Sprinter future mapped out

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will invest $A650 million in its two Sprinter LCV production plants in Germany

Mercedes-Benz Vans has pledged its commitment to retaining the production of its next-generation Sprinter light commercial vehicle in Germany, with the manufacturer setting aside Euro 450 million ($A650 million) for upgrades to its facilities at Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, says the investment secures the manufacturer's status as the only brand to produce large vans in Germany.

"Our plants in Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde have a highly skilled workforce that has built up a comprehensive stock of van production know-how over a period of several decades," he says.

"That's why we are putting these two plants at the centre of our production strategy for the next generation of the Sprinter as well. Through investments of almost half a billion euros, we will safeguard the long-term competitiveness of our German plants and make them fit for the fierce global competition in this segment."

Mercedes-Benz says it plans to spend Euro 300 million ($A433 million) on the Dusseldorf plant and a further Euro 150 million ($A217 million) on the Ludwigsfelde plant.

The Dusseldorf plant, which has been home to the production of closed models of the Sprinter since 1995, has been earmarked for upgrades to its body shop, paint shop and assembly line.

Plant Director and Head of Production at the plant, Martin Kelterer, welcomed the news.

"The substantial investments in the modernisation of our plant and its expansion into a worldwide centre of competence for the Sprinter represents a clear commitment to our location and a significant boost for the long-term development of Mercedes-Benz Vans in Düsseldorf," he said.

The Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH, Michael Bauer, was similarly pleased.

"We're glad that the next generation of the Sprinter will also be rolling off the assembly line in Ludwigsfelde and that the investment of Euro 150 million will safeguard the long-term competitiveness of our plant," he said.

Around 2.5 million examples of the Sprinter have been delivered thus far across 130 countries. The Dusseldorf plant produces around 150,000 Sprinters each year, while the Ludwigsfelde plant accounts for 50,000 units annually.

Sprinter future mapped out

Tags