USA - Mercedes-Benz leads segment for residual value for full-sized commercial vehicles.

• The original European full-size commercial van continues to lead its segment in overall residual value in the US
• Sprinter full-size commercial van sales are up 17.4% YTD in 2014 in the US, the second largest global vans market for Mercedes-Benz
  • MY2015 Sprinter enhancements include optional 4x4 (Q1/2015 intro) and super high roof, and standard equipment now includes Crosswind Assist on 2500 models and extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles
  • Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder BlueTEC clean diesel powertrain has a 50% take rate.
• 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris midsize commercial van joins the M-B Vans US portfolio in Fall 2015 in both cargo and passenger variants.

Mercedes-Benz today announced that it has received a Residual Value Award from ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) as the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands representing the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year's awards are based on 2015 model year vehicles.

"We are pleased to receive the ALG Residual Value Award for the 2015 Sprinter, which further einforces its top TCO (total cost of ownership) credentials," said Bernie Glaser, Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC. "As a premium product, the Sprinter continues to lead residual value development in the full-size commercial vehicle segment. Other ownership benefits continue to include excellent safety/ergonomics and a premium ownership experience."

"The Sprinter's 2014 redesign has enabled it to stay at the top of the segment that it revolutionized," said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. "While several other European-style vans have been hitting the market, Sprinter's retention has consistently been best in class."

In the US full-size commercial van segment, sales of the Sprinter continue to be brisk, up 17.4% YTD. Last year, the MY2014 brought new major enhancements such as a fresh and confident new front end exterior design, 4-cylinder BlueTEC clean diesel powertrain that already plays a similar role as its big brother, the V6, and upgrades of safety and infotainment.

This year, model year 2015 is even more exciting for the Sprinter, with the addition of standard Crosswind Assist on all 2500 models and increased service intervals of up to 20,000 miles (MY 2014 service intervals were up to 15,000 miles). An optional Sprinter 4x4 version of both cargo and passenger versions will also be added in Q1/2015, which will be the only ex-factory four-wheel drive system on the market for a commercial van in the USA. Additionally, the optional super high roof sets the industry standard with an interior roof height of up to 7 feet. And the SULEV option for our standard 4-cylinder BlueTEC engine is the first SULEV diesel engine worldwide and underscores our commitment to 'Green Leadership.' All of these features highlight the position of the Sprinter as the most innovative large van in the segment.

Independent from the model year, up to 75% of all Sprinters are upfitted – from extra shelving through extensive Recreational Vehicle modifications.

Several weeks ago, MBUSA Vans announced at the 2014 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association) Convention that it is bringing a new midsize commercial van to the US and Canada in Fall 2015 called the Mercedes-Benz Metris. Sold around the world as the Vito, it will be sold as both a cargo and passenger version. Larger than other recent smaller commercial van entries from domestic US commercial van manufacturers, it will not have any competitors at the time of its market introduction. Ownership benefits will also include a right-sized approach for top levels of TCO, safety and ergonomics, and a premium ownership experience.