The commercial van market went from being a 1970’s market with all of 2 players to a fledgling segment. Nissan will launch their new entry this fall (NV2500) and now Daimler is showing a 16-passenger Sprinter van that an be ordered directly from a Mercedes-Benz or Freight liner dealership that sells Sprinter vans. Then next year Fiat/Chrysler are rumored to be bringing some type of variant to the Doblo Euro Van. The Ford E-Series is the king of the hill with some help coming from the Transit vans so this segment will only get more crowded and interesting.

From AutoNews.com:

CHARLESTON, S.C — Daimler Vans USA is expanding its Sprinter model line with the addition of a passenger van that seats up to 16 people. The van is designed for hotel shuttle service, paratransit and other applications.

The vehicle can be ordered directly from a Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealership that sells Sprinter vans. Sales begin this summer. Pricing has not been announced.

Dan Barile, a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman, said four different interior configurations will be offered including a model with a wheelchair lift that can handle up to 8 passengers. Daimler Vans is a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz USA.

Read the full article here.