Courier firm boss Des Johnson is the first Ciceley Commercials' customer to order a Mercedes-Benz Citan, having done so ahead of the van’s unveiling at Bolton’s Reebok stadium.

Johnson’s company NLH Express Deliveries runs a fleet of 70 vans in which Mercedes-Benz is the dominant marque.

“As soon as we heard Mercedes-Benz was launching a small van we were very interested,” he said. “Vehicles of this size offer many advantages – they’re good for smaller consignments and work in rural areas, on narrow roads or locations with tight access.

“Plus, of course, the Citan’s class-leading fuel economy and low emissions figures mean it is extremely cost-effective to operate.”