Vannin' Home Forums Dodge General Discussion MB Sprinter/ Dodge fullsize vans

Anyone know anything about the Sprinter coming to the USA?
http://www.freightliner.com/corp/press_release.asp?id=208

Perhaps this explains DAIMLER/chrysler's decision to can the big Dodges.

The Captain

More pics here:
http://www.mercedes.com/e/ecars/transporter/sprinter/personen/transp_pers_sprinter.htm

I have thought this since I first heard rumors of Daimler(ugh)Chrysler ending production of the full size van. The RamVan is a basically 30 yr old design that is way overdue for a ground up retooling. The cost would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars for a vehicle that is not a sales leader. Daimler(ugh)Chrysler's German owner look at it on a cost effedtiveness basis, and they have what they feel is a perfectly good van in Europe that can be brought into U.S. compliance for much less than designing an all new product. It's all about money.

Personally, the only thing it's good for in the States is making the new Chevy look good.

Not the most attractive vehicle, that's for sure. But I think there is a market out there for large cargo van that gets good MPG. Even the v6 American vans get lousy mileage. I've heard that Sprinter gets 30 MPG for the larger direct injection diesels.

If it priced reasonably and is reliable, it could make a serious dent in the full-sized cargo van market. (If it is very expensive and unreliable, then its a VW Eurovan.)

I don't think many of those commercial van owners care much about brand loyalty. See lotsa parking lots with two chevy's and two dodge's, or some other mixture.

You know, that new GM van isn't so ugly, especially the GMC. In a couple of days, I may even think the GM is beautiful.

I'm really surprised that people don't seem interested in this. Potentially the first foreign applicant to the american fullsize van market.

Likely because it's just not attractive and would be difficult to customize.

Fedex to replace chevy's with sprinter. You can see the size of the vehicle a little better. http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b031400.htm

Sprinter - That is, without a doubt, the ugliest thing I have ever seen. I'll be back, I think I'm going to hurl!!!

Oh man!!! I finaly worked up the nerve to check out Chrysler's replacement for the Dodge Ram Van. This is going to take some getting used to! It looks more like an RV than a van. And those "here are the lines to cut out to put in the windows" really put the icing on the ugly cake. And I was finally getting used to the last Dodge design. Whats really funny, check out the flat bed/pickup option. After looking at pictures of the massive slab sided van, it looks like one of those poodles that got clipped! Oh well, I guess it's gonna happen weather we like it or not. I'm sure that once a vanner gets his talented hands on it, the Sprinter can become a thing of (almost) beauty. Here's hoping! Rest in peace Ram Van. At least we have older models to play with.

ARGGGH!! YECH !! I went to the link and looked at the Sprinter.I was sorta gettin used to the "Jay Leno" chinned Dodge, I can't believe that is a viable replacement.
As ugly as that thing is it still won't make the new loafofbread/toolbox shaped Chevy full sizes look good, we'll just have two really ugly vans to look at.Actually, it looks like a really bizarre step van, and as we all know stepvans are banned from a lot of runs.I can't wait to see that thing categorized as a van at a run, be real tough to keep a stepvan out then, and I 've always wanted to own an (older) stepvan...hehe.I fail to see any customizing potential in that thing,alltho a large tarp draped carelessly over it would make it prettier.

It would look good in camo- anything to make it disappear!