By Sam HaymartPublished: September 2, 2009Posted in: Future, Trucks/SUVsTags: Cargo Van, Clean Diesel, crd, Dodge, Freightliner, Mercedes Benz, Sprinter
Ouch. The divorce of Daimler and Chrysler has taken an ugly tone since Fiat’s takeover of the American automaker this spring. There have been lawsuits over breaches in previous joint ventures like engine and chassis sharing. Now comes news that Daimler is pulling the Mercedes based Sprinter Vans from Dodge.
The Sprinter has become increasingly popular in the States since its introduction in 2001, powered by an efficient Mercedes sourced diesel engine. The Sprinter has been built in the US and marketed both by Dodge and by Freightliner, though it is 99% identical to the Mercedes Benz vans sold worldwide. It has provided a great alternative to American full sized vans like the Ford Econoline due to its taller walk-in profile, availability for a longer body, and most importantly the reliability and efficiency of a diesel engine.
Mercedes-Benz USA will begin selling the Sprinter vans in January through its own dealerships, right alongside their automobiles. A newly created division will handle sales, called Daimler Vans USA. This means that contracts with some 350 Dodge dealers will be terminated by Jan. 1. Freightliner will continue to sell the Sprinter vans as they are tied to Daimler.
The Mercedes Sprinter vans will offer the same 3.0-liter, V-6 common-rail diesel (CRD) that currently is used in the Mercedes M and GL. The engine provides 154hp and 280lbs of torque in its current trim. No word yet on whether it will get a power bump closer to the version found in consumer cars.
Chryslers is said to be considering bringing Fiat-based commercial vehicles into North America to fill the gaping hole in Dodge‘s commercial truck line that will be left by the Sprinter.
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