Dodge gets Sprinter

DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, the U.S. distributor of Freightliner Sprinter Vans, is now providing a version of the Sprinter to its Dodge sister division. The company also announced that it will move the van group's staff from its current offices in Huntersville, NC, to DaimlerChrysler's corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI.

The new Dodge Sprinter version is being introduced largely in response to overall demand by customers for more service locations, according to the company. “We are excited and extremely pleased to move into this next phase of our U.S. product launch,” says DC Vans president & CEO Tim Reuss. “We recognize the combination of the commercial expertise of select Freightliner dealers, coupled with the broad distribution network of Dodge, will ensure that the Sprinter continues on its natural path to success here in the United States.”

“The introduction of the Dodge Sprinter is both a logical next step and natural evolution in the DaimlerChrysler global van strategy,” added Dr. Rolf Bartke, senior vp at DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Unit. “With over three-quarters of a million Sprinters in service, this move to incorporate the Sprinter into the Dodge light-duty line of vehicles is part of our ongoing effort to broaden the Sprinter's availability worldwide.”