Category: Official Press Release

06.

February 2018

Duisburg/Stuttgart

Press Contact for this Press Release (3)

Florian Martens

Head of Global Communications Commercial Vehicles

florian.martens@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-41525

Fax: +49 711 17-52006

Susanne Lenz

Head of Global Business Communications
Daimler Commercial Vehicles

susanne.k.lenz@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-41526

Fax: .

Peter Smodej

Business Communications Commercial Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz Vans, Plants Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde, International Plants

peter.smodej@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-41560

Fax: +49 711 17-79078088

Mercedes‑Benz Vans’ new Sprinter puts first tailored integral system solution for a wide range of industries on the road New edition of global bestseller from Mercedes‑Benz Vans is now available for order – European market launch in June 2018 New benchmarks in terms of connectivity, safety and diversity – also with electric drive as of 2019 Mercedes PRO connect links fleet managers with vehicles and drivers – new MBUX multimedia system with touch and voice control Investment of approximately 2.5 billion euros Dieter Zetsche: “More than 20 years ago, the Sprinter established the segment that bears its name today. Since then, it has set new benchmarks for large vans through innovation time and again. No wonder it’s one of the bestsellers in Daimler's portfolio.” Volker Mornhinweg: “Our new Sprinter is the first van of a new type – a fully connected integral system solution. We have made it even better with regard to its traditional strengths and have supplemented it with intelligent products and services.”
Duisburg/Stuttgart – Mercedes‑Benz today celebrated the world premiere of the latest generation of its successful Sprinter model. With the new edition of the bestseller, Mercedes‑Benz Vans now marks the start of the digital age in this vehicle segment. As the first fully connected integral system solution, the third generation of the Sprinter demonstrates the development of the division from purely a vehicle manufacturer into a provider of complete transport and mobility solutions. With new connectivity services, electric drive and individual hardware solutions for the cargo space, the large van will make customers' business in a connected world significantly more efficient.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes‑Benz Cars, Wilfried Porth, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and Director of Labor Relations & Mercedes‑Benz Vans of Daimler AG, and Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes‑Benz Vans, presented the new flagship van of the brand bearing the three‑pointed star to approximately 250 international journalists at a logistics center in Duisburg docks.
Investment of approximately 2.5 billion euros
Dieter Zetsche: “More than 20 years ago, the Sprinter established the segment that bears its name today. Since then, it has set new benchmarks for large vans through innovation time and again. No wonder it’s one of the bestsellers in Daimler's portfolio.”
“We are investing some €2.5 billion around the globe in the new Sprinter's development, its worldwide production network, and sales and after-sales,” stated Dieter Zetsche.
The current model of the Sprinter has been on the market since 2006. The new Sprinter is available for order now and will be launched in the European market starting in June 2018. The other markets will follow gradually. With an attractive price level starting in Germany at 19,990 euros (excluding VAT) for the entry-level version with front-wheel drive, the new Sprinter offers every customer a model tailored precisely to his or her needs.
First fully connected integral system solution
Volker Mornhinweg: “As a world van, the Sprinter is on the roads in over 130 countries and has now been sold more than 3.4 million times. It has also fully lived up to its reputation as a bestseller in its last year of the current model: In total, we sold about 200,500 Sprinter vans worldwide in 2017 – more than ever before.”& lt; /p>
“Our new Sprinter is the first van of a new type – a fully connected integral system solution. We have made it even better with regard to its traditional strengths and have supplemented it with intelligent products and services. This makes the Sprinter an integral part of the value chain. So we are unlocking a new dimension in terms of efficiency, flexibility, connectivity and profitability for our customers. And we are doing it precisely tailored to each particular industry,” Mornhinweg added.
Numerous additional variants serve every new customer’s needs
The Sprinter is already used in a diverse range of industries today: in classic courier services on the last delivery mile, and there increasingly to deliver fresh foods (“e-grocery”), in private and public passenger transport, as a camper van, as a mobile workshop in various trades, as well as in construction transport, but also as a rolling parts warehouse for service technicians.
Social and economic developments, especially urbanization and the growth of online retailing, are rapidly changing the needs of van customers. Growing transportation needs will have to be met even faster and more efficiently in the future and, above all, in an environmentally friendly way. Mercedes-Benz Vans is responding to these new requirements in many ways. For example, the service sector is one of the comparatively traditional industries where pressure to change has now also arrived. Connectivity solutions in particular are creating opportunities for optimization or are even positively influencing the business case. One example in this regard is so-called “in-van delivery”, which allows service providers to restock the vehicle overnight with parts ordered directly from within the vehicle.
The new Sprinter therefore offers customers in a diverse range of industries more specific possible applications than ever before. It comes in more than 1,700 variants – depending on body type, drive system, cab design, body length, payload, cargo-space height and equipment versions. The variety of seats offered ranges from two individual seats in the cab of a commercially used vehicle to up to 20 seats for 19 passengers plus driver. Maximum cargo volume is 17 cubic meters, with payloads of up to 5.5 metric tons.
Electrification of the commercial fleet: eSprinter to follow in 2019
In addition to the systematic further development of its highly efficient diesel engines, Mercedes-Benz Vans will in the future also offer locally emission-free electric drive in all segments and will push forward with the electrification of the commercial fleet. A start has been made with the eVito, which has been available for order since November 2017 with deliveries starting in the second half of 2018. The eVito will be followed by the eSprinter in 2019. In dialogue between customers and the experts of Mercedes-Benz Vans, operator concepts are individually tailored to industry requirements, fleet size, driving profile to the architectural conditions for establishing a proprietary charging infrastructure on a company’s premises, thus creating a comprehensive ecosystem. In addition, basic electric vehicles can be precisely adapted to the particular intended purpose in terms of range or payload. With regard to operating costs, the electric vans are on par with comparable models powered by a diesel engine. The electric models are primarily designed for operations in city centers.
Tapping additional potential in the growing camper van market
Mercedes-Benz Vans is expanding its strong position in the growth market of camper vans with the new Sprinter. The new model will be available for the first time also with front-wheel drive to meet demand in this segment even better. As a result of the new design, the possible payload of this variant has been improved. A lower floor makes getting in and out of the living and sleeping area of camper vans – but also the loading and unloading of commercially used vehicles – considerably more convenient. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans now offers the new Sprinter on this basis also as a tractor head, where the powertrain, fuel tank and all other major components are located in front of or under the cab. This gives bodybuilders completely free rein to design the rear vehicle section and further increases the possible applications of the new Sprinter. The new tractor head in the class with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 5.5 metric tons creates additional leeway for the development of new concepts in the field of high-quality and high-comfort camper vans.
Fully connected, the new Sprinter turns the camper van into a smart home on wheels
In the camper van variant, the new Sprinter with new digital control possibilities turns into a fully connected smart home on wheels – and thereby into a true “smart camper.” In the future, a new interface module will create the basis for intelligently connecting the basic vehicle with the camper body and its functions. This will enable all the camper van functions to be controlled from one place – via the infotainment system or by smartphone. The Mercedes-Benz Camper App will then allow access to the vehicle from anywhere in the world. This will enable for example the heating to be switched on in advance after a day on the ski slopes, so that the camper van can welcome the family with pleasant temperatures. The vehicle and living area will combine to form a smart unit that has no equal in the camper van market.
Mercedes PRO connect links fleet managers with vehicles and drivers
Two combined digital systems make the new Sprinter fit for every conceivable logistics and transport requirement in a connected world.
On the one hand, the new Sprinter is equipped with Mercedes PRO connect, a connectivity system for fleet customers from micro-enterprises to key account customers. The web-based service links fleet managers with all vehicles and drivers in the fleet via the Vehicle Management Tool. At the market launch of Mercedes PRO connect as an ex-factory solution, eight packages will be introduced with central fleet, vehicle, driver and location-based services. These will include for example Vehicle Supervision, Vehicle Operations, Fleet Communication, Maintenance and Repair Management and a digital Driver's Logbook. Vehicle Supervision displays all relevant vehicle data as well as the usage of the vehicle over a defined period. Vehicle Operations includes accessing the location of vehicles almost in real time or providing information about when a vehicle enters or leaves a defined area (geofencing). Sending messages, addresses or contact details between the Vehicle Management Tool and the Mercedes PRO connect app improves fleet communication, while information about upcoming vehicle servicing facilitates maintenance management. Moreover, dynamic route guidance ensures significant advantages over static route planning in advance of a delivery tour.
MBUX multimedia system with touchscreen and voice control
Furthermore, the new MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is available in the new Sprinter. It was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January. The system also provides the access to Mercedes PRO connect. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the system is capable of learning, has a 10.25-inch display with HD resolution, and is controlled either with touch-enabled steering wheel controls, the touchscreen, or an all-new voice control system. It offers the driver maximum convenience to allow him to focus on his actual task.
Assistance and safety systems on passenger car level
Despite their relatively large dimensions, commercially used vehicles must remain controllable even in critical situations. With the new Sprinter, many optional safety and assistance systems are now available from Mercedes-Benz Vans that were previously the preserve of the passenger car series. These include the radar-based distance control system DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. The optional Parking package with 360-degree camera makes another important contribution to relieving driver workload. If the optional Blind Spot Assist is on board in addition to the Parking package, this recognizes traffic and pedestrians crossing behind the vehicle and can also brake autonomously in an emergency. Crosswind Assist is of course also on board as standard, as it makes van journeys considerably safer, especially at higher speeds and on motorways for example. Traffic Sign Assist draws additional attention to speed limits, no-entry and no-overtaking restrictions and their cancellation.
Comfort and ergonomics at the driver’s workplace
Driver and co-driver must be able to perform their duties efficiently and consistently. As an optional extra, there is no need to search for the key when entering the new Sprinter, as the vehicle can be started with the start/stop button. Optimized climate control systems ensure pleasant interior temperatures. Newly designed seats can be adapted precisely to the driver’s individual requirements and thereby allow an ergonomically favorable posture also on longer journeys.
New Sprinter embodies the adVANce future initiative
The new Sprinter embodies the adVANce future initiative of Mercedes-Benz Vans. It reflects the strategic realignment from a pure vehicle manufacturer into a provider of complete mobility solutions. The key elements to cater for customers' diverse needs in the commercial transport sector are tailored solutions that help to increase efficiency and productivity throughout the value chain. The new Sprinter is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to make adVANce solutions tangible in practice. The van division concentrates on five areas of innovation that will be crucial for future success in the transport and logistical sector: In the area of connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the goal is optimum integration of a wide range of digital technologies into the vehicles of Mercedes-Benz Vans (DIGITAL@VANS). The aim of innovative hardware solutions (SOLUTIONS@VANS) is continuous improvement of cargo space and logistics, and adaptation to changing expectations in the transport sector. Mercedes-Benz Van Rental is the first time a brand has concentrated solely on renting out vans (RENTAL@VANS). One initial example of the development of innovative sharing services is the joint venture with the US start-up Via (SHARING@VANS). The eDRIVE@VANS innovation field is about the electrification of the powertrain.
High investment in German and worldwide production locations
In preparation for the new Sprinter generation, Mercedes-Benz Vans has made significant investments in its worldwide production network. A total of 450 million euros is being invested in the lead plant of worldwide Sprinter production in Düsseldorf and in the Sprinter plant in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg. This makes Mercedes-Benz Vans the only manufacturer in the segment of large vans that continues to produce also in Germany. Mercedes-Benz Vans is also investing 150 million US dollars for the new Sprinter at the Argentinian site in González Catán near Buenos Aires. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans is building a new full production facility for the Sprinter in the United States as an expansion of the existing assembly plant for vans. Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing some 500 million US dollars in this new facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, with completion and start of production scheduled for the second half of 2018. Worldwide start of production of the new Sprinter will be in Germany in early March.
Connected production technologies for the connected Sprinter
With start of production of the new Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans is putting new connected production technologies into series application. The reasons behind this move are the increasing requirements on production operations with regard to flexibility and efficiency, due in particular to the increased variant diversity of the new Sprinter. One example for the Düsseldorf plant is the so-called “paperless factory,” which applies state-of-the-art digital communication – including by touchscreen – in production operations. The plant in Ludwigsfelde relies on, among other things, RFID technology (radio-frequency identification), which locates and identifies parts automatically and contactlessly by radio.
Pictures of the new Sprinter and of the event are available online as of 4:30/5:00 p.m. at http://d.ai/NewSprinter & www.media.daimler.com.

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06.

February 2018

Stuttgart

Press Contact for this Press Release (3)

Peter Feneberg

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

peter.feneberg@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-47117

Fax: .

Albrecht Eckl

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Citan, Vito, Sprinter

albrecht.eckl@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-52131

Fax: +49 711 17-52038

Andrea Eberhardt

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

andrea.eberhardt@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-77370

Fax: +49 711 17-91437

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The highlights and management quotations at a glance

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Maximum modularity for all customer wishes: The new Sprinter – Intelligent, interactive and innovative

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Strategic realignment of Mercedes-Benz Vans: The new Sprinter brings the future initiative adVANce onto the roads

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Innovative leap in the large van segment: Connectivity, ergonomics, safety and functionality at passenger car level

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Perfect workplace with low TCO: Efficient and well-conceived down to the last detail

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Mercedes PRO connect: Premiere in the Sprinter class: the latest connectivity solutions on board ex factory for the first time

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Product intelligence and IT basis: Always online: with new connectivity solutions, the Sprinter becomes part of the Internet of Things

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Quick-change artist in more than 1700 variants: From a construction site vehicle to a luxury camper van: the new Sprinter is at home everywhere

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Numerous chassis and body variants: Perfectly adapted: more combination options and choices of body, tonnage or wheelbase

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Rear, front or all-wheel drive: The whole spectrum of drive concepts is covered by the new Sprinter

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Modern safety and assistance systems: Effective electronic helpers: keeping a safe distance, remaining on track or effortlessly manoeuvring and parking

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Mercedes-Benz design: Impressive business card for fleets and businesses

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Engines and transmissions: Optimised powertrain: more cost-effectiveness and improved refinement for all variants

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Suspension and tyres: Glass-fibre reinforced plastic springs for maximum payload, rear air suspension for maximum travelling comfort

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Payload and load capacity: Load capacity now increased to up to 17 cu. m., and the payload of the new Sprinter is also in the top rank

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Seat configuration: Tourer, shuttle or construction site pickup: made-to-measure comfort and functionality on all seats

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

Camper vans: Camper van solutions in the large van segment – the new front-wheel drive opens up completely new possibilities

Stuttgart, Feb 6, 2018

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06.

February 2018

Stuttgart/Duisburg

Press Contact for this Press Release (3)

Peter Feneberg

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

peter.feneberg@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-47117

Fax: .

Albrecht Eckl

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Citan, Vito, Sprinter

albrecht.eckl@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-52131

Fax: +49 711 17-52038

Andrea Eberhardt

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

andrea.eberhardt@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-77370

Fax: +49 711 17-91437

From construction site vehicle to VIP shuttle: a concept to suit any application Front-wheel drive makes new entry-level solutions possible for the CEP sector Specific adaptation for any transport requirement possible Bodies, engines, wheelbases or drive configurations: the new Sprinter is hard to beat when it comes to variety. The sectors and applications in which this iconic van is at home are as universal as the Sprinter itself. The following customer segments, applications and their specific challenges are cited here as examples of the numerous possibilities offered by the concept of the new Sprinter – more than ever before. The different applications at a glance:
1. CEP services: efficient and comfortable day-to-day deliveries
Online retailing and the CEP segment (Courier, Express, Parcel services) are two sides of the same coin. Growth has been stable for many years, as every package ordered online also has to be delivered. In 2016, the magic figure of three billion packages was broken in Germany for the first time. This means that the number has almost doubled since 2000. Industry experts expect an increase to over four billion deliveries per year by 2021. The growth rates are even more spectacular when viewed globally: while global parcel deliveries totalled around 44 billion in 2014, this figure grew by almost 48 percent in the space of two years to 65 billion parcels (source: Pitney Bowes 2017 – Parcel Shipping Index). This trend is far from flattening out – various studies still expect annual growth rates between six and eight percent per year through 2025. Only very few other sectors enjoy similar growth prospects.
As efficiency decreases over the last delivery mile in view of the strong growth in B2C, average earnings per consignment are continuously declining. This makes maximum efficiency the order of the day for the CEP sector. The avoidance of empty runs and the reduction of loading and unloading times are major control levers with a direct effect on profit margins. The ergonomic design of the delivery vehicles also helps to make workflows fast and effective, and avoid idle times or downtimes.
Cost-effectiveness is the top priority in the buying decision of many individual entrepreneurs. But the possibility of efficient, health-preserving working procedures is also a basic requirement. For example, the cab must be the perfect workplace, the loading sill should be low for easy loading and unloading, and the portfolio should include a favourably priced entry-level version for delivery transport.
The new Sprinter is the ideal partner for the CEP sector. Thanks to its front-wheel drive, the load compartment floor is 80 millimetres lower than on the predecessor. This immediately pays off in two ways: For the same body height, the additional space fully benefits the cargo capacity. But above all, the driver is able to get in and out at the rear more easily even without a step – a significant workload reduction with up to 180 deliveries per day. The ergonomics are also improved by the “driver's seat Plus” with its flattened seat cushion for frequent entry and exit. Front-wheel drive also gives the new Sprinter a significant weight advantage. The panel van relevant to the CEP sector weighs up to 50 kilograms less than the real-wheel drive. In the 3.5-tonne weight class, it is a particularly economical entry-level solution with the 84 kW base engine. With additional attributes such as loadable wheel arches or the optimised load compartment illumination by LED strips, the new Sprinter becomes the new benchmark in the CEP sector.
Particularly interesting for small and medium CEP fleets: with the market launch of the new Sprinter, Mercedes PRO connect provides eight connectivity packages that make for greater efficiency, lower operating costs, improved vehicle availability and optimised communication within the fleet. This considerably relieves the workload of managers, fleet management, controllers, dispatchers and drivers.
2. eGrocery: The food delivery sector is booming
The market for deliveries of fresh food has a gigantic growth potential. It is estimated that only around 0.6 percent of all food in Germany is ordered online (online survey by McKinsey). However, eGrocery is expected to show strong growth in the Sprinter's relevant key European markets and in the USA. McKinsey expects an annual growth rate of around 14.7 percent for online food orders in Germany through 2020, and forecasts a corresponding increase of 6.0 percent in Great Britain, 10.5 percent in France and 11.0 percent in the USA.
Time and cost pressure rules in this sector. Which means that workflows must be designed as efficient as possible. Ergonomically shaped seats and a low loading are factors in this regard. Just as important are the highest possible payload, as in the new Sprinter with front-wheel drive, and the systematic avoidance of downtimes. Assistance systems and the intelligent Maintenance Management of Mercedes PRO connect meet these requirements.
Transporting such perishable goods poses further challenges for the industry. In view of the enormous cost pressures in the industry, the extensively automated logging and loading of goods will be more and more imperative in future. But it is also all about professionalism. Because for small businesses to survive, the fleet's TCO must be as positive as its suitability for the hard daily routine: easy loading and unloading, absolute reliability and the certainty that the goods will reach the customer in perfect condition.
But above all, the van must fit the company's image. Especially in urban areas, online labels with only a few vehicles are establishing themselves as direct delivery services for regionally and organically grown fruit or vegetables, and they attach importance to their “carbon footprint”. Success in this sector is inseparably linked to sustainability.
The new Sprinter ticks all the boxes. A low loading sill or Keyless Start are features that make the working day considerably easier and improve efficiency when delivering food. In tight parking and manoeuvring situations, the Parking package with Parking Assist and reversing camera really comes to the fore. It warns the driver of obstacles with a visual and an audible alert. The sensors cover all areas in front of, next to and behind the vehicle.
With its low-emission engines the new Sprinter already supplies the best arguments for sustainability and its suitability as a refrigerated or delivery vehicle. An aspect that becomes even more important with the introduction of electrically powered variants.
3. Service: New options beyond the classic requirements
Service technicians use their vehicle as a mobile parts warehouse and for transporting the necessary workshop equipment. Driving is not the principal activity of the business – it is a means to an end. The vehicle is the only way to get to the scene quickly and efficiently, and find solutions for any challenge on site. The customer requirements in the service sector include e.g. a load compartment that can be individualised with shelving systems or a workbench. Equally important is use of the cab as a workplace to process customer orders, but above all the purchase price and operating costs must be low. The pressure to become more efficient is also growing in this traditional sector. First and foremost, connectivity solutions are creating opportunities for optimisation or are even changing the business case.
Materials and workshop management is one example of this. In-Van-Delivery, where the vehicle is loaded with e.g. replacement parts overnight, is becoming increasingly popular but also poses new challenges. Firstly, suppliers need to be given a key to the vehicle, and secondly, surplus parts are not removed when restocking the vehicle. The smart-return-box could provide the answer in future. There is no longer any need to juggle a bunch of keys, while unlocking can be limited to a certain time window if the vehicle is unlocked by a mobile phone app using modern connectivity services. Modern MBUX multimedia systems, which register the changing traffic situation practically in real time and dynamically adapt the routing accordingly, offer substantial cost and time savings.
State-of-the-art shelving solutions make for tidy and orderly load compartments. At the front, the driver and co-driver have a wealth of stowage facilities which can be tailored to the particular user profile and the everyday requirements.
However, the decisive factor for the service sector is that the wide portfolio of the new Sprinter also provides the suitable basis: for example, the front-wheel drive panel van with high roof provides generous space for parts and workshop equipment. It also has an 80 millimetres lower entry and loading height than the preceding model – which benefits the available interior height. The 84 kW base engine also impresses with a low purchase price and great economic efficiency in urban transport. Optimal power transfer is ensured by the new 9-speed automatic transmission with torque converter or the likewise newly developed 6-speed manual transmission.
4. Passenger transport: comfortable for passengers, efficient for operators
The passenger transport segment involves different target groups, each with their own specific requirements. Operators expect a reliable vehicle with which they can address the cost pressures in public and private passenger transport. Factors important to the driver are seating quality and the ergonomic design of the working area. If vehicles are used to provide shuttle services and promote the image of the company, quality and modern design are just as important as a luxurious and comfortable interior.
New mobility concepts, which also cover rural areas, require more individualisation of local public transport. Fixed routes and times will become a thing of the past. The vision of individualised public transport becomes possible with connectivity services. Passengers can use an app to request the new Sprinter. In this future scenario, submitted requests are displayed automatically in the telematics system, which automatically adapts the route giving due attention to the current traffic situation. The new Sprinter not only receives but also sends data. In future, seat sensors will register the number of passengers, report it to the app and reconcile the requests and available capacity. This ensures optimum utilisation of the service.
However, passengers not only wish to be transported from A to B, but also want to make good use of their time in the Sprinter in the greatest possible comfort. The interior concept of the new Sprinter is perfectly tailored to passenger needs also in terms of digitalisation: USB charging facilities ensure an adequate power supply, and an optional WiFi hotspot provides passengers with their own individual connections to the digital world. The centrepiece is the MBUX multimedia system, which is controlled via touchscreens or the multifunction steering wheel.
The enhanced value appeal at passenger car level in the cab and the rear area meets the different expectations and needs of all target groups. Thanks to the optional air suspension, passengers enjoy the comfort level they are accustomed to in a car. The air conditioning system positioned on the roof allows individual climate control settings in the passenger compartment, while the auxiliary heating creates a feel-good atmosphere on every seat.
Finally, and especially in shuttle operations, it is the right product concept that determines the character: In conjunction with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, it is in particular the only six-cylinder in the large van segment that enables the new Sprinter to master even the most demanding jobs in passenger transport with superior aplomb.
Safety also plays a central role. Innovative safety and assistance systems at passenger car level support the driver. Examples in this regard include the radar-based DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Crosswind Assist is also on board as standard. The optional Parking package including a 360-degree camera in conjunction with the 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia system helps the driver to master confusing situations. Traffic Sign Assist draws additional attention to speed limits, no-entry and no-overtaking restrictions and their cancellation. The Wiper System with rain sensor is also new in the Sprinter. The washer fluid is passed through the wiper arms, sprayed directly ahead of the wiper blades and immediately wiped away.
5. Construction sector: high performance even in extreme conditions
Construction transport not only involves short distances, but often also long journeys on motorways and country roads to reach the construction site. The crew naturally wishes to cover the distance as quickly and comfortably as possible. But the last hundred metres are often over rough terrain – through mud, sand and stones. And once they have arrived on site, vehicles are not treated with kid gloves.
Good to know that one can rely on a partner capable of meeting all requirements. Construction companies attach importance to powerful vehicles with a high tonnage – especially if they are often used on construction sites. They also want a van to be capable of taking a punishment yet still remain reliable, even in tough operating conditions and with frequent driver changes. Unplanned repairs are most unwelcome, as the crew's performance depends entirely on the vehicle's flawless operation.
Once on site, the new Sprinter shows its mettle. In conjunction with the on-demand all-wheel drive, it is configured for a gross weight of up to five tonnes – which also makes it ideal as a construction site vehicle for heavy bulk materials. A towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes also allows transporting heavy working equipment. And because clothing and shoes rarely stay clean on construction sites, the new Sprinter is highly impervious.
6. Tradespeople: image-promoter and all-rounder
Comparatively small fleets are predominant in the trade sector with its small and medium-size companies. The requirements of the different trades vary greatly. While roofers, tilers or carpenters are also interested in maximum payload and the integration of shelving systems for a mobile workshop, house painters are looking for a large cargo volume to transport ladders or scaffolding. Expectations are correspondingly high with respect to the versatility and flexibility of the few vehicles in the fleet. But all-round talents are also in demand within companies in the trade sector. Often enough the proprietor will be personally behind the wheel, and when visiting customers the Sprinter also takes on a representative role. Elsewhere its qualities as a workhorse for carrying materials are in demand, and with bench seats installed, the Sprinter must also perform well when as many employees as possible must reach the job site at the same time.
The new Sprinter meets the differing requirements with respect to e.g. load-carrying capability or a high-quality interior ambience with its wide range of options. Hard-wearing materials are also able to withstand high mechanical stress. If the working day is less robust, the workplace in the cab can also be adapted to meet high standards.
The Sprinter also shows this adaptability in the load compartment. A metal load compartment floor as standard equipment in the panel van covers the vast majority of needs. A heavy-duty floor is also available as an alternative for heavy loads – this is ideal for Sprinter in which the load is distributed over just a few points in the load compartment, for example in the case of shelving systems or particularly heavy or bulky items. If the load can be distributed more evenly, a new lightweight plastic floor comes into its own and increases the scope with respect to payload.
7. Special jobs: precious furniture can be accommodated just as well as bulky crates or heavy pallets
When bulky or heavy items such as interior fittings or made-to-measure furniture have to be carried, every last cubic centimetre of load capacity and an exemplary payload are called for. Small business owners such as carpenters or manufacturers of specialist furniture use their van both when purchasing heavy raw materials such as timber and to deliver finished products to customers or exhibition sites. Also where its external effect is concerned, the vehicle is directly related to the quality claims the owner makes for his own work.
With wheelbases of up to 4325 millimetres (rear-wheel drive) or 3924 millimetres (front-wheel drive) and a load compartment volume of up to 17 cu. m., the new Sprinter provides the ideal conditions in this regard. If the usable width of the load compartment is of prime importance, the super-single variant is the answer: despite a gross vehicle weight rating of five tonnes, it has single rear tyres. This leaves an available loading width of around 1.22 meters between the wheel arches, so that pallets can also be loaded sideways. As a positive side-effect, the single tyres help to save toll charges and tax in some countries.
The special supports in the entry boxes of the sliding door also show how well the new Sprinter is prepared for carrying bulky goods. These ensure that Euro-pallets or crates are more stable when cornering, and make for particularly safe transport. The robust, washable panelling on the load compartment walls underlines the suitability of the new Sprinter for special transport assignments.
Thanks to its connectivity solutions, the new Sprinter is always in contact with the company. Engines with up to 140 kW allow a car-like driving performance, while the latest assistance systems ensure a high safety level even with constant driver changes. And the outstanding ride comfort on all seats creates a pleasant atmosphere even on long journeys.
8. Camper vans: from panel van to traction head
The camper van market has grown continuously for almost ten years. Over 95,000 vehicles were registered in Europe in 2016, and almost 58,000 in the USA. In Germany alone, sales revenue of new vehicles increased from just under two to over four billion euros between 2009 and 2016. Alongside the trend towards panel vans and semi-integrated vehicles, an increasing desire for individualisation and comfort can be particularly observed in the upper price segment. For example, “best-agers” fulfilling their life's dream with a luxurious camper van costing between 80,000 and 160,000 euros are unwilling to go without conveniences that are considered normal in the premium car sector.
As fragmented as the camper van market might be, the new Sprinter has the ideal solution for every segment (panel van, semi-integrated, alcove or fully integrated). Its wide choice of drive configurations – front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – covers every conceivable application. At the same time, all variants benefit from new technologies such as the new MBUX multimedia systems, the operating and display concept in the cockpit, the value appeal on par with passenger cars, the optional heated and pivoting power luxury seats, and state-of-the-art assistance systems. The electric parking brake is a USP in the segment of large vans. This has a particular be..