One for the orange van men

We at TotallyMotor salute the white van men on Britain - sure they may have a reputation for being less-than-politically correct as they keep a copy of the Sun folded between the dashboard and windscreen, but they're buzzing around the UK every day installing heating, fixing loos and generally doing jobs most of us hate. And if any of them are doing particularly well, they want to upgrade to a Merc.

Mercedes-Benz has announced the Citan - a van whose name is a blend of "City" and "Titan" - and they're hoping it will transform the way tradesmen and other businesses get the job done. Scheduled for launch in autumn this year, we so far have some interesting images of the van, resplendent in orange, and some details about what the real-life version will be like.

The Stuttgart automaker is promising quality, efficiency and safety in a package that's more pleasant to drive than a 1974 Bedford with knackered suspension and a crunchy gearbox. Efficient, low-emission diesel and petrol engines have been promised, including a BlueEfficiency package for the van man with a conscience. All vans will come with traction control.

It will be revealed in all its glory in September at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover.








By Georgia Lewis

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