Mercedes 2010 Annual Report Download - page 135

The Divisions | Mercedes-Benz Vans | 131
In 2010, Mercedes-Benz Vans was also very successful in Latin
America, where it increased its unit sales by 33% to 12,500 vehicles.
Compared with the prior year, worldwide sales of the Sprinter
rose by 37% to 143,700 units. The Vito and Viano models also
posted increases, with unit sales rising by 34% to 77,600 vehicles
during the start-up phase for the new vehicle generations.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz Vans was able to maintain its market
leadership in the European Union’s medium-sized and large van seg-
ments. The Sprinter did particularly well, achieving a market share
of more than 18% of the large-van segment. This was the vehicle’s
biggest market share since the expansion of the European Union
to its present size.
First customer vehicle rolls off the assembly line in China.
In 2010, Mercedes-Benz Vans steadily pursued its strategy, which
entails growing in new markets in addition to expanding in tradi-
tional markets and maintaining its technological leadership. In 2007,
we teamed up with Fujian Motors Group to form the first-ever van
joint venture in China. The goal here is to leverage the growth
potential of this important market. Since the start of manufacturing
operations at the new plant in Fuzhou in April 2010, the 50:50
joint venture company Fujian Daimler Automotive (FDJA) has also
been supplying the Chinese market with locally produced Vito and
Viano vans. Beginning in 2011, we will also produce a bus version
of the Sprinter in China.
Agreement reached on contract production of vans in Russia.
In December 2010, we signed a memorandum of understanding
with GAZ, a Russian manufacturer of commercial vehicles, on pro-
duction of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Russia. Engines, trans-
missions, axles and other components will also be produced locally,
to be used in the Sprinter as well as in GAZ products.
Product lineup expanded. The wide-ranging strategic partner-
ship established with Renault-Nissan in April 2010 also includes
collaboration on light-duty commercial vehicles. This partnership
is an important step for Mercedes-Benz Vans with regard to
future projects and the expansion of its product range. In this
context, we will add a completely new city delivery vehicle
for commercial customers to our product lineup in 2012.
Product offensive launched at IAA Commercial Vehicles.
In order to generate additional growth in existing markets,
Mercedes-Benz Vans also invested in the modernization and
expansion of its current product range during the year under
review. As a result, we celebrated the world premieres of four
new vans at the IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair in Hanover,
Germany. The new Vito for commercial use features a higher
payload and is very robust, while the new Viano sets standards
for safety, comfort and driving pleasure in a large van. The two
models are also equipped with efficient, environmentally friendly
and economical engines using BlueEFFICIENCY technology.
As a result, they produce up to 15% less CO2 and consume up
to 15% less fuel than the predecessor models.
In addition to the penetration of new growth areas, Mercedes-
Benz Vans’ strategic approach focuses on the development of
environmentally friendly technologies and safety systems. At IAA
Commercial Vehicles, we also presented the Mercedes-Benz Vito
E-CELL – the world’s first series-produced all-electric van. Thanks
to its locally emission-free drive system, the Vito E-CELL is ideal
for use in inner cities and areas with very sensitive environments.
A small batch of approximately 70 Vito E-CELLs was produced
during the year under review and handed over to customers in
Berlin and Stuttgart for testing under everyday conditions.
2,000 of these vehicles are scheduled to go on the road by 2012.
Another premiere was celebrated at the IAA by the Mercedes-
Benz Sprinter LGT, which can run on either liquefied gas or gasoline.
Outstanding products impress experts and customers alike.
In 2010, the great popularity enjoyed by Mercedes-Benz vans
among customers and automotive experts alike was reflected
by several awards. Our vehicles took first place in the overall
Vans category of the annual image rankings conducted by the
“VerkehrsRundschau” automotive magazine. And the Sprinter
was ranked first among vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross vehicle
weight in the readers’ choice poll conducted by EuroTransport
Media and DEKRA to determine the best commercial vehicles
of 2010.
The new Mercedes-Benz Viano: first class for comfort and environmental compatibility.