Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/report-dodge-sprinter-sales-to-cease-as-mercedes-opts-to-sell-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2007 Dodge Sprinter - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as Daimler has been hating on Chrysler lately, one would think that the Pentastar was the cold-hearted deviant who stuck a knife into the heart of the German automaker. The "Merger of Equals" turned out to be a bum deal for Chrysler, but at least it was able to procure some hardware from its German ex. Some parts of the LX platform that underpins the Dodge 300C, Charger and Challenger, and the platform that will underpin the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango all came from Mercedes-Benz, as does the excellent Sprinter van.

Though the Sprinter has been met with some level of success at select Dodge dealers, Mercedes has decided to pull the plug on Chrysler in 2010. About 350 dealers sell the Sprinter as a Dodge, and the large commercial van has managed sales of about 20,000 per year since it donned the Ram head in 2003. Mercedes is switching to 120 dealers branded Daimler Vans USA.

The updated Sprinter van, which will now be branded as a Mercedes, will receive a new 3.0L diesel engine that will reportedly be eligible for sale in all 50 US states. The Daimler dealers will reportedly be able to sell up to 18,000 vans per year, a sizable portion of the van's production quota of 32,000 vehicles per year. The remaining production will be sold as Freightliners. The commercial vehicle company has 45 specialized Sprinter van dealers across the nation.

Daimler says the reason for the switch has a lot to do with the fact that the vehicle is now established in the market, though one has to wonder if the German automaker is making an effort to further distance itself from its former step-child. The big losers in the deal could be the 350 Dodge dealers who spent $30-50K to upgrade their dealerships to sell and service the vans.


Gallery: 2007 Dodge Sprinter


[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanCargoVanchryslerdaimlerfreightlinerMercedes-Benzpanel vanPanelVansprinterUPS truckUpsTruckvanWed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/freightliner-unveils-big-rig-concept-showcasing-future-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/freightliner-unveils-big-rig-concept-showcasing-future-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/freightliner-unveils-big-rig-concept-showcasing-future-technolog/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Freightliner Innovation Truck

Daimler Trucks North America has used the Mid-America Trucking Show in Kentucky to release its latest concept in commercial-grade hauling. The Innovation Truck concept takes the fuel-saving innovations introduced on the Freightliner Cascadia, already the most aerodynamic of the company's trucks, and turns them up to eleven.

Included in the aero tweaks are rear wheel fairings, underbody panels, a roof deflector and a front air splitter. Further, the side mirrors were replaced with cameras to reduce drag. Once up to speed, the Innovation Truck can lower its ride height using air bladders, further reducing fuel usage. Wireless tire pressure monitoring also sends data to an onboard navigation/infotainment screen in the cabin. Also present on the truck is Freightliner's new RunSmart Predictive Cruise control.

With such a focus on fuel savings, it's not surprising that Daimler has fitted the diesel powerplant with its BlueTec emissions after-treatment system, which injects a urea-based fluid directly into the exhaust to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Lastly, ParkSmart VHAC technology allows the truck's climate control systems to operate without running the truck's engine using electricity from a second bank of batteries.

Daimler says that the Innovation Truck concept is meant to "show our customers what they can expect from us in the near future," so we'll be on the lookout for menacing flat black semi trucks the next time we're headed out for a road trip.


Gallery: Freightliner Innovation Truck


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology

Freightliner unveils big rig concept showcasing future technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimler trucksdaimler trucks north americaDaimlerTrucksDaimlerTrucksNorthAmericafreightlinerfreightliner cascadiafreightliner innovation truckFreightlinerCascadiaFreightlinerInnovationTruckThu, 26 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/freightliner-debuts-runsmart-predictive-cruise-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/freightliner-debuts-runsmart-predictive-cruise-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/freightliner-debuts-runsmart-predictive-cruise-control/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The next step in cruise control comes courtesy of Freightliner semis and GPS data company NAVTEQ. Freightliner broadened communication between the cruise control and map data: the GPS transmits information on the road ahead up to a mile, and then the cruise control computes the best speed at which to cover the distance with the greatest fuel efficiency.

It's called RunSmart Predictive Cruise, and it employs slope data from the NAVTEQ system that has been collected on 200,000 miles of the most used truck routes. While RunSmart is looking for peak efficiency, it won't sacrifice speed; the system remains within 6% of the set speed. It's an available option on Freightliner's Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia model with the 72-inch raised roof.

[Source: Daimler]

Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial truckCommercialTruckcruise controlCruiseControldaimlerefficiencyfreightlinerfreightliner cascadiaFreightlinerCascadiafuel economyFuelEconomygas mileageGasMileagegpsnavteqrunsmartsemitechnologytruckSun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Freightliner announces new big rig: the Cascadia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/freighliner-announces-new-big-rig-the-cascadia/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/freighliner-announces-new-big-rig-the-cascadia/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/freighliner-announces-new-big-rig-the-cascadia/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image to enlarge

It may not look like anything revolutionary to the untrained eye, but to hear DaimlerChrysler tell it, the all-new Freightliner Cascadia is very much a big deal. It's built on a new platform that readily accepts EPA '07-compliant engines and is ready to play home to powerplants built off DCX's Global Heavy Duty Engine Platform, the first of which are set to arrive later this year from Detroit Diesel. It also incorporates a new, common Electric/Electronic Architecture, and many features and systems were designed from the outset to be easily accessible, repairable, and/or replaceable to ensure that the rig's able to maximize its on-road time.

It's lighter than other competitors due in large part to its aluminum cab, and boasts a 3% increase in fuel efficiency over its predecessors thanks to a design that was perfected using Freightliner's wind tunnel, which is the only one designed for vehicles of this class. Driver and passenger are not ignored either. The cab features car-inspired ergonomics, an improved HVAC system, copious sound-deadening measures, larger seats that sit on their own shock absorbers tuned to the trucks suspension settings, improved lighting, and more. You can get additional details via the Cascadia website and DCX's press release, which is pasted after the jump.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading Freightliner announces new big rig: the Cascadia

Freightliner announces new big rig: the Cascadia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cascadiadetroit dieselDetroitDieselfreightlinerWed, 09 May 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes for three bills]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/19/upgrade-from-a-dodge-to-a-mercedes-for-three-bills/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/19/upgrade-from-a-dodge-to-a-mercedes-for-three-bills/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/19/upgrade-from-a-dodge-to-a-mercedes-for-three-bills/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Some of the world's automotive conglomerates are more guilty of badge engineering than others. With very few exceptions, the acquisition of Chrysler by Daimler-Benz (call it a merger if you like, but we're not fooled) is not among the worst offenders. The Chrysler 300C may look to some like a Benz, and the Crossfire may be built on an old SLK platform, but Mercedes isn't selling rebadged Vipers overseas and Jeep hasn't slapped its own label on a G-wagon. (Yet.) The most notable exception comes from the commercial side of operations, where DCX brings the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van over to the North American market as a Dodge or Freightliner. There was no hiding it, either, as the American "version" kept all the same components, body panels, even the name. Just the badge was changed. But Montana-based OEM Sprinter Parts can switch it back for you if you'd like.

Because DaimlerChrysler didn't change anything beside the badging, the "conversion kits" are relatively straightforward. You can get the Mercedes grille (complete with three-pointed star and optional 316CDI grille badge), wheel hubs, interior fittings...the works, right down to the signature sticker for the windshield. The whole kit costs less than $300 for most models. Now that's the cheapest upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes you'll find anywhere.

[Source: OEM Sprinter Parts via Winding Road]

Upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes for three bills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzconversiondcxdodgefreightlinerkitmercedessprinterTue, 19 Dec 2006 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat's Ducato officially released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/25/m/#commentsFiled under:

We first showed you a sneak peak of Fiat's new Ducato commercial truck when a small photo first surfaced on the Internet back in mid-March. But with the official unveiling of the lineup, a brace of new, larger snapshots have become available, along with the range's full story. As we reported earlier, van buyers will have the choice of three wheelbases and heights, along with four lengths. Those just purchasing the chassis (for fitment of aftermarket configurations like a flatbed or Ambulance) will have five lengths tied to four wheelbase options.

The Ducato's fortunes are pivotal to Fiat, with 1.7 million units shifted over the last 25 years. Check out more photos inside and out, along with the press materials at the link.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Fiat's Ducato officially released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 May 2006 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial vanCommercialVanDodge SprinterDodgeSprinterDucatoFiatFord EconolineFordEconolineFreightlinerwhite van manWhiteVanManThu, 25 May 2006 19:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shot: Ford Econoline mule spotted sporting rhinoplasty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/spy-shot-ford-econoline-mule-spotted-sporting-rhinoplasty/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/spy-shot-ford-econoline-mule-spotted-sporting-rhinoplasty/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/spy-shot-ford-econoline-mule-spotted-sporting-rhinoplasty/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One could be forgiven for thinking that the temperature in Hell is taking a precipitous dive after looking at the photo above. After all, when was the last time you saw a Ford Econoline test mule, with its tacit promise of a coming update? After all, the current E-Series has been trudging on for decades with changes few and far between. This, despite consistently selling in big numbers.

Well, the fine folks at BlueOvalNews.com have snagged this tester rolling around Dearborn, with the camouflage clearly covering a revamped front end. Expect the soon-to-be-everywhere tri-bar grille to take up residence in the van's snout, along with revamped headlights and fascia.

We can only hope beneath the refreshed bodywork, there are some substantive mechanical and interior changes to the 200,000/year seller as well. BON reports that the Econoline revamp will likely hit dealers in 2007, with the promise of a new 6.4-liter Powerstroke diesel available underhood.

[Source: BlueOvalNews.com]

Spy shot: Ford Econoline mule spotted sporting rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalDearbornDodgeSprinterE-SeriesEconolineFordFreightlinerSprinterVanvanningWed, 19 Apr 2006 11:36:00 EST