The new Renault Kangoo van and jointly developed Mercedes-Benz Citan have both been crowned as the International Van of the Year 2022.

Both the Kangoo van and Citan are based on Renault’s CMF-C platform but introduce unique features as a result of the inclusion of the brands’ own DNA

The announcement was made at the Solutrans 2021 event at a gala dinner held yesterday (17 November).

The Renault and Mercedes vans have been developed under an engineering alliance between the two badges; both are based on Renault’s CMF-C platform but with unique features as a result of the inclusion of the brands’ own DNA. Examples cited by the judges included the ‘Open Sesame’ doors in the Kangoo and the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system and safety aids on the Citan.

The event marked the 30th anniversary of the International Van of the Year awards and the fourth time that Renault and Mercedes-Benz have taken the top title.

The Volkswagen Caddy was runner-up, while the Stellantis small electric vans and the Toyota Proace City Electric came in third.

In total, 14 new vans from 11 light commercial manufacturers were judged for the awards, including traditional diesel-powered vans and a selection of battery electric models, and the votes were independently adjudicated by the RHA.

Marcus Breitschwerdta, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, reacted: “The Citan was entirely redeveloped by professionals for professionals and perfectly complements our existing Mercedes-Benz Vans portfolio. Both the panel van and the Tourer offer our customers a wide range of possible uses and a high degree of functionality – with extremely high driving comfort and the proven Mercedes-Benz safety standards. As a true Mercedes-Benz, it completes our vans family.”

Mark Sutcliffe, SVP, LCV Business Unit at Renault Group, also commented: “This award is a source of great pride for our teams. It rewards their efforts in designing and manufacturing a van to the highest quality standards and whose innovations, unique on the market, have been designed to enhance the daily life of our professional customers.”