Mercedes-Benz has sold its three millionth Sprinter van, 21 years after the model was launched.
The three millionth example, a chassis cab variant, was handed over to camper van manufacturer Hymer in a ceremony in Germany.
Mercedes claims to have invented the large up to 5-tonne van segment with the Sprinter, which it launched in 1995. Now the vehicle is driven in various forms in more than 130 countries and according to Mercedes enjoyed its most successful sales year yet in 2015.
Western Europe accounts for 55 per cent of sales, with Germany the largest market of all but 11 per cent growth in 2015 saw the US assume the position of second-largest single market for the Sprinter.
Mercedes believes the Sprinter is successful due to a number of factors that it has boasted right from the start. These include numerous model options and bases for conversion, efficient engines, a high level of safety equipment and praised design both on the exterior and in the cockpit.
The Sprinter is produced in six global locations – two German plants, Charleston in the USA, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Fuzhou in China and near Moscow in Russia. A new production facility is currently under construction in Charleston, Mercedes investing half a billion US dollars in the facility.
Mercedes-Benz Vans head Volker Mornhinweg dubs three million Sprinters in two decades as a sign of great success. “The Sprinter was the founder of the segment for large vans and remains highly successful to this day – throughout the world,” he says.
“The Sprinter with its six production plants worldwide is a shining example of our growth strategy ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’, and we still have many plans for our flagship in the future, as well. – we aim to continue the success of the Sprinter series in 2016,” Mornhinweg adds.
