Mercedes 2013 Annual Report Download - page 159

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D | The Divisions | Mercedes-Benz Vans
Global growth strategy on the right track. With its “Vans goes
global” strategy, Mercedes-Benz Vans strives to utilize new
growth potential and expand existing activities within and beyond
the core European markets. Along with the United States
and Latin America, China and Russia are particularly important
growth regions. Accordingly, we intensified our activities
in China in 2013. In March, the new research and development
center of the Chinese vans joint venture, “Fujian Benz Auto-
motive Corporation,” was officially opened in Fuzhou. This facility,
which is the first research and development center of the
Vans division outside Germany, includes a test track, test rigs,
an exhaust gas lab and an endurance testing workshop. The
focus is on the vehicles that Mercedes-Benz Vans produces and
sells locally in China: the Sprinter, Vito and Viano. We also
passed a milestone in our vans strategy with the start of produc-
tion of our Sprinter Classic in Russia. In the second half of
2013, we began producing the Sprinter Classic there in cooper-
ation with Russia’s largest van manufacturer, GAZ. These locally
produced vehicles are sold in the Russian market through the
Mercedes-Benz sales organization. Another aspect of the partner-
ship involves the joint production of engines. The GAZ facility
in Yaroslavl manufactures Mercedes-Benz OM646 four-cylinder
diesel engines, which are subsequently installed in the
Sprinter Classic.
Benchmark and global vehicle: the new Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter. Having lent its name to an entire class of vehicles,
it is the innovation leader and the true global vehicle among
vans: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. After more than eight million
test kilometers and investment of €300 million, the new
Sprinter was launched by Mercedes-Benz Vans in 2013. Produc-
tion began in July at the two German plants in Düsseldorf and
Ludwigsfelde. With five new assistance systems, the Sprinter
sets new standards for safety in its class. Three of those
systems made their global van debut. While Crosswind Assist
comes as standard equipment, COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST (a proximity warning system) and Blind Spot Assist are
both available as options. Other new features include High-
beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The development engi-
neers at Mercedes-Benz are convinced that these electronic
“assistants” will have a significant positive impact on the number
and seriousness of accidents. In addition, Mercedes-Benz
has improved the Sprinter’s handling even further. The lowering
of the chassis has improved the van’s wind resistance and
fuel consumption, and makes it easier to load and unload cargo.
What’s more, the new Sprinter is also associated with yet
another world premiere. For the first time, the complete range
of engines was converted to meet the strict Euro VI emissions
standard before it went into effect. Euro VI drastically reduces
the emission limits for nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and
particle mass. The Sprinter is able to meet these tough limits
thanks to BLUETEC engine technology and an SCR system
that injects AdBlue into the exhaust gas. At the same time, the
Sprinter is the segment’s undisputed leader in terms of fuel
efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is as low as 6.3 l/100 km,
thanks to the combination of highly efficient diesel engines,
an optimized drivetrain, a longer axle ratio, ancillary units and
the efficiency package “BlueEFFICIENCY PLUS.” This is a sensa-
tional new record for Sprinter class vehicles.
The new V-Class from Mercedes-Benz Vans – convincing in terms of quality, safety and efficiency at the highest levels.