Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recognized as offering the lowest total cost of ownership in Canada for the third consecutive year

TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced that for the third consecutive year, 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 captured 3 accolades in Vincentric's inaugural Best Fleet Value in Canada Awards, winning every category in which it competed.

The comprehensive total cost of ownership study conducted by Vincentric examined the competitive landscape and analyzed the lifecycle costs of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter compared to its four main competitors, including the latest vehicle that recently entered the segment. Once all the data was analyzed, the results clearly indicated that the Sprinter had the lowest lifecycle cost.

The Lifecycle Cost Analysis methodology examined all ownership and operating costs. 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 extensive study calculated many different permutations for annual total distances traveled in Canada of 25,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000 and 60,000 kilometers per year for three, four, and five years. This resulted in 15 different combinations of annual driving distance and lifecycle terms, and measured 49 vehicle configurations from 5 models in both the ¾ (2500) and 1 ton (3500) full-size van segments.

The results concluded that the 2012 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 had the highest acquisition cost of any model in the study. In fact, the Sprinter's impressive performance translated in to savings of up to $12,545 when compared to its competitors, primarily as a result of the Sprinter's best-in-class fuel economy and 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."

"With its sophisticated BlueTEC diesel engine and exceptional levels of active and passive safety, the Sprinter continues to set the benchmark in terms of fuel efficiency, advanced technology, versatility and performance in the light-duty commercial vehicle segment in Canada," said Pablo de la Peña, Sales & Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Vans. "The Sprinter further asserts its leadership position through an extensive list of best-in-class features including: cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, interior compartment accessibility (side and rear door opening areas), maintenance intervals, payload and interior standing height. This powerful combination is truly unique in the industry, and has allowed us to grow our business significantly in Canada."

The Sprinter's value proposition was further substantiated by the fact that it has also been awarded the Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value award for Full-size Vans for three consecutive years. Designed to recognize specific models that best their competitors, the awards are based on real world performance and identify vehicles that retain the highest percentage of their original value.

"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues to set the benchmark in the industry, outperforming its competitors at every turn in almost every measurable way. As the world's largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Mercedes-Benz established the standard and has consistently set the bar even higher with an unwavering commitment to innovation," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Comprehensive studies like the one from Vincentric further underscore the Sprinter's unique and highly compelling value proposition throughout its entire lifecycle. Overall, the results speak for themselves, and the Sprinter's unmatched versatility and numerous different configurations offer our valued customers a class-leading vehicle that can be uniquely tailored to virtually any business requirement."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "In addition to offering the lowest total cost of ownership, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also captured 3 accolades in Vincentric's inaugural Best Fleet Value in Canada Awards, winning in every category in which it competed. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120802_C4618_PHOTO_EN_16609.jpg

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [e-mail]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [e-mail]

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