Large commercial vans are in historically high demand. It’s estimated that Amazon alone maintains a fleet of 70,000 last-mile delivery vans, and continues to add new vehicles its stock. Apparently America’s love of online shopping has been good for the makers of large delivery trucks.
Three Small Vans Discontinued
Small vans, however, are not nearly so popular. In the last year, word has come down from three manufactures that their small vans are not long for the U.S. market. Already departed, or soon to part, are the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and the Nissan NV200.
Here’s a look at those vans:
Ford Transit Connect
Imported from Spain, the Ford Transit Connect was due for a 2023 redesign which Ford has just cancelled. Though disappearing from U.S. shores, the Connect remains popular in other markets, especially Western Europe.
2018 Chicago Auto Show: 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
Mercedes-Benz Metris
Really a midsize van, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is just a little smaller than a conventional U.S.-market minivan. Though seemingly the perfect size for contractors and tradesmen, the Metris has always been handily outsold by its full-size Sprinter van stablemate. The Metris lives on in the U.S. through the 2023 model year.
Test Drive: 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo
Nissan NV200
Production of the NV200 began at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, plant in 2011. The small van supplemented the full-size NV van in the brand’s commercial-vehicle lineup. The front-wheel drive NV200 was powered by a 2.0-liter engine mated to a CVT transmission. Production of the van ended in 2021 as a 2022 model. A rebadged Chevrolet version of the van, the City Express was built between 2014 and 2018.
Discontinued Van Gallery
Click below for enlarged images
Small Vans Discontinued
Small Vans Discontinued
