Mercedes-Benz showcased its Sprinter van
lineup — including a new fourth model — during a presentation for
journalists at its Daimler Vans Manufacturing facility in Ladson, S.C.,
on Wednesday (April 7).
The presentation was part of a two-day media event aimed at
educating and familiarizing the public with the rebranding of Sprinters
under the Mercedes-Benz three-point star logo, which occurred earlier
this year.
The 2010 Sprinter model lineup includes the cargo van, the
passenger van and a cab chassis – all of which are powered by a
3.0-liter BlueTEC diesel engine that utilizes a super-clean Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system.
On Wednesday, Claus Tritt, vice president of operations for
Daimler Vans USA, announced a new fourth model – a shuttle van version.
Also on display at the media event was the Airstream Interstate 3500,
a Sprinter van with a unibody construction. The Class B motorhome is
equipped with a Mercedes-Benz turbo diesel engine. The 3500 seats eight
when traveling; and sleeps two. The compact Interstate motorcoach has a
towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, adding to its versatility.
Since 2001, the Sprinter has been sold in the United States by Freightliner,
a leading manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks in North
America. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) began offering the Sprinter line
through select Mercedes-Benz dealers this year. There are currently a
total of 117 Sprinter dealers, and the network is growing, Tritt said.
Both MBUSA and Freightliner are divisions of Daimler AG, the world’s
largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles.
