Datum's Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

Derby manufacturer doubles mpg with new M-B Citan vans

Datum's Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

Datum’s new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans

Derby-based specialist manufacturer Datum has managed to halve the fuel consumption of some of its vans by exchanging them for new Mercedes-Benz Citan units. Admittedly a degree of downsizing was also involved, but this shouldn’t detract from the official combined cycle consumption figure of 65.7mpg of the 109 CDI models.

Datum’s roots lie in the foundry industry, but today the firm uses the latest CAD/CAM software to design and produce specialist and one-off parts for customers in a range of industries. The company’s vans are used to deliver parts all over the UK and have met with a warm reception from drivers whose previous vehicles were “getting tired”, according to managing director Paul Nelson.

Mr Nelson was originally going to buy just one Citan, but he says:

“The intention, initially, was to buy just one. However, business is good, and the package put together by Mertrux sales executive Tim Gough was so attractive that we decided to take two.”

Datum’s new Citan vans are long-bodied 109 CDI models fitted with BlueEfficiency spec. This includes ECO Start/Stop, low rolling resistance tyres and an optimised alternator and battery management system.

Commenting on the new vans, Mr Nelson said:

“Our Mercedes-Benz vans are proving every bit as fuel-efficient as we’d hoped,” added Mr Nelson. “In fact, they’re twice as economical as our old vehicles. The drivers are very pleased with them, too, while their smart liveries mean the Citans also double as effective mobile advertisements for our business.

They do say that good things come in small(er) packages…

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