Sprinter Classic used the steering wheel from the 2006–2014 Sprinter models. The phase 2 2002–2006 grille was chosen for use on the Sprinter Classic and the 2000–2006 dashboard design.
Since 2013, the 2000–2006 Sprinter model has been revived in Russian markets only as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic. The first generation Sprinter was assembled by Mercedes Benz Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City from CKD kits to avoid high local import duties. The model 314 of the first generation is still assembled by Iran Khodro Diesel. The Sprinter van was sold as the Mercedes-Benz Transporter T1N due to Toyota using the name Toyota Sprinter, a version of the Corolla. Nearly all of the original staff were retained, though the base of operations shifted from North Carolina to Auburn Hills, Michigan. DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC retained sole responsibility for the North American Sprinter market until the sales, service and parts support responsibilities were absorbed by Chrysler Commercial Vehicle Division in 2004. Key individuals from DaimlerChrysler Commercial Vehicle Division and Freightliner Trucks were selected to spearhead the effort and made up the bulk of the division. The product was launched and supported by DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, a small division based in Huntersville, North Carolina. The only transmission offered in North America was the 5-speed 5G-Tronic transmission. Passenger vans were not subject to the same tax classifications and were imported as an assembled unit through Mercedes-Benz in Jacksonville, Florida.Ģ002-2003 Sprinters sold in North America were only available with the 2.7L OM612 inline-5 diesel engine, and were only available in 49 states due to noncompliance with CARB emissions standards 2004-2006 models used the OM647 engine, which replaced the OM612's air-cooled EGR valve with a water-cooled unit, among other changes, which made the 2004-2006 Sprinters CARB-compliant. The cargo versions, classified as light trucks, are subject to the 25% chicken tax if imported as a complete unit, which is avoided by the disassembly and importation as a semi knock-down kit, with subsequent reassembly in America. DaimlerChrysler chose not to badge the Sprinter as a Mercedes-Benz, because they felt the utilitarian Sprinter would interfere with the luxury image that the Mercedes-Benz brand had in North America, and instead used the Freightliner and Dodge nameplates, as both of those brands had more experience selling trucks and commercial vehicles.Ĭargo versions of the Sprinter were manufactured in Düsseldorf, Germany, partially disassembled and shipped to a Freightliner factory in Gaffney, South Carolina where they were reassembled.
After 2003, they were sold concurrently under the Freightliner and Dodge nameplates, and were identical except for minor styling details and badging. In 2003 they received Dodge branding, as DaimlerChrysler chose to replace the aging Dodge Ram van with the Sprinter rather than redesign it. and was originally branded as a Freightliner. The first generation (VA Chassis) North American Sprinter was launched for the 2002 model year in the U.S.
0 kommentar(er)
