The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues to set the benchmark and offer the lowest total cost of ownership in Canada

TORONTO, July 22, 2013 /CNW/ - For the fourth consecutive year, a comprehensive report has shown that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues to offer the lowest total cost of ownership in its class in Canada. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also secured the top honour in all three segments in which it competes in the recently unveiled Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada awards. This is the second year in a row that the Sprinter has been bestowed this honour.

The extensive total cost of ownership study conducted by Vincentric examined the competitive landscape and analyzed the lifecycle costs of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter compared to its competitors from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC and Nissan. Once all the data was analyzed, the results clearly indicated that the Sprinter had the lowest lifecycle cost.

The lifecycle cost analysis methodology took into account all major ownership and operating costs of a vehicle. These included: depreciation, fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, repairs, financing, fees and taxes and even opportunity cost, which is the loss of potential interest income as a result of owning and operating a vehicle.The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The study's criteria assumed that owners will drive 25,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000 and 60,000 kilometers per year for three and four years, while also examining many different vehicle configurations.

After rigorous investigation, the results concluded that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter had by far the lowest overall lifecycle cost for the annual driving distance/lifecycle combinations measured in both the ¾ ton and 1 ton segments. This was despite the fact that it also had the highest acquisition cost of any model in the study. The Sprinter's outstanding performance can be attributed primarily to the Sprinter's best-in-class fuel economy and extremely low depreciation.

"Car buyers often focus on a vehicle's price and how that translates into monthly loan payments. However, our analysis of the Canadian heavy duty van market demonstrated the importance of understanding all ownership costs," stated David Wurster, President of Vincentric. "The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a perfect example of the value in analyzing total cost of ownership. Although the Sprinter has a higher acquisition cost than its competitors, its best-in-class fuel costs and low depreciation resulted in a lower total ownership cost overall. As a result, it makes sense to spend a little more upfront on the Sprinter to save money in the long run."

"We are extremely proud that the Sprinter's many best-in-class attributes continue to be recognized. This incredibly versatile vehicle consistently outperforms its competition and sets the benchmark in the industry as a truly indispensable solution for a wide variety of business uses and transportation needs," said Pablo de la Peña, Sales & Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Vans. "Our continued strong sales momentum and outstanding performance in these important studies underscore the Sprinter's irrefutable value proposition."

de la Peña continued: "This fall, we will continue to raise the bar and establish a new threshold in the light duty commercial vehicle segment with the launch of the next generation 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. With a bold new look, numerous interior refinements, ground breaking safety systems and a powerful and fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine, we will further bolster our unparalleled position in the market."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,450 people in 21 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 41 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,503 vehicles in 2012, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [email protected]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca