Daimler Vans USA (DVU) announced a positive sales year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in 2010, marking a 2.5% increase in sales volume compared to the previous year, with a total of 8,559 units sold. This growth is particularly significant as 2010 was the inaugural year for Daimler Vans USA’s dedicated sales and service network for Sprinter in the United States.
Ernst Lieb, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, the parent company of DVU, commented on the achievement: “2010 was our first full year operating the Sprinter business here in the US. By focusing on our Sprinter customers’ needs throughout the year, we were able to not only maintain our sales performance but also achieve this increase over last year.” Lieb further expressed pride in the DVU organization and the new network of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter dealers, emphasizing their collective effort in providing the necessary support for the Sprinter product line and anticipating continued positive momentum into 2011.
The Rise of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has established itself as a successful model since its initial launch in Europe in 1995. A new generation of the Sprinter was introduced globally in 2006, further solidifying its position in the commercial vehicle market. Since 2001, the Sprinter has been available in the U.S. market through Freightliner, a leading North American manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks. Known for incorporating numerous Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, the U.S. Sprinter lineup includes versatile models such as the Cargo Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus, Cab Chassis, and the Crew Van.
In 2010, Mercedes-Benz USA expanded its involvement with the Sprinter by offering the line through select Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Both Mercedes-Benz USA and Freightliner are divisions within Daimler AG, the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. In the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter primarily targets small businesses, while the Freightliner Sprinter continues to serve its established customer base of commercial vehicle operators. Production of the Sprinter Cargo Vans, Crew Vans, MiniBus, and Passenger Vans takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, while the Sprinter Cab Chassis models are manufactured in Ludwigsfelde.
