Mercedes gives Sprinter safety tech

DUSSELDORF, Germany -- Mercedes-Benz is offering safety technology from its luxury passenger vehicles on the restyled Sprinter commercial van line that debuts in September.

The 2014 Sprinter will be available with an optional $1,700 safety package that includes accident-avoidance features.

"We already have one industry-leading safety feature -- load-adaptive [electronic stability control] that is available in the current model year," said Claus Tritt, general manager of commercial vans for Mercedes-Benz USA. "This is another jump in technology."

Optional safety equipment includes forward collision-prevention assist that kicks in at 12 mph, high-beam automatic headlamp dimming, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.

For the 2015 model year, the van also will get a crosswind-assistance package that uses the Sprinter's active suspension to minimize the effects of high winds on the vehicle. Tritt said the technology will be available in Europe this year but U.S. vehicles require changes to the suspension.

The Sprinter gets a new, bolder front end with a more conspicuous Mercedes-Benz star and bumpers from Mercedes' large crossovers.

The new base engine is a 2.1-liter BlueTEC inline four-cylinder turbodiesel that generates 161 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque. It is combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is expected to be 18 percent better than today's standard 3.0-liter BlueTEC V-6 turbodiesel.

The optional V-6 makes 188 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque and is available only with a five-speed automatic. Fuel economy for the current lineup varies depending on the model. Mercedes says independent tests showed the 2013 full-sized cargo van achieved up to 24.9 mpg on the highway.

The Sprinter is available in two wheelbases -- 144 inches or 170 inches -- three lengths and two roof heights. It is sold as a four-seat crew van, two-seat cargo van, cab chassis, 12-seat passenger van or a minivan with up to 18 seats.

Prices are expected to be close to those of the current models, which are offered as the 2500 or 3500. They are differentiated by gross vehicle weight capacity ratings. The 2013 2500 cargo and passenger vans start at $37,285 and the 3500 cargo van, cab chassis and minibus begin at $36,165. Both prices include shipping.

U.S. Sprinter sales began in 2001 by Freightliner, the truck builder owned by parent company Daimler AG. In 2003, when Daimler owned the Chrysler group, the Sprinter also was badged as a Dodge and sold by that brand's dealers. In 2010, Mercedes took Sprinter from Dodge and began awarding the franchise to its dealers.

Dodge sold a high of 21,961 Sprinters in 2006 and a low of 7,154 in 2009. Since Mercedes began selling the van through its dealers and Freightliner's, sales have risen from 8,559 units in 2010 to 20,929 last year. About 80 percent were sold by Mercedes dealers, Tritt said.

Last year, the Sprinter accounted for 8.3 percent of the U.S. full-sized van segment, which totaled 250,989 units. The segment is dominated by the Ford E series with a 48.8 percent share and the Chevrolet Express/ GMC Savana at 38.8 percent.

Through April, U.S. Sprinter sales are up 12 percent to 5,689. Tritt said Sprinter sales will increase at least 5 percent this year. The Sprinter is sold in the United States by 164 Mercedes and 57 Freightliner dealers. Plans call for adding Mercedes dealers in "van strongholds," such Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Tritt said.

The Sprinter cargo van is built from semi-knockdown kits assembled by Daimler Vans in Ladson, S.C. The other body styles are imported from Germany.

About 60 percent of Sprinters are used by the construction industry, 15 percent for delivery, 15 percent for passenger vans including airport shuttles, and 10 percent are used for retail -- such as food trucks -- or converted into RVs. About 10 percent of all Sprinters are purchased by fleets. FedEx is Sprinter's biggest U.S. customer.