Proving itself as a popular option, sales of Sprinter vans increased an impressive 94 percent for calendar year 2011. In only its second year of operation, Daimler Vans USA and its combined network of both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter dealers achieved a total of 16,577 vans sold, far surpassing the 2010 result of 8,559. The Mercedes-Benz network alone saw an increase of 172%.
“Our strong, diverse network of 185 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner commercial van dealers spread across the U.S. has enjoyed a banner year of Sprinter van sales. From large fleet operators to small construction businesses and mom-and-pop food trucks, American consumers are discovering the incredible benefits of Sprinter vans,” said Claus Tritt, General Manager of Commercial Vans for Mercedes-Benz USA.
Powered by a fuel-sipping 3.0-liter BlueTEC diesel engine, the Sprinter has best-in-class cargo capacity of up to 547 cubic feet and payload capacity up to 5,358 pounds. With cargo doors that open a full 270 degrees, the Sprinter also boasts a rear door opening that’s 5’2″ wide and six feet tall. Both the Cargo and Passenger Vans feature a side-door opening that’s 4’3″ wide and six feet high. At the same time, their step-in height is only 19.9 inches – lowest in the industry. Interior standing height can be up to 6’6″. All versions are equipped with a number of Mercedes-Benz safety features — ESP stability and rollover control, ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist and traction control. The driver and front passenger seats are equipped with standard multi-stage front air bags, and side curtain and torso air bags are optionally available.
The Sprinter Van Success Story
The highly successful Mercedes-Benz Sprinter made its European debut in 1995, and a new-generation Sprinter was launched globally in 2006. Since 2001, the Sprinter has been sold in the U.S. by Freightliner, the industry’s leading manufacturer of medium and heavyduty trucks in North America. Complete with many Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, the U.S. line-up includes the Cargo Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus, Cab Chassis and the new Crew Van. Mercedes-Benz USA began offering the Sprinter line through select Mercedes-Benz dealers in 2010. Both MBUSA and Freightliner are divisions of Daimler AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles.
BlueTEC Diesel with DEF Injection
All Sprinters are powered by an innovative 3.0-liter BlueTEC diesel engine that attains an impressive 24.9 miles per gallon on the highway. Marking the first-ever use of super-clean BlueTEC technology in the commercial van market, the BlueTEC diesel engine is as clean as a modern gasoline engine. A Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection system reduces nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in a downstream catalytic converter.
