“The Sprinter Cab Chassis is the most capable heavy-duty vehicle in its segment,” said Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the USA, in a release. “The Sprinter Extreme concept has super-strength, unlimited hard-working capability and an aggressive design.

A Scattolini ScattoMaax “Tipper Bed” has been added aft of the cab. The three-way dump bed, which features a 5,200-pound payload, can tilt to the rear or either side. Although shown on the concept, the Tipper Bed can be ordered from Innovative Vehicle Solutions (IVS) through Mercedes’ MasterUpfitter program. IVS is one of 55 suppliers in the Mercedes program.

By: Jason Udy

Article Courtesy of Motortrend (Full Article).

Is the Mercedes-Benz Metris a baby Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or a large Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon? It drives like a big Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Much of that has to do with the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, petrol engine (there is no diesel option) which was cribbed from the C-Class. The 7-Speed automatic transmission comes from the C-Class too. In acceleration, cornering, breaking, and overall driving throughout the city, the Mercedes-Benz Metris felt just like a car, only higher. The independent rear suspension worked brilliantly to sucking up bumps and irregularities well powering through L.A. traffic.

By: Nathan Adlen

Article Courtesy of The Fast Lane Truck (Full Article).

HANOVER -- Following on the success of the Sprinter van in the U.S. market, Daimler plans to introduce a mid-size van sometime next year. The van made its debut in Berlin, Germany in late July, but Daimler execs were coy on an actual release date for the American version of the van, saying only that it would be introduced in the fall 2015 in a MY 2016 designation.

Mercedes Vito van at IAA. The van is scheduled to come to the U.S. in about a year. Photo: Jim Park

It's known as the Vito in Europe and Mexico, but Daimler executives speaking to reporters during the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany, referred to it as the VS20.

It's known as the Vito in Europe and Mexico, but Daimler executives speaking to reporters during the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany, referred to it as the VS20. Photo: Jim Park

What we know so far it will be a rear-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine. It will come in cargo and passenger versions, with simple configurations and what is described as a long wheelbase. It will be sold only through Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S., not at Freightliner dealers as the Sprinter is.

Bernhard Glaser, vice president and managing director for vans at Mercedes-Benz USA, said the van will be well suited to plumbers, trades people and the like looking for a vehicle they can operate from home.

"The VS20 will fit into a home garage," he explained. "It's not too tall and not too long. It's the kind of van a customer will be able to park at home, even on residential streets that prohibit the parking of commercial vehicles."

The Vito van will be built at Mercedes' van plant in Charleston, South Carolina.

By Jim Park
Article courtesy of Truckinginfo (Full Version)

Please review the important information regarding PSM module software programs below:

• The PSM software is a customized and tailored software solution designed for a specific customer application matched to a specific Sprinter model configuration
  Exception: Factory Options M53, MT4 and T57 have factory PSM software installed
• The PSM software is produced, authorized and distributed by the NAFTA Regional Upfitter Center office ONLY
• Unauthorized PSM software uploads on non-compatible vehicle configurations can lead to long unnecessary investigations and costly repairs
  (example: PSM software includes a Starter Lockout unbeknownst to the technician)
• Under no circumstances is an exchange of PSM software between upfitters or dealers allowed

Customized PSM Software Programs can be requested directly by completing the PSM Request on the Contact Form here. Any Authorized Sprinter Dealer, Sprinter Preferred Upfitter or Non-Preferred Upfitter that receives a PSM program will be cataloged and a record of the distribution will be kept. Any Authorized Sprinter Dealer, Sprinter Preferred Upfitter or Non-Preferred Upfitter that receives a PSM program will be cataloged and a record of the distribution will be kept.

Due to recent feedback, we would like to remind authorized Sprinter dealer staff; that all Sprinters Vans equipped with option code E40 feature a green plug under the driver seat that can be used to connect an aftermarket trailer brake controller. The green plug is simply a trailer brake controller prep.

For a complete copy of the "Trailer Brake Controller Prep Bulleting"   Click Here

Regional Upfitter Center NAFTA is excited to announce the Launch of the new Upfitter Portal.