Mercedes 2009 Annual Report Download - page 133

Divisions |Mercedes-Benz Vans |129
Worldwide unit sales of the Sprinter fell by 43% to 104,700
vehicles in 2009, while sales of Vito and Viano models declined
by 41% to 57,900 units.
Despite a sharp decrease in new registrations in the European
Union (minus 33%), and a market characterized by price wars,
Mercedes-Benz Vans was able to increase its market share for
medium-sized and large vans from 16.9% to 17.9%, thereby further
expanding its market leadership in that segment.
Sprinter significantly upgraded with BlueEFFICIENCY technol-
ogy. Mercedes-Benz Vans is working hard on the development of
advanced technology to optimize fuel consumption and emissions.
The Sprinter model range underwent a significant upgrade in the
fall of 2009 through the addition of fuel-efficient BlueEFFICIENCY
models that reduce fuel consumption by as much as two liters
per 100 kilometers. These models are marketed under the Blue-
EFFICIENCY label and convince customers with sustainable tech-
nologies and the highest levels of efficiency. Customers can opt
for especially environmentally friendly vans in the form of the
natural-gas-powered Sprinter NGT and a Sprinter model equipped
with a special efficiency package consisting of a new diesel
engine, the new ECO Gear transmission, and an automatic start-
stop feature.
Many product awards. In 2009, the popularity of Mercedes-Benz
vans with customers was once again demonstrated in the form
of numerous awards. The Sprinter was selected for the third con-
secutive year as “CEP Van of the Year” in its class of vehicles
up to 3.5 tons. A jury consisting of 30 experts from the CEP sector
(courier, express and parcel delivery) evaluated economy, perfor-
mance, comfort, functionality and design. In the same competition,
the Mercedes-Benz Vito was selected for the fourth time as the
best van in the category of vehicles up to three tons. Along with
other German prizes, Mercedes-Benz Vans also received presti-
gious awards in other European Union countries. For example, in
the United Kingdom we received the “Transport Award” and the
“Fleet Van of the Year” award, both of which reflect the high level
of acceptance and popularity enjoyed by our vans.
Investment in the future of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Mercedes-
Benz Vans continued to make important investments to secure
its future, despite the difficult economic conditions that charac-
terized the year under review. The focus was on model updates
for the Vito/Viano van series built in Vitoria and the provision of
pioneering technologies. The latter included the introduction
of EURO 5-compliant engines, preparations for the market launch
of
vans with alternative drive systems, and the implementation
of additional measures to reduce CO2emissions.
Improved efficiency. Mercedes-Benz Vans substantially improved
its efficiency in the year under review, primarily through the con-
sistent implementation of cost-cutting measures. The many mea-
sures that were introduced will have a sustained impact and
have already significantly reduced Mercedes-Benz Vans’ breakeven
point. The division has thus succeeded in further optimizing its
existing business model even during the crisis.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: emission-free and almost silent in urban use with hybrid drive – the bridging technology to the all-electric vehicle.