Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

Last week, Mercedes-Benz released the details for the updated 2013 Sprinter intended for global markets, but this week it has announced what changes are being made to the US-spec version of the van for the 2014 model year, including the Freightliner model. As expected, most of the changes made to the European model will be present on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when it goes on sale in the US, which is expected to be this fall.

The biggest difference between the Sprinter announced last week and the one headed to our shores is what is found under the hood. While European Sprinters will come with diesel engines and offer the availability of a supercharged four-cylinder gasoline or CNG engine, US Sprinters will still offer the 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel. This year's Sprinter now comes standard with a new base engine, the 2.1-liter four-cylinder BlueTEC diesel. This smaller engine will produce 161 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and will be paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission; the optional 3.0 V6 puts out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and will be mated to a six-speed auto.

Fuel economy for the new Sprinter has not been announced, but Mercedes-Benz has made numerous changes with the goal of improving efficiency. To this end you'll find a new, low-friction rear axle and the optimization for the generator, fuel pump and power steering pump.

All of the other changes will carryover to the US including the revised exterior styling, the updated interior (which has not been revealed yet) and the advanced safety features such as collision prevention, blind spot detection and lane keep assist. Oddly enough, it appears that US Sprinter models will not be getting the Crosswind Assist feature. Mercedes-Benz USA has limited the number of images it revealed with this press release, so some of the models shown in the original gallery might not be offered in the US.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details

Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Renault

Daimler and Renault officially joined hands in April 2010. Since then, Nissan has agreed to build engines for the Germans, Daimler is expected to construct a plant near the Nissan plant in Mexico, the Smart ForFour and Renault Twingo will share platforms and electric siblings and the same Renault manufacturing facility, and Mercedes is supposedly considering a Renault-based X-Class vehicle to slot between Smart and the A-Class. Not bad for less than three years' work.

But wait, there's more. According to a report in Automotive News, the two firms are talking about developing a large van. When it comes to big cargo haulers, Mercedes is in bed with Volkswagen at the moment, but the contract has just three more years to run and VW has announced its intention to go solo on the next-generation van.

This wouldn't be the first commercial vehicle tie-up for the brands: Mercedes already uses the Renault Kangoo as the base for its Citan. Both Daimler and Renault have confirmed the talks, but have not confirmed a French newspaper report that the manufacturing site has already been chosen in France.

Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes Sprinter updated to take on Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

By the end of this year, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be the second-oldest nameplate in its segment here in the States, but with hot new competition waiting in the wings, Mercedes-Benz is giving its hauler a freshened look and more equipment to stave off rivals. The Sprinter was a pioneer in bringing Euro-style delivery vans to North America, and it's inspired others to transplant their Continental offerings, with the all-new Ford Transit and Ram Promaster models launching shortly. It will also continue to do battle with lower-cost traditional competitors like the Chevrolet Express and Ford E-Series.

The big Sprinter will thus get a new look to go with more safety features and available technology. While the information released here technically covers the Euro-spec 2013 Sprinter (which goes on sale in September), the US market is expected to get the new Sprinter for the 2014 model year with many of the same features. Some of this new technology includes a Crosswind Assist feature as standard equipment and the availability of Collision Prevention Assist and Blind Spot Assist as optional safety measures - Mercedes-Benz says that all three are firsts for any van in the world. Also added to the updated Sprinter is a new 1.8-liter supercharged gasoline (or CNG) engine producing 156 horsepower, which will complement the line of diesel engines that carry over and help make the Sprinter the first cargo van to meet the upcoming Euro VI emissions standards. Buyers will get to choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic, which ought to further aid fuel economy. Additionally, a lower ride height is said to improve fuel economy and should improve handling while aiding ingress and egress for both people and cargo.

In terms of styling, the Sprinter's new face also looks more like the current line of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. This includes a more upright grille along with changes to the hood, headlights and bumper that lend it a closer kinship to models like the CLS-Class and the updated E-Class. The Sprinter will offer both halogen and HID headlights, while the latter will get LED running lamps and offer Highbeam Assist. The images shown here only reveal the exterior from front angles, but it looks like few, if any, changes have been made to the rear of the van. Interior upgrades include a thicker steering wheel, a new shift lever and the latest in audio, navigation and entertainment systems. Scroll down for the official press release for the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Continue reading Mercedes Sprinter updated to take on Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster

Mercedes Sprinter updated to take on Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog drives to the Arctic Circle

Chris Paukert — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Truck, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, New Car Reviews, Diesel

In Which Mercedes' Sprinter Becomes A Long-Distance Sherpa

In the wintery wilds of northern Alaska, even the cute little critters want to kill you.

As I am about to nod off on my long leg flight from Minneapolis to Anchorage ahead of driving to the Arctic Circle, the friendly twenty-something Alaskan knitting furiously in the seat next to me pauses and says, "When you're driving up there, don't open your windows." In the dead of winter? I hadn't planned on cruising alfresco, but her warning to keep the glazing snugged against the weatherstripping is one I would take to heart. She continues: "If you leave 'em open, a fox is liable to jump right in. There are lots of rabid foxes up there, and they leap into your car and just Go. To. Town." And here I was, thinking that a curious bear or maybe an ill-placed moose in the road was going to be my biggest potential four-legged threat. In the wintery wilds of northern Alaska, even the cute little critters want to kill you.

Bedraggled after two flights and a long layover, I reach my hotel room nursing a toothache and a suddenly metastasizing cold. I manage to down half a reindeer burger from room service and a sleeping pill, and with a cute red fox taking the place of the killer rabbit in that scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail stuck on mental replay, I hit the pillow, wondering what in the hell I've gotten myself into.

The next day starts early, and I meet my fellow adventurers-to-be at the morning briefing. We're assembled at the Anchorage Sheraton at the behest of Mercedes-Benz Canada, and our plan is to drive from Anchorage to the former mining camp of Coldfoot, which lies inside the Arctic Circle. In Sprinter commercial vans. At 1,264 miles, it's the last leg of a longer endurance run that started out in Edmonton. We'll stop for the night in Fairbanks, then run alongside the 800-mile-long Trans-Alaskan Pipeline before saying hello to the Arctic Circle. From there, we'll venture up to Coldfoot Camp, where we'll hopefully stand directly underneath the Northern Lights. Then we'll do the whole thing in reverse, ending up in this very hotel five days from now.

Continue reading Autoblog drives to the Arctic Circle

Autoblog drives to the Arctic Circle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The List #0011: Drive to the Arctic Circle

John Neff — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, The List

The List is back! The show took a hiatus after its first season, partly to give our hosts a much-needed break, and partly to gear up for its television debut on Speed - check out tonight's new episode at 10:30PM EST/PST. But Jessi and Patrick have finally returned to Autoblog, and they're back with a slate of new episodes that begins with this epic adventure that should definitely be on your list of 1,001 Car Things To Do Before You Die.

We've asked Jessi and Patrick to do some crazy, even dangerous, things during the course of producing this show (racing in the Baja 1000 comes to mind), but never before have they returned from an assignment a little surprised that they made it back.

Indeed, the Arctic Circle is a big, desolate and dangerous place to go for a drive, but it's also beautiful, challenging and rewarding in a way that few other road trips can be. Thanks to an invitation by Mercedes-Benz and the company's support crew, Jessi and Patrick teamed up with Autoblog executive editor Chris Paukert to attempt to drive a diesel Sprinter van to the Arctic Circle in the dead of winter for this mission. They returned with all of their fingers and toes intact to tell you the story, but did they make all the way there? You'll have to watch it below to find out.

Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.

Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Click here to find out when the next episode will be televised on Speed.

Continue reading The List #0011: Drive to the Arctic Circle

The List #0011: Drive to the Arctic Circle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW looking to MAN up, ditch Mercedes van deal

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

Unlike the US, the commercial truck market throughout the rest of the world is chocked full of competitors from many different automakers. Since 2006, Volkswagen has had a fullsize van called the Crafter that was a result of a partnership with Daimler AG and based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This partnership is supposed to last through 2016, but Reuters is reporting that VW might be looking to end its relationship with Daimler and create its own van in cooperation with German truck and bus maker MAN.

The article says that VW AG has more than a 75-percent stake in MAN, which would essentially be keeping the new commercial vehicle in-house. Even if VW bolts, Daimler still has a deal worked out in the commercial truck industry between its subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso and Renault-Nissan to supply the other with different trucks.

VW looking to MAN up, ditch Mercedes van deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hartmann channels Air Force One with new Sprinter-based SP5 Conference van

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Believe it or not, Hartmann isn't all about high-performance vehicles. The company just showed off its latest take on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The SP5 Conference boasts an interior inspired by the trappings of Air Force One and features front seats that can swivel 180 degrees to face rear passengers. You know, for conferencing and the like.

A small table can be folded into place and boasts swivel function of its own. Beyond the rear, forward-facing seats, a kitchenette with cabinet space, a Nespresso coffee machine and a handful of 12-volt outlets for other appliances. Ambient lighting spread throughout the cabin helps set the mood indoors, and extensive insulation work keeps the interior cozy even when the weather isn't.

Of course, The SP5 Conference couldn't wear the Hamann name without a few exterior flourishes thrown into the mix. The van is equipped with a complete body kit, including a new front fascia, side sills and rear valance. Massive 20 inch wheels are part of the exterior treatment as well.

Hartmann channels Air Force One with new Sprinter-based SP5 Conference van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat may supply Ram Van replacement for Dodge

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Work, Chrysler, Rumormill, Fiat

Fiat Ducato - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's looking like Chrysler may be ready to re-badge a couple more European vans and bring them to our shores. The automaker is reportedly weighing the option of bringing the pint-sized
front-wheel-drive Fiat Doblo, its bigger brother the Ducato and the seriously meaty Iveco Daily to these shores, all vans to be marketed under the recently minted Ram brand.

We figure that Chrysler would aim the Doblo squarely at the Ford Transit Connect, another European hauler repurposed for the U.S., while the Ducato would slot nicely in the hole left by the departed Dodge Sprinter. For bigger jobs, enter the Iveco Daily, which sees use in nearly every other part of the world to haul just about anything.

Fiat may supply Ram Van replacement for Dodge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz seen doubling Sprinter van sales

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

Brilliant Van based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are currently enjoying impressive sales. Wards Auto is reporting that the Silver Arrow is on track to nearly double the diesel workhorse's sales this year. Deliveries through May are up 102.1 percent compared to the same time a year ago, bringing the total to 5,185 units. Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold 8,600 Sprinter vehicles. Right now, 108 of the 353 Mercedes-Benz dealerships sell the Sprinter along with a handful of Freightliner dealers, though that number is growing. The vans were previously sold by Chrysler as Dodge products. That changed when the smallest of the Big Three jumped into bed with Fiat.

The passenger van starts at $39,000 and boasts 24 option packages and 200 stand-alone options. As a result, the vehicle is beginning to gain traction with chauffer services and families with more children than sense.

Mercedes-Benz seen doubling Sprinter van sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S.

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito van range - Click above to enlarge image

Mercedes-Benz has been sufficiently pleased with the performance of its Sprinter van that it is now seriously considering importing a smaller sibling for its full-size load lugger.

Benz has offered a smaller commercial vehicle, the Vito, in various world markets since 1996, and the second-generation model underwent a mild facelift in 2010. Available with a range of CDI diesel engines in both cargo and passenger-carrying configurations, the Vito has recently been testing in all-electric E-Cell guise. If the Vito does make it to North America, we're unlikely to get the complete range - this light commercial vehicle is available in three lengths, two roof heights and in both rear- and all-wheel drive.

While the Vito is indeed smaller than the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter carryall, it's not as diminutive as the Ford Transit Connect we've come to know in the States. In its smallest form, the baby Benz spans 187.5 inches, nearly seven inches more than the Turkish Ford. In extra-long format, the Vito rings up at 206.2 inches, which is still well shy of the aged Ford E-Series van (216.7 inches in its shortest form), making the Vito something of a tweener in size.

For the moment, our source tells us that the idea of importing the Vito is in "an early stage," and even though consumer clinics have been held to judge market interest, the van has not yet been given the green light.

Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Sprinter passenger vans face seatbelt recall

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on its website that Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2008-2011 model year Sprinter vans for a passenger compartment seatbelt issue. The recall, which is only valid for Sprinter vans with a second row bench seat, concerns seat belts that might not lock as required. Additionally, NHTSA adds that "the assembly loop may not perform to minimum force requirements."

Seatbelt recalls are always serious considering that they are typically the first, best line of defense in the event of an accident. In such cases, passengers with defective belts may not be properly fastened, which could lead to increased risk of injury or death.

Since Mercedes-Benz took over responsibility for the sales and service of all Sprinter Vans (including Dodge-branded models) back in 2009, owners of affected vehicles will need to take their vans to the nearest Mercedes retail outlet for repairs. The dealers will inspect and replace any seat belt assemblies that don't meet requirements. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: 2007 Dodge Sprinter

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Dodge Sprinter passenger vans face seatbelt recall

Dodge Sprinter passenger vans face seatbelt recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes brings the Maybach touch to the Sprinter

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz

Brilliant Van based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is perfect for shuttling a half-dozen people to the airport, but what if you prefer a ride that's a bit more upscale, yet still want enough room to stand up and mill about? Brilliant Transportation has the answer, and its Brilliant Van doesn't just add a touch of luxury, it makes a Maybach seem downright plebeian.

The Brilliant Van is essentially a top-shelf limousine with way more head room. Rather than rows of seats, this luxury Sprinter comes equipped with four leather thrones that wouldn't look out of placing in a mansion's drawing room. Inside, passengers can watch TV on one of two 32-inch flat screens and listen to music through an eight-speaker audio setup. The TV screens grab a DirecTV signal and occupants can block out the rest of the passengers through wireless headphones. If you want to get on the Internet, the Brilliant Van is equipped with WiFi, and also features a color-printer and hands-free phone system.

Brilliant Transportation currently operates fleets in New York and Los Angeles. That's perfect for us, because we've been looking for a proper vehicle to shuttle us to Las Vegas. This way we don't have to plunk down $190,000 for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition.

Gallery: Brilliant Van based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes brings the Maybach touch to the Sprinter

Mercedes brings the Maybach touch to the Sprinter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition - Click above for high-res image

Here in North America we know Mercedes-Benz as purveyors of luxury automobiles. But overseas, the Silver Star is known just as much for its commercial trucks. In between exists a huge chasm, but if one vehicle is capable of single-handedly bridging that gap, it's surely the Sprinter Grand Edition.

Now you may have seen the Sprinter delivering your packages or taking you to the airport, but this is no cargo van or mini bus. Offered exclusively by Mercedes-Benz Manhattan - the manufacturer-owned dealership on Park Avenue - the Sprinter Grand Edition is everything an upscale buyer would expect from a Mercedes and then some.

It's referred to as a "stand-up Maybach" for a reason, and that reason is what it packs inside: DVD players hooked up to pair of 32-inch flat-panel televisions, reclining power massage arm chairs, sofa bed, refrigerator, 30,000-BTU HVAC system, satellite radio, wireless internet... it's essentially a private jet inside, only installed into a van.

The privilege of ownership will cost you though: instead of the $40,000 your average working-grade Sprinter sells for, the fully-equipped Grand Edition goes for a hair under $190,000. That makes it marginally more expensive than the SLS AMG supercar and chump change cheaper than the S65 AMG performance sedan... but still around half the price of a Maybach. Want to know more? Follow the jump for a full list of features.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via The New York Times]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sprinkles Cupcakes are a Southern California institution. They taste amazing and the stores often have lines out the door because the delectable treats are just. that. good. Knowing that automotive journalists are a particularly hungry bunch and fans of things that are free, Sprinkles teamed up with Merecedes-Benz and West Coast Customs to create the "Sprinklesmobile" - a Sprinter van-turned cupcake delivery vehicle. Certainly, the Sprinter provides a solid cupcake-selling platform as well as a rolling billboard.

Andrea Lendardin, who proudly wears the title of Sprinkles' Architect, worked with West Coast Customs to create this movable treat delivery device. In the rear of the Sprinter sits an air-conditioning unit that can hold up to 1,500 cupcakes and is powered by a 2,800-Watt electric generator. A power-operated awning covers the display area and a window with a cash-register sits just behind the passenger door. The Sprinter also helps Sprinkles in the fuel department since this rig sips diesel; the fuel economy on the Sprinklesmobile is around 22 miles per gallon.

Hop the jump to read more about the Sprinklesmobile while we run back downstairs to try and grab another ~~six~~ cupcakes.

Gallery: LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

Photos copyright 2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz

Daimler 16 passenger Sprinter shuttle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Travelers across American can expect to see a new addition to the airport rental, parking and hotel shuttle fleets with the availability of a new version of the familiar Sprinter from Daimler Vans USA. The new shuttle version differs from the existing passenger van with the installation of a hinged, bus-style passenger door that can be remotely activated by the driver.

The long body, high roof van is available in four seating configurations including the familiar perimeter style of airport shuttles or a commuter version with 16 forward-facing seats and an aisle down the middle with two seats on one side and a single seat on the other. Naturally, the existing cargo, chassis cab and passenger Sprinters remain available.

Gallery: Daimler 16 passenger Sprinter shuttle

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter

Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Renault-Nissan tieup with Daimler could result in commercial van linkages

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault

2011 Nissan NV2500 HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault-Nissan's partnership with Daimler is only a couple of days old, but the three companies have already divulged plenty of information on possible synergies. For example, the three automakers will work together on a small car platform that will one day underpin the Renault Twingo and future Smart cars. The companies will also collaborate on engine projects and share U.S. factory space.

Automotive News reports that another area where the three companies can find synergies is with commercial vans. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche intimated as much during the press conference, adding "we have no concrete plans yet, but these are certainly areas of investigation which might lead to results." Nissan is just getting its feet wet in the segment with the spanking new NV2500, while Daimler has a much more established van, the extremely capable (if pricey) Sprinter. Since commercial vans is one of the few areas where the companies will compete, the best way to combine efforts is through the manufacturing process.

The NV2500 begins production in Canton, Miss this fall, while the Sprinter is assembled from imported kit components at Daimler's Charleston, S.C. plant. Since Daimler doesn't have an engine plant in the U.S., the German automaker can benefit financially from Nissan engines built in Decherd, Tennessee. The move would improve Nissan's economies of scale at its engine plant, while Daimler stands to save metric tons of money, since European labor costs are high and the company loses cash by the bucket due to the high value of the euro compared to the dollar. Sounds like a cargo-hauling match made in heaven to us.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: New Renault-Nissan tieup with Daimler could result in commercial van linkages originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz

Last year, there were 350 dealers selling Sprinters, but the signs in front of those dealerships had the word "Dodge" on them. Now that Sprinters have been pulled from Chrysler's pipeline, Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz has established its own U.S. van subsidiary and is canvassing dealers to sell the hardy haulers.

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you're looking for a Sprinter, you'll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd.]

Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

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.

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Vantastic: Hartmann-tuned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Work

Click the image above to view a 15-image high-resolution gallery

The bulk of the Mercedes-Benz range gets alphanumeric designations. One of the few exceptions is the utility van which, versatile though it is, is not the first vehicle that would otherwise spring to mind in association with the name Sprinter. Duesseldorf-based tuning house Hartmann is doing its part to rectify that, however, with its new SP5 package.

The kit features an aero body kit with sportier front bumper, grille, side sills and rear apron, a new exhaust system with twin tailpipes, and though they don't look it in relation to the towering height of the vehicle itself, the wheels have been upgraded to 19" alloys with 255/55 R19 tires. Hartmann also does its magic in the cabin as well, with dash kits in wood or carbon fiber and chrome trim. Hartmann says its van conversion would make a good platform for a mobile office, promotional vehicle or delivery van for "exclusive products", and offers an array of engine mods depending on the stock powertrain chosen to make it more, you know... sprinty. Don't expect to see a brown one delivering your UPS packages anytime soon, though.

[Source: Carscoop]

Gallery: Hartmann Mercedes Sprinter SP5

Vantastic: Hartmann-tuned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago '08 Preview: Ford Transit Connect rumored to arrive

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the Ford Transit Connect

We reported last January that the European Ford Transit Connect would be coming to the U.S., and now we've learned that the Euro van is expected to join the assemblage of debuts at this year's Chicago Auto Show. Speculation is that the front-wheel-drive mini-ish vans will hit showrooms as a 2009 model and come with a 4-cylinder engine. It is also said to have seating for five, but meant to compete with another, larger European transplant, the Dodge Sprinter. Since Ford hasn't even acknowledged that the vehicle will be at Chicago, it hasn't issued a price, but MSRP for the Sprinter Van is $32,150 and the Sprinter Wagon goes for $34,350. If nothing else, we're happy to see Ford's European migration this way continuing, and there's even a Transit Connect SportVan! Now if we could work on some of those passenger car offerings...

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Sport Concept

Chicago '08 Preview: Ford Transit Connect rumored to arrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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