SEMA 2014: Mercedes-Benz Metris

[William Maley]

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SEMA isn't the likely place for an automaker to introduce a new model, but Mercedes-Benz chose the aftermarket show to reveal the the North American versions of its new V-Class vans. For North America, the V-Class will be called the Metris and it will go sale next fall in cargo and passenger van models.

Mercedes didn't go into any details about the Metris, but did talk about the four conceptual models that are sitting on the show floor.

• Garmin: Mobile Golf Pro Shop - Golf lovers will love this rolling Pro Shop that features a high-tech golf simulator and infotainment system designed for both personal and merchandizing usage. Offering a Mobile Performance Center, this concept offers technology that helps players evaluate their golf game and simulate potential outcomes.
  
• HQ Custom Design: Luxury Van - Luxury Van conversions are nothing new for Mercedes-Benz vans. This design is an ideal example of an inspired executive shuttle van that also offers the best in audio/visual that is surrounded by the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail.
  
• RADO: Fire Chief Concept Truck - Because Vans offer some of the finest dimensions for mobile command units for various local or national government agencies, this concept is a rolling communications center that could transport a Fire Chief to all locations in many situations.
  
• RENNtech: Party/DJ Van - A definite show-stopper van, this van offers a mobile DJ van that looks as good as it sounds. Featuring a clamshell style roof that opens and acts as a backdrop for a DJ, this van is true form and function in one package.
  

"We are pleased to reconfirm our September announcement at the IAA Truck Show in Hannover that we will launch a midsize commercial van in the US market in fall 2015. It is only logical that we take a global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA. Our SEMA "Mission Metris" presence with 4 different van concepts will be an effective way for us to hit the ground running to announce the nameplate 'Mercedes-Benz Metris' and to show off its unmatched versatility, size, and safety," said Bernie Glaser, Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Mission Metris: A First Glimpse at the New Midsize Van from Mercedes-Benz at SEMA 2014

• “Mission Metris” is a showcase of 4 midsize project vans at SEMA 2014 in Las Vegas
  
• M-B Vans enters the US commercial midsize van segment in fall 2015, offering both passenger and cargo versions without any competitors in the same size category
  
• Introduction of the “Mercedes-Benz Metris” nameplate for the US and Canada
  
• Pricing and specifications to be announced in 2015
  
• Sprinter large commercial van sales are up 17.3% YTD in 2014 in the US, the second largest global vans market for Mercedes-Benz
  
• MY2015 Sprinter enhancements include optional 4×4 (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.
  
• 75% of all M-B Sprinter vans are upfitted
  

Mercedes-Benz Vans USA is introducing “Mission Metris,” a showcase of 4 new midsize Project Vans at SEMA 2014 in Las Vegas. Designed to be a first glimpse at the new midsize commercial van entry into the US and Canada in fall 2015 for customers and upfitters alike, production versions of the cargo and passenger versions will be shown at a later date in 2015. This occasion also marks the introduction of the new “Mercedes-Benz Metris” nameplate for the US and Canada, whereas “Vito” will remain the midsize commercial van nameplate for all other global markets.

“We are pleased to reconfirm our September announcement at the IAA Truck Show in Hannover that we will launch a midsize commercial van in the US market in fall 2015,” said Bernie Glaser, Vice President and Managing Director of Daimler Vans USA, LLC. "It is only logical that we take a global approach and also expand our successful vans business in the USA. Our SEMA “Mission Metris” presence with 4 different van concepts will be an effective way for us to hit the ground running to announce the nameplate ‘Mercedes-Benz Metris’ and to show off its unmatched versatility, size, and safety."

Representatives from Mercedes-Benz and the following companies will be on hand to showcase their respective creative concepts:

RENNtech: Party/DJ Van

A definite show-stopper van, this van offers a mobile DJ van that looks as good as it sounds. Featuring a clamshell style roof that opens and acts as a backdrop for a DJ, this van is true form and function in one package.

HQ Custom Design: Luxury Van

Luxury Van conversions are nothing new for Mercedes-Benz vans. This design is an ideal example of an inspired executive shuttle van that also offers the best in audio/visual that is surrounded by the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail.

RADO: Fire Chief Concept Truck

Because Vans offer some of the finest dimensions for mobile command units for various local or national government agencies, this concept is a rolling communications center that could transport a Fire Chief to all locations in many situations.

Garmin: Mobile Golf Pro ShopGolf lovers will love this rolling Pro Shop that features a high-tech golf simulator and infotainment system designed for both personal and merchandizing usage. Offering a Mobile Performance Center, this concept offers technology that helps players evaluate their golf game and simulate potential outcomes.

In the US large van segment, Sprinter sales continue to be brisk, up 17.3% YTD. Model year 2014 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.

Model year 2015 is even more exciting, 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 4×4 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. In addition to that, the option for a super high roof underlines the benchmark position concerning interior heights by offering 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 underlines our ‘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 have upfitter treatment on them, regardless of extra shelving or extensive Recreational Vehicle modifications.

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[David]

We'll first look is NOT IMPRESSIVE and VERY 1990's!

 

Surprised that they would do full size vans when the market has shrunk so much to pretty much be a Service sector market.

[ZL-1]

We'll first look is NOT IMPRESSIVE and VERY 1990's!

 

Surprised that they would do full size vans when the market has shrunk so much to pretty much be a Service sector market.

US will probably be a marginal market for them, so they can bring an offering to top out their commercial vehicle offerings in the US.

Edited November 5, 2014 by ZL-1

[William Maley]

Surprised that they would do full size vans when the market has shrunk so much to pretty much be a Service sector market.

 

I believe that's more due to the fact the full-size vans have been mostly stagnate. I think it will become a more intriguing market with likes of the new Sprinter, Ford's Transit, and Ram's ProMaster.

 

US will probably be a marginal market for them, so they can bring an offering to top out their commercial vehicle offerings in the US.

 

Actually, Mercedes says the U.S. is their second best-selling marketplace for the Sprinter.

[David]

Proving that there is a limited need by the service industry for full size vans.

[Drew Dowdell]

I can't imagine anyone short of the Duggar's needing one of these (or 3 in the Duggar's case)