Australia Post Takes Delivery of its 300th Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Mail Van

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – April 6, 2009: Australia Post has just taken delivery of its 300th Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mail van.

Delivery number 300 took place exactly one year after to the day Mercedes-Benz announced the contract with Australia Post to supply Sprinter vans for mail delivery duties, replacing its existing van fleet.

In full Australia Post livery and ready for duty, red Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311 number 300 was handed over at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections, the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets near Federation Square.

Handing the keys over to Australia Post’s Chris Pearce was a delighted Ken Matthews, managing director for commercial vehicles at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific.

“My team and I are proud to have reached this milestone with Australia Post,” said Matthews.

“Contributing to Australia’s dependable and reliable mail service is a privilege, and handing over Sprinter mail van number 300 in Australia Post’s bicentennial year is a special occasion.”

Last year, Australia Post undertook an extensive tender process to replace its existing fleet of iconic red mail delivery vans.

In the end, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was chosen for several reasons, including:

Unrestricted kerbside access

Vehicle specification

Cost of ownership

A driver field test evaluation

The subsequent supply contract for the Mercedes Benz Sprinter van included:

Leading-edge Mercedes-Benz safety technology, including features such as Adaptive

Electronic Stability Programme ESP

EU4 emission class engine performance

Five-speed full automatic transmission

Benchmark levels of driver ergonomics, offering valuable features such as parking sensors

Extensive customer support, including a three-year / 200,000km parts and labour warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, significant parts support and the backing of a nationwide dealer network

Provision for vehicle maintenance

Proven key account management by Mercedes-Benz Vans

Australia Post has joined a growing list of major organisations that have made the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter its van of choice.

Not only does it support Australia’s national mail delivery system, the van range comprises approximately 95 percent of Australia’s front-line ambulance service. It is also offers tourists Mercedes safety and luxury in both Australia and New Zealand with leading motor home brands Britz and Maui, and Sprinter vans have been a constant sight in city streets around the world as the van of choice for major courier companies.

Sales for the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and cab chassis range hit an all-time Australian high last year with a new sales record achieved despite challenging economic conditions.