Mercedes-Benz Vans in the Fast Lane in 2006

* Successful launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in 2006
* Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano maintain their high level of sales
* Mercedes-Benz Vario with BlueTec diesel technology

Stuttgart, Jan 31, 2007 -- With worldwide sales of 256,895 units (2005: 267,245) in the van segment, DaimlerChrysler AG brought the year 2006 to a successful conclusion. 67,309 units (2005: 70,958) were sold in Germany.

The highlight of 2006 was the production start-up of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf plants, followed by the Europe-wide market launch. Despite a steep start-up curve, it proved possible to stabilise quality at the very high level of the preceding series right from the start. Wilfried Porth, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans product unit at DaimlerChrysler AG: "I am proud of my team, whose united efforts allowed them to fulfil these tasks with great professionalism." Despite this model changeover, only slightly fewer Sprinters (157,212) were sold than in the previous year (163,677).
The models in the Vito/Viano series continued to enjoy a high level of sales, at 94,051 units worldwide. New impetus came from the powerful yet economical six-cylinder diesel engine with a particulate filter.

4706 units of the Vario were sold in 2006, 1 % fewer than in 2005. New since 2006: the Vario is now available with BlueTec diesel technology to comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emissions standard.

The year 2007 is expected to see a continuation of the lively demand in the van sector. In addition to a completely modernised range of competitive products in the Sprinter segment, this will be helped by an economic upturn and developments in the service industries, e.g. the e-commerce sector.

Further variants of the new Sprinter will become available in the market during 2007, including the new all-wheel drive variant. The series is also due to be launched in the NAFTA region under the Freightliner and Dodge brand names. The recreational vehicles and camper vans from Mercedes-Benz will continue to benefit from a positive economic climate in 2007. Negotiations relating to the construction of a plant in China have continued successfully, with vehicle production scheduled to commence in 2008.

Source: DaimlerChrysler