The Mercedes Benz Sprinter enjoyed a successful year in 2010, with sales increasing by 2.5% to 8,559 units. This positive performance marked a significant milestone: the first year of operation for Daimler Vans USA (DVU), the new sales and service network for the Sprinter in the U.S.
Daimler Vans USA Takes the Reins
2010 was the inaugural year for DVU, a dedicated network established to manage the Sprinter business in the United States. Ernst Lieb, then President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA (DVU’s parent company), attributed the sales growth to a strong focus on customer needs. This achievement was a collaborative effort between DVU and its network of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter dealers, ensuring the Sprinter received the support it deserved.
The Sprinter’s Journey to the US Market
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter first appeared in Europe in 1995 and underwent a global redesign in 2006. Its journey to the U.S. began in 2001 under the Freightliner brand, a leading manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks in North America. Equipped with Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, the US Sprinter line included Cargo Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus, Cab Chassis, and the newly introduced Crew Van.
A New Era for the Sprinter in 2010
A significant shift occurred in 2010 when Mercedes-Benz USA began offering the Sprinter through select Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This strategic move reflected the shared parentage of both MBUSA and Freightliner under Daimler AG, the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. This dual-brand approach allowed for targeted marketing, with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter primarily focused on small businesses and the Freightliner Sprinter continuing to serve its established commercial clientele. Production of the various Sprinter models was split between Düsseldorf, Germany (Cargo, Crew, MiniBus, and Passenger Vans) and Ludwigsfelde, Germany (Cab Chassis).
