Mercedes-Benz back at the IAA after eight years. Oldest and newest (Mercedes-)Benz vans on stage.
It is incredible but true: Mercedes-Benz vans have not been represented at the world’s most important commercial vehicle trade fair, the IAA in Hanover, since 2018. The fair was not held in 2020 due to the coronavirus, and Mercedes-Benz did not participate in 2022 and 2024. Mercedes trucks were always present, but as is well known, Mercedes Trucks and Mercedes Vans have been split up.
But the builder of the world’s best van simply cannot be absent from such an event. The group’s new management felt the same way, and in September 2026, the top German brand will be present again with its own stand.
Mercedes is a pioneer in the van sector: in 1896, it built the first van ever. It marked the start of a history with many iconic models that were sometimes far ahead of their time. The quality of some vans was so good that they served for up to fifty years. We should add: Mercedes also experienced periods where quality was not optimal, and the bodywork in particular let owners down.
At the start of the IAA in Hanover, Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, provides an outlook on the brand’s strategy, future developments, and current innovations. Participation in the exhibition highlights how Mercedes-Benz Vans combines its van expertise with forward-looking product and service solutions.
In addition to the first Mercedes delivery van, Mercedes-Benz AG is presenting its current range, from the mid-size Vito to the large Sprinters with diesel and electric powertrains. Mercedes-Benz AG is keeping it a secret for now whether the new electric VLE van will be introduced in Hanover. We suspect it will – because its predecessor, the Citan, has been discontinued and is no longer at the IAA.
“With the customer and their needs in mind, the brand with the three-pointed star offers vans and services that make a difference: comprehensive advice before and after the purchase of the vehicle, as well as a dense network of service centers that guarantees optimal support with advice, maintenance, and mobile service – complemented by digital extras for optimal uptime, in-house financing services, Mercedes-Benz Rent offers, and innovative charging solutions that facilitate the transition to and entry into electric driving,” emphasizes a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson.
The German manufacturer’s spectacle is taking place in Hall 13 – stand C51 – of the IAA at the Messe grounds in Hanover.
