Daimler’s popular Sprinter is getting a new corporate home, as Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is re-assuming responsibility for the sales, marketing, distribution and service of the light-duty commercial van in the U.S. As a result, the Dodge-branded version of the Sprinter is being discontinued and the Freightliner nameplate is being dropped in favor of the Mercedes marquee that has always adorned the truck in other markets.
Central to the announcement is the creation of Daimler Vans USA, LLC, based in Montvale, NJ, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, also the parent of Daimler Trucks North America, which markets Freightliner and Western Star trucks.
According to the company, Daimler Vans “combines the brand awareness and technology leadership of Mercedes-Benz with the commercial vehicle expertise of Freightliner.” Daimler Vans noted that the “Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also marks the official return of the three-pointed star to the U.S. and Canadian light-duty commercial vehicle market.”
"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter set standards in the sector for safety, customization and environmental responsibility and we are proud to offer this product in the U.S. market under the three-pointed-Star," said Ernst Lieb, president & CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
Introduced in North America in 2001, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has developed a successful following with more than 130,000 Sprinter vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada, said the OEM.
Delivery of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to dealers and customers should begin in January.
