Mercedes-Benz Vans' fullsize Sprinter is its most important model in it's lineup (Vaneo LCV, Viano/Vito minivans and Vario lorry), accounting for more than half of production, including sales under the Freightliner and Dodge brands in the US (with final assembly of imported vans in Gaffney, SC).
The successor to the Sprinter is to be launched in 2006 and will be produced in Düsseldorf and in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg. DaimlerChrysler is investing €300 million in expanding the Ludwigsfelde plant and €550 million in improving the Düsseldorf plant. New or expanded paint and body shops will be built at each location.
Caught in US testing (but with a disguised Mercedes 3-pointed star) by Motor Trend, the 2007 Sprinter adopts a more "conventional" profile like it's American competitors.
The Dodge Sprinter, of course, is classified as a full-size van, but it looks so different from a Ford Econoline or Chevy Express. That’s probably due to the fact that the Sprinter’s spent most of its life on the other side of the pond, only emigrating to the U.S. after the DaimlerChrysler merger.
Late 2006 the van will see a refreshening with vertical headlights and a more protruding nose as seen in these pics from Motor Trend. The real news is under the hood with the addition of a new four-cylinder and a diesel V6 that will be replacing the woefully inadequate 153-hp diesel currently offered.
