I’ve written about the Mercedes-Benz Eco-Start system before – it’s a system available with new Sprinter vans that stops the vehicle’s engine when it’s stationary and idling and automatically restarts it as soon as you put the clutch down to engage a gear.

Previous trials by Motor Transport magazine in London rush hour traffic resulted in a 10% fuel saving. While this is obviously an extreme case, there is no doubt that the technology helps save fuel, and it has built-in safeguards to prevent repeated cold starts or overheating.

The system has been a cost option available on manual Sprinters and Atego 7.5t trucks only to date, but Mercedes are now confident that Eco-Start is ready for prime time. The German giant has decided to kick-start more widespread adoption of the technology by making it standard fitment on Atego models and by relaunching it with the Sprinter at the Commercial Vehicle Show later this year.

At the other end of the size spectrum Mercedes is also introducing Eco-Start to its A-Class and B-Class car models – and as I noted here, other major manufacturers are also introducing similar systems.

Note: According to this article on Transport News Network, adding Eco-Start to a Mercedes Sprinter will cost £545. This includes an uprated battery and alternator, necessary to ensure that the battery remains suitably charged through frequent starts/stops.