Freightliner Sprinter's Performance Refines Automotive Category

Category-Creating Vehicle Gives Small Businesses More

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 15 -- Minivan, SAV, crossover, SUV. Now consumers and small-business owners can add CUV to their automotive dictionary when the Freightliner Sprinter hits dealer lots.

The Freightliner Sprinter wears the CUV badge, which is short for commercial utility vehicle. A CUV is a work vehicle that combines the cargo- hauling capacity of a box truck or the people hauling capacity of a mini-bus with the confident handling and smooth ride of a luxury pickup truck.

"Freightliner Sprinter is the first vehicle in its class to have the versatility to transport passengers, deliver products or serve as a workshop on wheels and to do it effortlessly," said Pat Dougherty, president of DaimlerChrysler Vans, LLC.

The second-generation Freightliner Sprinter is offered as six different passenger-transporting models, 18 cargo models and two chassis-cab models. Wheelbase dimensions of 144 inches and 170 inches are offered, as well as three roof heights, three gross vehicle weight ratings and new gasoline or diesel engines. All models are standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The largest models offer up to 600 cubic feet of cargo space and 5,649 pounds of payload capacity. Both are class-leading dimensions.

The new online design service eQuip helps owners maximize the type of equipment for the interior work areas of their cargo or delivery CUV and to minimize the time it takes to have interior modifications designed and installed. Beginning in April, eQuip changes the routine of how interior modifications are made and will offer interior packages for these businesses:

  -- Heating, ventilation, air conditioning installation
  -- Electrical contracting
  -- General service
  -- Plumbing
  -- Expedited delivery
  -- Construction and remodeling

"The old approach meant a business owner gave up a vehicle for as long as one week after it was 'delivered' by the dealer just to have the interior modified so the vehicle was ready to go to work," said Dougherty. "eQuip takes the guesswork and the hard work out of equipping each vehicle the way customers want so their CUV is ready to go to work the day it's delivered by the dealer."

The Freightliner Sprinter's unique design allows owners to walk in upright and stand while working rather than having to stoop to enter a typical full- size van and kneel to assemble parts. Roof heights range to seven ft., while the step-in height at the side door is 19.9 inches. It's also easy to move broad objects into the vehicle through its side door opening that measures 6 feet high by 4 feet, 4 inches wide. All dimensions are best in class.

On the road, Freightliner Sprinter has several active and passive safety features, including a driver's side and front passenger airbags and Adaptive ESP(R), a real-time vehicle stability system. The Adaptive ESP system includes the Load Adaptive Control which helps maintain stability, while the Roll Over Mitigation system applies specific brake forces to help maintain vehicle control.

Optional safety features include headlamps that automatically compensate for a heavily loaded vehicle to keep light on the road, ParkSense(R) object- detection system and CARGO PROTECTION(R) interior load-securing system.

Freightliner Sprinter CUVs are sold and serviced by a network of 45 dealers in 32 U.S. metropolitan areas. Freightliner Sprinter dealers are dedicated commercial-vehicle dealers, which gives them the expertise to help small-business owners choose the best vehicle and equipment.

About DaimlerChrysler Vans

Freightliner Sprinter CUVs are marketed by DaimlerChrysler Vans, LLC, a division of the world's leading seller of commercial vehicles. The category- creating vehicles are sold by 45 Freightliner commercial-vehicle dealers in 32 U.S. metropolitan areas. Freightliner Sprinter CUVs are assembled in a newly expanded facility in Ladson, S.C.

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