William Maley

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered by many in Europe to be the class leader in vans and is beginning to garner a following here in the U.S. To keep this going, Mercedes unveiled the third-generation Sprinter at an event in Europe. Mercedes is touting the flexibility of the new Sprinter with more than 1,700 configurations on offer. The van offers three different drivetrain choices (front, rear, and all-wheel drive), six different body styles, varying length and height options, and engines ranging in power from 113 to 188 horsepower. Front-wheel drive models get a nine-speed automatic, while rear and all-wheel drive models make do with a seven-speed. Mercedes will also launch a fully electric model known as the eSprinter next year. Various configurations will be available that offer different range and payload. But that isn't the only item Mercedes is touting with the new Sprinter. Like the new A-Class, the Sprinter comes with Mercedes' all-new MBUX infotainment system. The system comes with some additional features that are part of the Mercedes Pro Connect services. These include inventory monitoring, vehicle tracking, and allow communication with the driver and fleet operator. Not much has changed in terms of the exterior aside from a larger grille and slightly smaller headlights. Buyers in Europe can place orders for the 2019 Sprinter right now, with deliveries expected to begin in June. U.S. buyers will have to wait till the end of the year before they can get their hands on the new Sprinter. We'll hopefully have specific details on the Sprinter for our market before then. Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release is on Page 2 Sprinter world premiere in Duisburg Well-proven attributes, new dimension in connectivity and variety: Mercedes-Benz presents the third generation of the Sprinter Feb 6, 2018 – Stuttgart/Duisburg New Sprinter will be available by the end of 2018 in the US market New connectivity services make fleet management significantly easier Detailed improvements with a major effect on the cab as a workplace Legends are made by performance. Since its European market launch in 1995 (2001 for the USA), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has given its name to an entire vehicle class thanks to its outstanding qualities. Today the third generation of this best-selling van is celebrating its world premiere in the newly constructed Mercedes-Benz logistics center on the Mercator Island in Duisburg. It will be available in the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle centers and Van ProCenters in the US market by the end of the year. The new eSprinter will enter the market in 2019 (US availability TBA). It is part of the strategy of Mercedes-Benz Vans for electrification of the commercial van fleet. "The inland port in Duisburg stands for globality and modern logistics at the highest level. It is therefore the perfect environment in which to present the new Sprinter. The Sprinter continues to embody the traditional attributes that have made it so successful worldwide since its market launch – flexibility, robustness and economy. At the same time it impresses with unrivalled modernity, for example with its connectivity and variability. This makes it the first end-to-end system solution for commercial fleets, both for Mercedes-Benz Vans and for the entire industry," says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Constant control over the fleet with Mercedes PRO connect services The third-generation Sprinter impresses with its progressive design plus comfort and safety features at a passenger car level. At the same time it offers maximum cost-effectiveness thanks to lower total operating costs and customer-oriented features. Comprehensive internet connectivity is one of the most important new features. The new, networked services of Mercedes PRO connect combined with the likewise completely new multimedia systems provide the perfect basis for all logistical and transport requirements. This begins with the complex management of a large fleet and ends with the small company fleet. Mercedes PRO connect links the fleet manager with all the vehicles and drivers in the fleet. This enables assignments to be managed online, and vehicle information such as location, fuel level or maintenance intervals to be retrieved almost in real time. Several packages available ex- factory with central fleet, vehicle, driver and location-based services will be introduced on market launch of Mercedes PRO connect. Mercedes PRO connect professionalizes our customers in terms of effitient fleet management, improved navigation, efficient analysis of driving style, digitalized recording and remote vehicle operations. Even more variable and at home in all sectors The Sprinter is more versatile than ever, bringing the potential total to more than 1,700 different configurations worldwide (USA product program is TBA). This maximized modularity defines the core of the new Sprinter concept, reflecting both sector-specific requirements and different customer segments. The product range includes, for example, solutions for courier services on the last mile delivery, for goods transport over longer distances or for service technicians using their vehicle as a mobile replacement parts store. The new Sprinter can also be put to work as a camper van or bus, and can be used as an ambulance by rescue services. Mercedes-Benz Vans also raises the Sprinter segment to a new level where safety features are concerned. The assistance systems available for the new Sprinter include a self-cleaning rear-view camera in the rear-view mirror, a 360-degree view parking camera system, and a rain sensor with an integrated Wet Wiper system for optimum visibility even during the wiping process. View full article

Hyundai has revealed a couple pictures of the next-generation Santa Fe crossover. The new model looks nothing like the current model with a more imposing profile. Up front, Hyundai has taken some ideas from the subcompact Kona with a similar grille shape and very slim headlights. Hyundai says the new Santa Fe is longer and wider than the outgoing model. Inside, the Santa Fe appears to be more premium with leather seats, stitching on the dash, and a new instrument cluster with a center mounted screen. No information was provided in terms of powertrains, but Hyundai has revealed some of the active safety features that will be debuting. First is rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist that warns a driver of approaching vehicles and will apply the brakes if it detects an imminent rear-cross collision. Safety Exit Assist will lock the doors temporarily if the system detects vehicles approaching from behind - such as a vehicle pulling into the next parking space. Hyundai will reveal the 2019 Santa Fe fully later this month, before it heads off to Geneva and New York. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 Hyundai Motor reveals first images of the Santa Fe The New Generation Santa Fe is an elegant SUV with class-leading roominess. Hyundai Motor’s D-SUV connects with the new SUV family appearance and features an expressive and powerful front. Innovative safety features underline Hyundai Motor’s approach to making advanced technology more accessible. 6 February 2018 - Hyundai Motor unveils its first images of the New Generation Santa Fe which will celebrate its world premiere in February 2018. The company’s largest passenger car, it represents Hyundai’s strong SUV heritage and continues its global success story. The fourth generation Santa Fe is a powerful, premium-designed SUV with class-leading roominess. The Santa Fe displays a modern and elegant appearance complemented by eye-catching twin headlights and the Cascading Grille, Hyundai’s SUV-family identity. The exterior design is characterised by a powerful wide stance and an athletic, bold look. It features refined lines that reinforce the car’s status at the top of Hyundai’s SUV line-up. The Santa Fe interior design combines premium quality with a horizontal and roomy layout and enhanced visibility. Its exterior dimensions make the New Generation Santa Fe appear even more prominent. With a length of 4,770 mm, a width of 1,890 mm and a longer wheelbase, it also provides more comfort for its passengers. Hyundai truly cares about the customer’s well-being and offers best-in-class safety features. As part of its SmartSense technology, the Santa Fe offers a comprehensive package of Hyundai’s latest active safety features, making advanced technology affordable. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is a Hyundai first. When reversing out of areas with low visibility, the system not only warns the driver if vehicles approach from the side – it also applies the brakes automatically. The Safety Exit Assist prevents accidents when vehicles approach from behind by temporarily locking the doors, so that passengers will exit the car safely. Further details of New Generation Santa Fe will be disclosed at the world premiere before making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. View full article