are very important to customers so the new Citan scores highly thanks to the integrated expertise of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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