Freightliner Sprinter Cab/Chassis Makes Formal Launch Debut at Atlantic Builder’s Show; “Northeast’s Largest Building Industry Trade Conference Serves As Ideal Forum For This Long-Anticipated Market Launch”.
Published in: PR Newswire
Date: 3/16/2004
DaimlerChrysler’s new Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis will make its formal market debut at the Atlantic Builder’s Conference (ABC) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Held March 17-19, 2004, the Atlantic Builder’s Conference is the largest building industry tradeshow in the entire Northeast.
The Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis was designed with the body builder in mind and enables easy upfit for virtually any commercial need. Boasting market-leading fuel performance and a host of low cost of ownership advantages, its lightweight design, easy body installation, and numerous body options provide exceptional versatility and is ideal for virtually any commercial need. Like Sprinter vans, it is a smart work-truck alternative that offers commercial customers a total business solution and is an important product in an expanding commercial portfolio.
“More than ever, DaimlerChrysler remains committed to developing total business solutions for our fleet and commercial customers and the new Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis helps us to do just that,” says Craig Fisher, director of marketing and product planning. “Like our Sprinter vans, the cab/chassis, with its quality construction and adaptability for nearly every business need imaginable, is a dynamic product for a diverse commercial customer audience. In formally presenting it to the ABC delegates, we’re confident it will be received well by the hordes of builders, developers, remodelers, subcontractors, and industry professionals that will be in attendance at this year’s show.”
The cab/chassis’ versatility begins with its flat frame rails, which provide a good mounting surface. Upfit specialists also will appreciate features such as the fuel filler neck and nozzle integrated with the cab, which eliminates the need to reroute the fuel fill system or build bodies around the fuel fill system. Taillight wiring harnesses may be lengthened easily to fit extended utility bodies, or taillights deleted altogether if needs require. Other available options include a rear window for the cab and wiring harnesses for lighting the interior of upfit bodies.
The Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis shares many of the attributes already demonstrating value to Sprinter cargo and passenger van customers throughout North America. Among its many cost of ownership advantages and customer benefits are market leading fuel economy, long maintenance intervals, low emissions, power steering and brakes, and reduced external noise.
Like Sprinter passenger and cargo vans, a high-performance premium Turbo- Diesel engine powers the cab/chassis. The state-of-the-art 5-cylinder, 2.7- liter engine efficiently produces 154 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, enough to handle customers’ business needs while conserving fuel and operating with minimal external noise. And, also like the Sprinter van models, the cab/chassis’ automatic five-speed transmission system with toggle easy shifting and spacious cockpit ensure driver comfort and a continually low fuel consumption range. Notwithstanding, its class-leading turning promises ease of handling and makes the vehicle easy to maneuver in tight areas. It is available in two GVWRs, 8,550 or 9,990 lbs., and two wheelbase offerings of 140 or 158 inches.
Efficiency
Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis provides excellent value for managers looking to improve their businesses’ bottom lines by reducing expenditures for fuel and vehicle maintenance. Consistent with Sprinter’s envied reputation and performance heritage, the cab/chassis outperforms the competition when it comes to fuel efficiency. Independent testing confirms fuel economy of more than 25 miles per gallon, with a vehicle range of approximately 550 miles. Particularly important to business customers, as their eye is necessarily on the “bottom line,” long maintenance intervals of up to 20,000 miles (with the ASSYST maintenance option) mean less time in the shop and more time on the road — without sacrificing performance.
Safety
In matters of safety, the Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis not only sets the standard, but also raises the bar for its segment of chassis products. It not only transports people and cargo, but also transports both safely. Four- wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and integrated acceleration skid control (ASR) are standard. Independent front wheel suspension offers improved road holding. Also, full size driver and passenger airbags are available, helping lessen the chance of serious injury in front- impact collisions. Rugged body structure and extra length and increased rigidity in the cab section improves performance in crash situations, and 2500 models are equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Comfort
The Sprinter cab/chassis is ergonomically designed for functionality without sacrificing comfort. The cab provides excellent all-around vision for drivers and passengers. Standard power steering ensures ease of handling, and excellent drivability and a tight turning radius makes the vehicle easy to maneuver in tight areas, such as busy city streets or small delivery areas. Sprinter cab/chassis’ spacious interior provides ample legroom and freedom of movement, and ergonomically designed seats take the pain out of long journeys. Collectively, these features make the vehicle drive and feel more like a passenger car than a commercial workhorse.
The Freightliner Sprinter cab/chassis, now being sold in the United States for the first time after years of success in the European market, is a natural companion to the Freightliner Sprinter cargo and passenger vans introduced in 2001. It is also a natural companion as well to the Dodge Sprinter cargo and passenger vans introduced last year and Dodge Sprinter cab/chassis introduced earlier this month at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Show in Baltimore. Revolutionizing the commercial market for light and medium duty vehicles, these class-leading products are the latest in a commercial expansion designed to meet business customer expectations, while simultaneously paving the way for the introduction of additional DaimlerChrysler innovations for the U.S. commercial vehicle market.
“We predicted great success for the Sprinter in North America, and not simply because the vehicle performed well in other markets,” added Fisher. “DaimlerChrysler remains the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world and the Sprinter’s global success is due to its state-of-the-art design tailored to the needs of the commercial van customer. Similarly, with this long-anticipated market launch, we’re confident U.S. customers will recognize the cab/chassis model for its inherent quality and ability to be configured for virtually any commercial use.”
CONTACT: Randy L. Jones of DaimlerChrysler, +1-248-576-7965, fax: +1-248-576-0277, or randy.l.jones@daimlerchrysler.com
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