UPS Adds 1,800 DaimlerChrysler Sprinter Vans to U.S. Fleet
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.--Nov. 18, 2002The first delivery of 400 Sprinter vehicles is expected by
year-end, with the rest of the vans delivered by March 2003.
"We're extremely pleased to work with UPS to incorporate the
Sprinter into its U.S. fleet," said Tim A. Reuss, president and CEO of
DaimlerChrysler Vans. He continued, "Not surprisingly, Sprinter vans
are growing in popularity because corporate fleets recognize the
benefits they can bring to an operation. Sprinter's unique attributes
are a good fit for UPS and were particularly appealing to the
company's carriers, especially those who operated high mileage routes.
In addition to driver comfort and reduced overall emissions, the
vehicle's fuel efficiency, easy handling and safety features were key
Sprinter attributes that appealed to UPS."
"DaimlerChrysler's Sprinter vans are a solid addition to UPS's
delivery fleet in the U.S.," added Ron Kirby, corporate automotive
manager for UPS. "We've used 750 Sprinter vans with great success in
our Western Europe fleet for more than seven years. They work well on
our longer routes because of their fuel economy, plus the longer
periods between maintenance translate directly into lower operational
costs for those routes. In addition, the Sprinter meets the EPA's
guidelines for Low Emission Vehicles (LEV), a crucial part of UPS's
fleet strategy."
The Sprinter is not new to UPS, as the van has been for several
years an integral part of its Western Europe ground fleet. Outside the
United States, UPS employs Sprinter vans in seven countries including
the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland. In Canada, nearly 70
Sprinter vans are in use.
Last year, nine Sprinter delivery vehicles were delivered and put
through extensive testing by UPS as part of a one-year pilot program.
The 158" long wheelbase, high-roof vans were tested on high mileage,
rural routes throughout the United States. The drivers and mechanics
in the pilot program all provided very positive reports on their
experience with the Sprinter. In addition to favorable reviews on
maneuverability, handling, and overall driving performance, they were
especially pleased with the extended maintenance intervals and
exceptional fuel performance.
Dr. Rolf Bartke, Senior Vice President of DaimlerChrysler AG and
Head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Unit commented, "Since its
introduction in 1995, Sprinter has consistently dominated the global
market for Class 2 and 3 commercial vans and remains one of the most
successful products of the entire DaimlerChrysler Commercial Vehicles
Division. This global presence, along with UPS's positive experience
with the vans in Europe was a crucial factor in extending our
relationship with them to the United States."
The Sprinter's history alone puts it in a class by itself.
Mercedes-Benz, inventor of the commercial vehicle, developed the
Sprinter as a high-end product for the transportation needs of today
and tomorrow. Voted European "Van of the Year" in 1998 and "Commercial
Vehicle of the Year" (Vans Category) for the past six years, Sprinter
remains the market leader in its segment throughout Western Europe.
And now, the Sprinter is available to address the specific needs of
the United States commercial van market.
DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, the US distributor of Sprinter Vans, is
a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, one of the world's leading
automotive, transportation and service companies. Its passenger car
brands include Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and smart.
Commercial vehicles are produced under the Mercedes-Benz,
Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, Orion
and American LaFrance. It offers financial and other services through
DaimlerChrysler Services. With nearly 400,000 employees,
DaimlerChrysler achieved revenues of $136.1 billion in 2001.
Additional information and news about the Sprinter and
DaimlerChrysler Vans is available by visiting their web site at
www.daimlerchrysler-vans.com or calling (704) 655-1000.