Automotive

Mercedes turns the Metris van into a rolling toolbox

Mercedes turns the Metris van into a rolling toolbox
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
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Whether serving a job site or riding as a mobile shop, the Mercedes Metris Toolbox is ready to get to work
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Whether serving a job site or riding as a mobile shop, the Mercedes Metris Toolbox is ready to get to work
Mercedes and Renntech might have gone a little far with the toolbox theme, but this show van will definitely attract attention
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Mercedes and Renntech might have gone a little far with the toolbox theme, but this show van will definitely attract attention
The side hatch offers access to the interior storage and work areas of the Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
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The side hatch offers access to the interior storage and work areas of the Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
Work inside or out with the Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
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Work inside or out with the Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
The grippy floor tiles in the Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van remove for cleaning
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The grippy floor tiles in the Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van remove for cleaning
No ordinary wheels would do for this wild Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
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No ordinary wheels would do for this wild Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
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Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
Toolbox-style latches on the Mercedes Metris Toolbox show van
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Toolbox-style latches on the Mercedes Metris Toolbox show van
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
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Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
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Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
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Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van
View gallery - 11 images

Mercedes-Benz had a tough road to the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. How to outdo last year's mean, green Sprinter Extreme? We're not sure it's done it, but it's definitely made quite an effort with a Metris van all dressed up like a toolbox on wheels, complete with carry handle. This Metris is ready to roll up its sleeves and get serious work done, everywhere work needs gettin' done.

Once again, Mercedes worked with Renntech in designing a flamboyant Chicago show van. This time around, it went a little bit smaller but every bit as bold to showcase the Mercedes-Benz Vans MasterSolutions program it launched last summer. MasterSolutions is a turn-key professional upfitting service that can outfit any Mercedes or Freightliner van for virtually any type of work environment, adding shelves, organizational equipment, refrigeration, shuttle seating and more.

Mercedes didn't hold back the upfitting with the Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox show van. Beyond its eye-grabbing wrapped exterior, complete with toolbox-style latches and carry handle, the concept van features an interior with removable grip-tile floor and shelves, cabinets and removable cases from Mercedes MasterSolutions partner companies. The swing-up side hatch provides access to the indoor/outdoor worktop and side storage. A clear plastic partition wall divides the workshop from the driver's cab while letting occupants keep an eye on things in back.

Work inside or out with the Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van
Work inside or out with the Mercedes Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox van

In addition to the classic trades, we could see a MasterSolutions Toolbox-style van being useful for some more modern businesses. For instance, a mobile bicycle or consumer electronics repair service could roll itself to the demand without the overhead of a permanent shop.

The Metris Toolbox is based on the Metris Worker Cargo van and driven by a 208-hp 2.0-liter turbo four with 258 lb.ft (350 Nm). It offers 2,500 lb (1,134-kg) of payload and double that in towing capacity. The base van offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. It starts at $25,995, and just so there's no possible confusion, that price is for the basic van, no interior storage systems or workspace, blue-and-silver wheels, toolbox hinges or carry handle.

The Chicago Auto Show opened to the press on Thursday and will be open to the public from Saturday, February 11 through Monday, February 20.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

View gallery - 11 images
2 comments
2 comments
Bob Flint
Trades people don't need the giant fake handle on top, maybe a lift crane, or combination ladder cherry picker on would be justified.
Michael Flower
A "Green" Utility Van? HOW does it differ from ANY OTHER, Other then being "Green Powered"...