In its second full year in the U.S. market, Mercedes-Benz managed to nearly double sales of its Sprinter vans for 2011.
The exact final tally came in at 16,577 vans, up from 8,559 in 2010. While that figure may still be low compared to the top-selling Ford E-Series van, it does hint not only at serious momentum for the Sprinter brand, but possibly for the U.S. economy as well.
“Our strong, diverse network of 185 Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner commercial van dealers spread across the U.S. has enjoyed a banner year of Sprinter van sales. From large fleet operators to small construction businesses and mom-and-pop food trucks, American consumers are discovering the incredible benefits of Sprinter vans,” said Claus Tritt, GM of commercial vans for Mercedes-Benz USA.
While vans in general aren’t typically the most exciting vehicles, particularly those intended largely for work environments, when sales for these types of vehicles take off like they did for the Sprinter van, it likely indicates positive changes in an otherwise down economy as companies get out and invest big money (pricing starts in the mid-$30,000 range) into new work vehicles.
The first sales month of 2012 has not been completed as of yet, but it will be interesting to see in two weeks whether or not the Sprinter will continue its explosive growth into the new year.
