One of the most successful vans globally, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
On 23 January 1995 the first 500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans left the plant in Düsseldorf. It was the beginning of a success story that remains difficult to beat, especially bolstered with more than 25 000 Sprinters sold to South African customers since 2000.
While one should always be cautious in using superlatives, the success story that began on that day is one that would tempt even the most down-to-earth of us to wax lyrical. Indeed, this is the day that can confidently be described as marking a new set of standards for the van sector.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is still a true pioneer, having defined an entire segment. More than 25 000 Sprinters sold to South African customers since 2000.
Nicolette Lambrechts, Vice-President: Mercedes-Benz Vans at Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), picks up the story: “Among its highlights, it was the first van to be fitted as standard with disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, as well as with the ABS anti-lock braking system. The international motoring media was so impressed they voted the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the ‘Van of the Year ‘ in 1995.”
The international motoring media was so impressed they voted the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the ‘Van of the Year ‘ in 1995.
Two decades later and the Sprinter is still a true pioneer, having defined an entire segment. In 2013, after over eight million kilometres of test drives and an investment of €25 million in the two German van plants in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde, the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rolled off the assembly line.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the first van to have engines that meet the future Euro 6 emissions standard, and its incredible fuel consumption values
The large Mercedes- Benz Sprinter van caused quite a sensation at its introduction. Lambrechts elaborates: “It is the first van to have engines that meet the future Euro 6 emissions standard, and its incredible fuel consumption values (as low as 6,3 litres/100km) make it by far the best vehicle in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency.
In the large vans segment, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sprinter also impresses with its striking appearance.” Lambrechts continues: “Our current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range offers unmatched reliability and perfect driving features.
This is a vehicle that is everything to everyone who purchases it: exceptional safety, impressive low fuel consumption, respected reliability and recognised resale value. These are just some of the key factors that contribute to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter being the most dominant player in the large van segment.”“
“But it is not just thanks to its frugal fuel consumption that our Sprinter van is top of the class in the large vans segment.
In November 2014, just a year after its introduction worldwide, the 222 222nd new Sprinter was delivered into customer hands. Despite the engines on offer in South Africa adhering to Euro 5 emissions standards – due to the unavailability of appropriate fuel – the Sprinter still boasts operating the cleanest engine in the large van segment.
“But it is not just thanks to its frugal fuel consumption that our Sprinter van is top of the class in the large vans segment. It also sets standards in safety as it is loaded with various assistance systems such as Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist,” says Lambrechts.
“We are confident that the indomitable Sprinter will continue to cement its market leadership position in the large vans segment. It is a fantastic product that enjoys good support in the market.”
