Mercedes to End Engagement in Small Vans Segment

Mercedes-Benz to Cease Production of Small Van Models

BERLIN (Reuters) -Mercedes-Benz said on Friday it is shifting focus towards midsize and large vans and ending engagement in the smaller category, after the Automobilwoche magazine reported the planned discontinuation of its Citan and T-Class models.

"In line with our Mercedes-Benz Vans strategy 'Growth in profitable segments', we are targeting our investments and further optimizing our product portfolio," the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

"Therefore, we will focus on the Midsize and Large size Van segments in the future and end our engagement in the Small Van segment next year," it added.

Automobilwoche reported earlier on Friday that the Citan - for commercial use - and the T-Class - for private use - would be phased out in the middle of next year together with their electric versions.

This also marks the end of years of cooperation with French partner Renault on the series, according to the report.

(Reporting by Christina Amann, Writing by Rachel More; editing by Matthias Wiliams)