Light van development
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Renault and Mercedes-Benz's co-operative light van development project will bring its first product to market by 2013, says Mercedes-Benz LCV boss Volker Mornhinwerg. "We are working closely with our colleagues from Renault," he says. We are having our first customer clinics to look at the initial vehicle, and we will have product ready for the market in 2012 or 2013."
The new product will be based on the Renault Kangoo platform, he confirmed, but with significant styling and specification differences to give the new van a Mercedes-Benz feel. "This is not a case of simple badge engineering. The exterior will have strong Mercedes-Benz styling, while the interior will use a layout that will be familiar to Mercedes users." The differentiation will be stronger than that between the Mercedes Sprinter and WV Crafter where a similar co-operation has been in place for a number of years.
• Mornhinwerg also confirmed the next generation of Vito will remain a stand-alone Mercedes-developed product.