Mercedes Giveth and Taketh Away: Sprinter Van Reclaimed From Dodge
Remember when Mercedes-Benz thought it would be a good idea to take Chrysler under its wing? Didn't exactly pan out, did it. However, one pleasant legacy for Chrysler has been the Dodge Sprinter van, a rebadged version of Benz's Euro-market hauler of the same name.
Until now, that is.
According to our sources, Mercedes is no longer content to sit on the sidelines while Dodge sells 15,000-20,000 Sprinters a year. As of January 1, 2010, the German giant will assume control of stateside Sprinter sales, replacing the Dodge badge with the three-pointed star and offering the vans through a new division -- Daimler Vans USA.
What's more, these reborn Sprinters will reportedly be treated to the same robust turbodiesel V6 that powers the rest of Benz's diesel lineup. In theory, that means upgrades to around 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque; the current Sprinter's turbodiesel makes do with a measly 154 hp and 280 lb-ft.
So Mercedes swipes an already competitive product and addresses its power shortage. Sounds like a win-win for everyone except Chrysler.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
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- Josh Sadlier September 2, 2009, 11:45 AM
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- Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz
So now Joe Contractor can brag to his friends about owning a Mercedes... van!
I wonder how much the average selling price will jump now that the 3 pointed star is on the grill instead of the Ram.
They are good vans but already overpriced for most commercial customers. That's why the old Ford Econoline still rules the market.
I think Dodge should use it's excellent Ram truck platform and come up with it's own version of a modern van. They already have a diesel (Cummins) that easily beats the MB diesel for power and torque and likely long term cost of operation.
All they need is a van shaped body to put on the platform.
Well, Fiat makes the DUCATO CARGO VAN in Mexico and comes with two diesel engines. I have no idea how big they are but base on the pictures they haul more than the Ford Ecoline.
The Dodge Sprinter is gone but you forgot Freightliner. The Sprinter van is still available as such. I don´t think that the price will jump much because of the Mercedes star in front and on rear doors. Service and mobile guarantee ist that of Mercedes and that means long life! Also it will help keep jobs alive at Ladson, SC. Another reason why to get one instead of a Fiat from Mexico.
"Service and mobile guarantee is that of Mercedes and that means long life!"
Most Mercedes owners I have known have complained about the service being below par and all have complained about the high cost of servicing and repairing Mercedes products. They have a long life if you can afford it.
I would prefer a van body on a Ram. I don't see a reason to use the Fiat van when Dodge already have a better product.
I agree that repairs are very expensive but "Mobile Life Guarantee" which includes free 24h Service usually keeps you on the road. Many owners may not know of its existance. Example: An empty battery was replaced free of charge and the car was 8 yrs. old. (a guy next door had problems to start the car in the winter so I told him to call the 24h Service. It took them a while to get there but they replaced the battery free of charge)
If there is a reason to complain about anything Mercedes owners should send their complaints to Mercedes-Benz HQ (MBUSA) in Montvale, New Jersey.