The economy rebounded in all of the key markets worldwide in the first half of 2010, leading to a growing demand for consumer goods and therefore to an increase in transport volume. In line with these developments, the demand for vans also recovered substantially in many of the core markets.
Mercedes-Benz Vans has greatly benefited from this development, raising sales to over 106,000 vehicles in the first six months of the year, an increase of more than 50% over the same period of 2009. This increase was mainly due to the rapidly growing economies in Latin America (sales up by 51% to approximately 6,000 vans) and the most important sales market of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Western Europe (sales up by 39% to 76,200 vehicles). Higher sales in France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands contributed especially to this growth. Sales in Germany were up slightly to 28,700 units (+12%). The Vans unit also recorded strong sales growth in Eastern Europe, where the results improved by 26% to 6,700 units. In the NAFTA region, the new sales organization of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. and Canada got off to a resounding start, boosting sales to 5,200 units (January-June 2009: 300 units).
Revenues rose by 33% in the first half of 2010, to €3,674 million. EBIT grew substantially from minus €101 million in the first half of 2009 to €191 million between January and June of this year. This improvement in earnings was primarily the result of higher sales compared to the previous year, particularly in Western Europe. Thanks to a return on sales of 5.2% in the first half of the year, Mercedes-Benz Vans is among the leaders in profitability in the vans sector.
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, talked today in Stuttgart about the business development of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the first half of 2010 and the strategy of the division. Commenting on the results, Mornhinweg said: “We really took off in the first six months of 2010 and are now clearly back on track. Our results for the key financial figures of sales, earnings and return on sales speak for themselves, particularly after the difficult situation we faced in 2009. Our current market share of 17.4% makes us the clear market leader in the segment for mid-size and full-size vans in the European Union. And we’re continuing the offensive by launching the right products on the market at the right time and moving forward with our global growth strategy.”
Numerous measures implemented for safeguarding the long-term future of Mercedes-Benz Vans
The success of Mercedes-Benz Vans is due to a long-term strategy which encompasses the three core objectives “Growth in Existing Markets,” “Growth in New Markets,” and “Technological Leadership.”
In order to generate additional growth in existing markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is increasing its investment in the successor generations of the current product range and in sales and service activities. Furthermore measures for ensuring compliance with global environmental legislation are top priority. Even in economically challenging times, Mercedes-Benz Vans continued to invest heavily in safeguarding its long-term future. In the past three years the unit has spent €250 million on developing the new generations of the high-quality Mercedes-Benz Viano and Vito, as well as on expanding the production facility in Vitoria, Spain, which manufactures both models. The Vito for commercial use features a higher payload and is very robust, while the Viano sets the standards for safety, comfort, and driving pleasure in full-size vehicles. The models are also equipped with economical, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology. Both of the vehicles will make their public debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September.
The strategic alliance with Renault-Nissan will also help the unit achieve further growth in Europe. In the light commercial vehicle segment, the collaboration concluded between Daimler and Renault-Nissan in April 2010 envisions adding a completely new city delivery van for commercial customers to the Mercedes-Benz Vans product range in 2012.
In North America, Mercedes-Benz Vans is starting a sales campaign with a new sales organization in the U.S. and Canada and a focus on a two-brand strategy. In addition to being sold with the Freightliner nameplate as in the past, the Sprinter has also been sold as a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the U.S. since the beginning of the year in order to provide customers with the best service possible. The number of dealers will increase from 120 in January 2010 to around 200 in 2011.
Latin America is another established market for Mercedes-Benz Vans. Mercedes-Benz has been successfully producing vans for the South American market in Argentina for more than 50 years. With a market share of 40%, Mercedes-Benz is by far the best-selling premium automaker in Argentina. It occupies a strong position in Brazil as well, with a market share of more than 16%.
Clear strategy for activities in growth markets
Along with the growth it achieves in its established markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also looking to profit from the growth potential in emerging markets. Volker Mornhinweg believes there will be promising growth opportunities in Asia over the short and medium terms. “In line with the slogan ‘Go East,’ we are the first automaker to manufacture vans in China, the most dynamic growth market of all,” he says. “Our vans have been rolling off the assembly line there since April — but that’s not all. We’ve also been building vans for the Asian market in Vietnam for the past 15 years.”
In April 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vans joined up with Fujian Motors Group to establish the first joint venture for building vans in China. The 50:50 joint venture, called Fujian Daimler Automotive (FDJA), has already sold more than 3,000 Vito and Viano vans produced locally in China since the start of production in April 2010. Also the Sprinter as a mini-bus version will be produced locally within this important growth market, starting from 2011.
Russia also offers promising growth opportunities for the vans business. Here, the market volume for mid-size and full-size vans in 2009 was 87,000 units. According to current forecasts, that figure could rise to 300,000 vans as early as 2020. Mercedes-Benz Vans is examining a range of options for efficiently penetrating the Russian market in the near future.
Mercedes-Benz is clearly the market leader in “green technologies”
The strategic approach of Mercedes-Benz Vans clearly includes the penetration of new growth areas such as the development of environmentally friendly technologies and safety-oriented technologies. In the area of the so-called “green technologies,” Mercedes-Benz Vans is the leader in the segment of mid-size and full-size vans.
This July, the unit presented the first electricmotive-powered van, the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, which is extremely quiet and generates absolutely no emissions during operation. A small-batch series of 100 units of the new Vito E-CELL is currently in production, and testing by customers has commenced. Starting in 2011, 2,000 additional Vito E-CELL vehicles will follow.
Outlook
Against the background of increasing demand and the recovery of the market in the van business, Mercedes-Benz Vans expects to sell considerably more vehicles this year than in 2009. When asked about the unit’s medium-term business target, Volker Mornhinweg had this to say: “Our goal is to be as successful worldwide in the medium term as we are now in Europe. For this reason we will continue to consistently implement our strategy and continuously invest in the future of the unit, starting with our products and continuing with our production locations and, of course, our most important capital — our employees.”
Mercedes-Benz released the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz Vito with increased payload capacity and a renewed suspension. Its new drive system is extremely efficient and delivers top performance. The optionally available BlueEFFICIENCY technology offers the utmost in eco-friendly and economical driving. The Vito is also a star in terms of its improved payload and robust nature. Significantly reduced noise levels as well as the new suspension and an upgraded cockpit make handling and controls much simpler whilst also improving the vehicle’s ergonomics.
Drive system: extremely economical and clean, optional BlueEFFICIENCY technology
Economic running thanks to low fuel consumption, low emissions thanks to emissions level Euro 5 – the new drive system in the Mercedes-Benz Vito demonstrates just what vans fitted with the latest technology are capable of. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption have been reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.
In conjunction with the sophisticated engineering of the current generation of four and six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines, this is achieved through BlueEFFICIENCY technology. This encompasses on-demand activation of major assemblies, an ECO start/stop system and optimised low-resistance tyres. BlueEFFICIENCY technology is available as an option on the Vito. The new six-speed transmission, standard in combination with all four-cylinder diesel engines, also helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Its broad gear ratio spread allows excellent traction at low speeds, while at higher speeds revs and thus fuel consumption are reduced. The engine output of the Vito ranges to suit its spectrum of applications from 70 kW (95 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp).
Robust and resilient: payload capacity increased, suspension renewed
The character of the Mercedes-Benz Vito as a particularly robust and very functionally designed van is underlined by the new, sturdy bumpers. The Vito’s practicality in rough, everyday situations is further emphasised by a payload that has been increased, in some models quite significantly, and by a completely retuned chassis and suspension system. Both front and rear axles have been revised in every detail and specially tuned to match each specific model. Different suspension configurations are used for the high-payload panel van and the more comfort-oriented crewbus variant.
Improved comfort; noise levels considerably reduced
Not that comfort is by any means forgotten in the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The interior of the new-generation model offers simpler controls and a new colour concept. The quality feel of the passenger compartment has been improved quite noticeably and, in this context, noise levels could also be considerably reduced.
Visually, the new generation of Mercedes-Benz Vito can be identified by its new-style headlamps. The bumpers have also been modified.
The new generation of Mercedes-Benz Viano raises the benchmark for comfort, material quality and efficiency in large-capacity vehicles to a whole new level. The improved interior of both cockpit and passenger compartment sets new standards, as does an efficient new drive system. The vehicle’s unique BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which comes as standard, ensures maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact. The new suspension offers comfort in conjunction with driving enjoyment and active safety, while the fresh styling of the Viano takes cues from the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range to give the Viano a character all of its own.
Interior: comfort and operating convenience better than ever
New interior trim materials improve the look of the Viano significantly and improve its inherent functionality still further. A key feature of a new lighting concept for the passenger compartment is the impressive ambient lighting system. This comprises individual LED reading lamps as well as fibre optic units, while the whole system can be dimmed. New optional extras such as the Rear Seat Entertainment system enhance passenger travel comfort. Both driver and passengers ride in style on seats with redesigned upholstery. The upgrading of the cockpit ranges from new control buttons to a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. All vehicle occupants benefit from significantly reduced noise levels.
New suspension melds ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety
At the heart of the new suspension is a combination of ride comfort, driving enjoyment and active safety that takes the handling safety as well as the comfort of the vehicle to hitherto unknown levels. Both front and rear axles have been revised in every detail and specially tuned to match each specific model. As a result the Viano’s handling is precise, predictable and safe, while it also delivers excellent performance in terms of comfort, ride and noise.
Drive system: extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY technology
Exceptional efficiency, delivering low emissions and fuel consumption, is key to the new drive system. In all versions, the Viano meets EU 5 emission standards. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption could be reduced by up to 15 percent compared with the previous models, giving record figures.
In conjunction with the sophisticated engineering of the current generation of four and six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines, this is achieved through the BlueEFFICIENCY technology that comes as standard on the Viano. This encompasses on-demand activation of major assemblies, an ECO start/stop system and optimised low-resistance tyres. The new six-speed transmission, standard in combination with all four-cylinder diesel engines, also helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Its broad gear ratio spread allows excellent traction at low speeds, while at higher speeds revs and thus fuel consumption are reduced.
The smooth-running four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines in the Viano range in output from 100 kW (126 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp).
New look emphasises independent character
Externally, the new generation Mercedes-Benz Viano is differentiated from previous models by a new, distinctive headlamp design reminiscent of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car range and by a redesigned rear end. This gives the Mercedes-Benz Viano a more independent character than ever before.
The Mercedes-Benz Vario is undergoing a facelift and is set to receive a new drivetrain. To meet the requirements of future emissions standards, the Vario will be converted to include a new engine featuring new exhaust technology that will supplement the tried-and-trusted SCR technology and thus meet the Euro 6 standard. The Vario will also continue to be produced in the Ludwigsfelde plant beyond 2013.
The long-standing market success of the Vario in the high-capacity van segment is testimony to the sound investment in the vehicle and in the Ludwigsfelde plant near Berlin. The largest member of the Mercedes-Benz van product family not only combines the high load capacity of a ‘light truck’ with the agile handling characteristics of a van, but offers an equally compelling proposition with its sophisticated product quality, reliability and unrivalled combination and special-purpose body options.
Thanks to its front engine, the Vario – unlike its ‘light truck’ counterparts – does not need a tilting cab, making it ideally suited to the van concept. The driver enjoys the benefit of convenient access from the cab to the rear section of the vehicle. As a result, the Vario can be used for applications such as parcel-delivery services, as an emergency ambulance or camper van.
The low loading sill and the high payload, in particular, also make the vehicle ideally suited to applications in the heavy-duty distribution segment.
All in all, the Vario is the ideal tool for tomorrow’s challenges – even as it moves into its 15th year of production – thanks to its customised, flexible body options which are tailored precisely to customer requirements.
If you’re a resident of Australia, you’ve got a new option if you’re in the market for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The award winning model is being offered in a limited run of sixty vehicles with an additional $2,500 of value for the customer at no additional cost. Campbell York, the Senior Executive of Mercedes-Benz Vans for Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific, notes: “The Vito has recorded a number of firsts recently, competing in the 2009 Classic Adelaide Rally and also being awarded five stars in the stringent ANCAP safety rating tests. The Vito has proven that it is not just Australia’s safest van, but one that can mix it with high performance exotica at Classic Adelaide. It now adds a touch of exclusivity and luxury to its well proven work horse credentials with the availability of sixty limited edition vans.”
Standard items included in the Manufacturers List Price of $55,940 (AUD) include:
In addition, customers of the limited-edition Mercedes Vito will receive the following worth over $2,500 at no additional cost:
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Sprinter have once more scooped the awards for Best Luxury Car and Best Large Van respectively at the 2010 Fleet World Honors.
Both vehicles retained their awards from 2009, whilst Sprinter now enjoys a three-year reign.
The Best Luxury Car award for the S-Class was presented to Adrian Freeman, regional corporate sales manager for Mercedes-Benz UK at a special ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall on Tuesday 18 May.
Steve Moody, editor of Fleet World, commented: ‘The luxury sector is about to become even more competitive, but all new entrants have one model to beat, a model that continues to define the very best in corporate motoring and luxury: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. New more efficient engines have made the line-up even more formidable than ever before.’
Colin Niklas, national corporate sales manager for Mercedes-Benz UK, said: ‘We are delighted that the 2010 Fleet World Honours judging panel has once again awarded the S-Class with the accolade of Best Luxury Car. The S-Class is well recognised as being at the fore front of new technology as well as offering the ultimate in luxurious surroundings, extreme comfort and of course great efficiency.’
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also delighted the judges, winning the Best Large Van award.
Van Fleet World editor, John Kendall, said: ‘The Sprinter has taken this award for the past few years and now with Euro-5 engines out in the past year, it does much to consolidate the van’s position. The models have much to offer on all counts. The latest Sprinter has a new 2.2-litre common rail diesel with lower emissions and better fuel consumption, while car-like driving characteristics belie the size of the larger models. Not surprisingly, they have become firm fleet favourites.’
Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz Vans sales and marketing director, added: ‘The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has held the accolade of Best Large Van since 2008, and we’re thrilled it has retained its title again in 2010. The vehicle has repeatedly set standards by offering the van fleet market low whole life costs, excellent fuel economy and a firm commitment to safety.’
The Best Large Van award was presented to Julia Elkins, senior press officer – commercial vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Vans has received another major order and will deliver 600 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to Belgium. The contract was awarded by Brussels-based Belgacom, Belgium’s leading provider of telecommunications and Internet services as well as digital TV. One of the largest companies in Belgium, Belgacom has almost 17,000 employees and maintains a fleet of more than 8.000 cars, vans, and trucks. The first Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was delivered to the customer in December 2009. Over the next two years, Mercedes-Benz Vans will deliver some 25 vehicles per month to Belgacom.
Mercedes-Benz Vans was awarded the contract for two reasons: On the one hand, the vehicles meet the highest technical standards and also scored well regarding the customer’s wishes for special features. On the other hand, the customer was also impressed by the fact that Mercedes-Benz Vans offered the lowest total cost of ownership.
Belgacom ordered a total of 600 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI panel vans of 5.0 tons GVW. A special feature of the vehicles is their three-part body, which consists of a driver’s cab, a mobile workstation equipped with the latest in information and telecommunications technology, and a cargo area for cables and tools. The Sprinter can also pull a 3.0-ton trailer, enabling it to take a small excavator to repair sites, for example. All the vehicles are equipped as standard with the latest version of the ESP stability program, which determines the weight and position of the freight and optimally adjusts the controlled braking operations. The Sprinters are also equipped as standard with adaptive brake lights that flash rapidly during emergency braking. This provides an additional warning signal to following motorists and can therefore help reduce the number of rear-end collisions. All of the vehicles are equipped with clean Euro 5-compliant engines.
The contract also encompasses a comprehensive service package from Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, which will be responsible for the maintenance and vehicle management of all 600 Sprinters.
Daimler Vans USA is launching its fourth new Sprinter model – the Shuttle Van, which joins the Cargo Van, Passenger Van and Chassis Cab. Complete with many Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, the low-floor Sprinter Shuttle Van seats up to 16 passengers. The fuel-efficient Sprinter Shuttle Van is the ideal size for use by airports, limousine services, rental car agencies and residential care and community shuttles. Shuttle Van standard equipment includes an electrically operated split-entry door and step to make it easy on passengers with luggage, with air suspension that ensures automatic vehicle leveling, regardless of the load. All Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinters are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel that gets 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.
Four Versatile Configurations
The Sprinter Shuttle Van is available with a choice of four seating configurations:
Mercedes-Benz Safety
Every Sprinter comes with the safety features people have come to expect from Mercedes- Benz – ADAPTIVE ESP stability and rollover control, ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist and traction control. The driver and front passenger seats are equipped with standard multi-stage front air bags, and side curtain and torso air bags are optionally available. Other options include Bi-Xenon headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system and a Parktronic parking aid.
All Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinters are equipped with five-speed automatic transmissions, four-wheel disc brakes and independent strut suspension with coil springs in front as well as a solid axle with leaf springs at the rear. Several choices of springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars provide just the right suspension for each version of the Sprinter van.
Four Sprinter Models with Hundreds of Custom-Tailored Versions:
With the launch of the new Shuttle Van, four Sprinter models are now available through Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers:
Both the cargo and passenger vans feature a side-door opening that’s 51 inches wide and 59 inches high, with a 71-inch height on high-roof versions. At the same time, their step-in height is only 19.9 inches. The Shuttle Van has a power-operated split-entry door and step that’s 38 inches wide.
About the Sprinter Van
The highly successful Mercedes-Benz Sprinter made its European debut in 1995, and a newgeneration Sprinter was launched globally in 2006. Since 2001, the Sprinter has been sold in the U.S. by Freightliner, the industry’s leading manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks in North America.
Mercedes-Benz USA began offering the Sprinter line through select Mercedes-Benz dealers in 2010. Both MBUSA and Freightliner are divisions of Daimler AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles. In the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is targeted toward small businesses, while the Freightliner version continues to be available to its established customer base of commercial vehicle operators. Sprinter cargo vans and passenger vans are produced in Düsseldorf, Germany, while Sprinter cab chassis vehicles are made in Ludwigsfeld
Freezing cold temperatures of up to minus 30 degrees during both the day and night, and intensive handling tests on sheet ice, compacted snow and public roads too: these were the conditions faced recently by the prototype of the Mercedes-Benz Vito with battery-electric drive when it successfully undertook and passed a series of the harshest winter tests near the polar circle.
All functions tested in extreme cold, snow and ice
Despite being limited to a top speed of 80 km/h, the Vito with electric drive must nevertheless also pass all of the tests which a combustion-engined Vito has to endure. Whether tricky handling courses, extreme gradients, cornering circuits under critical conditions or braking measurements – these are just some of the tests which the safety systems, drive, suspension and all of the other components of a Mercedes-Benz van must endure, even in extreme cold, snow and ice, without encountering any problems. In addition, the properties of the electric drive system, for example braking via the electric motor for energy recuperation, must also be integrated into the handling systems.
Van developers traditionally test new vehicles and components each winter in the far north, in Arjeplog/Sweden, just an hour’s drive from the polar circle.
Further endurance tests to follow prior to start of series production
Having now already become acquainted with the extreme winter in Lapland, the whisper-quiet, zero-emission van is also due to face other endurance tests in the Alps, in the heat of Spain and also on other continuous operation routes.
When it comes to safety equipment, the Vito with electric drive will not be cutting any corners. All models will come with ESP as standard which combines the functions of both ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags will also be the same as currently available on the Vito range. The vehicles are also subjected to crash tests in order to guarantee the highest possible level of passive safety.
Range of around 130 km, no loss in transport capacity
The Vito with battery-electric drive is the world’s first van available with an electric-drive system ex factory. The drive is designed is designed solely to run on battery power and thus dispenses with the powertrain intended for combustion engines. A battery featuring powerful lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, the Vito’s range averages 130 km but can be considerably higher given an appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW. With an electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h, performance is designed to meet transportation needs in and around urban areas. There is also no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito.
When Gottlieb Daimler introduced his first truck in 1896, Carl Benz was simultaneously working towards a very different type of commercial vehicle in Mannheim. His focus was on buses and what nowadays would be called vans. Benz’s first runabouts of 1896 were called “combination delivery vehicles” in the jargon of the day. As “small coaches with a detachable box body”, the vehicle had a chain drive and three-speed transmission as well as narrow solid rubber tyres. Three engine variants were available, with 1.8, 2.6 or 3.3 kW.
The first vehicle Benz built was sold to France. A Paris department store bought the small box van, derived from the “Velo” passenger car. It featured a rear-mounted 1.8 kW engine, had a payload of 300 kilograms, including driver, and a top speed of 20 – 30 km/h. Benz’s French general distributor Emile Roger, together with a businessman from Birmingham, Léon L’Hollier, devised a plan in late 1896 to set up extensive workshops in the Digbeth district of Birmingham, as counterpart to Daimler Motor Syndicate Ltd., located in Coventry, and to build trucks and delivery vehicles there. Several vehicles were produced, but the company fell apart when Emile Roger died in 1897
From 1896 Benz also offered a somewhat larger variant of “delivery car”, described as a “coach with closed body” and initially with a two-stage belt drive, but supplied from 1898 onwards with a three-speed transmission. This vehicle also rolled on solid rubber tyres with good ground clearance. With a payload of 300 kg, (and 400 kg from 1898 onwards, not including the two drivers) this vehicle offered a much greater cargo area compared with the combination delivery vehicle. The drive was supplied by a chain, and the tractive power by a four-stroke engine with initially 2.7 kW, and from 1898 onwards 4.4 kW. The first Benz vans were built from 1896 until the start of the 20th century. But then the production of vans petered out at Benz, since all available capacity was taken up with passenger cars.
Daimler expands presence with small panel vans
What Benz referred to as “delivery vehicles”, Daimler called “business vehicles”. These panel vans were available from DMG as lighter weight designs from 1897. There were, however, fundamental differences compared with the fully-fledged trucks for higher payloads: here Daimler used a chain drive (as was the Benz principle), whereas the typical feature of heavy-duty Daimler trucks remained for years to come the pinion drive, with which he equipped his very first truck of 1896.
Characteristic features of these early Daimler vans, which came in five payload variants ranging from 800 to 2500 kilograms, were the engine positioned over the front axle, a raised engine bonnet and a four-speed gear-only transmission. To begin with Daimler used both a two-cylinder engine with 1.47 kW to 5.9 kW and a four-cylinder unit with 4.4 kW to 8.8 kW. Untertürkheim produced these vehicles as “Daimler business vehicles” from 1897 until 1903.
From 1904 the early Daimler vans focused on the 750 – 1000 kilogram payload segment and now featured exclusively two-cylinder engines. Production was eventually switched to Berlin-Marienfelde, although the van concept was only pursued until 1905. Marienfelde then specialised solely in trucks and buses.
SAG in Gaggenau takes up the running
A short time afterwards SAG in Gaggenau once again took up the running, concluding a joint venture agreement with Benz in Mannheim in 1907 and trading under the name Benz-Werke Gaggenau from December 1910. Here, from 1908 until 1910, ten different variants of delivery van for payloads ranging from 300 to 1500 kilograms were produced; these were superseded from 1911 by the Benz D 11 and KL 11 delivery vehicles (500 to 1500 kilogram payload). Gaggenau then diversified its programme from 1913 onwards, offering altogether four variants for payloads of 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 kilograms, which were produced until 1916.
Daimler vans return to Untertürkheim
Not until 1912 did Daimler start building new delivery vans, their production location being once again Untertürkheim. This fact was represented by the letter “U” in the designation of the new series launched in 1912, which was clearly of a different calibre to the previous generation. The light-weight variant – called the U ½ T – and designed for a payload of 500 to 750 kilograms, had pneumatic tyres on both axles, used the tried-and-tested 16 kW four-cylinder unit (Daimler) and boasted a propeller shaft. The heavier version answered to the name of U 1 T, handled 1250 to 1500 kilograms of payload with initially 18 kW, then 23.5 kW (Daimler 10 and 12) and also featured a propeller shaft. These vans also had pneumatic tyres at the front and traditional solid rubber tyres at the rear.
These two vans were built from 1912 until 1919. The lightweight variants were discontinued in 1920, to be replaced by a U 1 with 18 kW for payloads between 1150 and 1250 kilograms and a particularly heavy-duty U 2 T for 2500 kilograms payload, catered for by the impressive 37 kW output of the Daimler 22. In contrast to its lighter-weight colleagues, the U 2 T was equipped with solid rubber tyres all round. Production of these vans was discontinued in 1919/1920 however. Only the U 2 T survived until 1921.
The line between delivery van and truck remained a fluid one. For a short time, delivery vans would be replaced by light trucks such as the DC 1a from Berlin-Marienfelde or the CN 1 Benz truck built at Gaggenau (each having approximately one tonne payload). After the merger, the company defined the van as principally a truck derivative. Both the L 1 of 1926 (1000 kilogram payload) and the L 45 of 1928 (2500 kilogram payload) were available in a special panel van variant, which kept the van tradition simmering on the back burner until the appearance of the L 1100/L 1500 (in 1941). But there would now be a long interlude of almost three decades until the emergence of new independent van types.
There were also vans derive from passenger cars, however. From 1927, for example, Mercedes-Benz offered a vehicle with the designation L ¾, which was based on the 8/38-35 hp model (1926–1928), featured an extra-long wheelbase of 3250 millimetres and was therefore used mainly as a delivery vehicle, ambulance, pickup or minibus.
Technically the L ¾ differed from the passenger car in minor details only, the most significant being a prop shaft instead of a torque tube and horizontal rather than downward sloping longitudinal members at the rear. From July 1929 the plant in creased the payload of the L ¾ to 1000 kilograms and gave the vehicle the new designation L 1000. It was built until 1936 and reached a total production volume of 2376 units. From 1932 until 1935 the L 1000 was joined by a smaller van, a modified 170 model in panel van design, which in line with its payload of 300 kilogram appeared in sales literature as the L 300.
The Board of Management of Daimler AG has made the following personnel decisions: Volker Mornhinweg (50), currently managing director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach will take over as head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division effective April 1, 2010. He is succeeding Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, who was appointed as a Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG in February 2010. In his new position, Mornhinweg will report to Dr. Bernhard.
After completing his apprenticeship, which he started at Daimler-Benz in 1980, he went on to complete his degree in precision engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Esslingen. Subsequently, he took over various executive assignments in the group, such as in advanced prototyping, product preparation and product planning. Before taking over as managing director of Mercedes-AMG, he was plant manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Berlin and thereafter, head of executive management development for the group.
Ola Kaellenius (40), most recently plant manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa (USA), will take over from Mr. Mornhinweg as managing director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH also effective April 1, 2010. Kaellenius previously was head of Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines Ltd. in Brixworth, Great Britain and worked at McLaren Automotive. In Stuttgart, he subsequently worked as Senior Manager in engine and exhaust management, among other positions. Kaellenius, born in Sweden, started his career at the former DaimlerChrysler AG 1995 at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant in the division planning and reporting. He completed his studies at the Stockholm School of Economics with a Master’s degree.
A successor to Ola Kaellenius will be decided on and announced in the near future.