New Mercedes-Benz midsize commercial van to be named Metris in Canada and the United States

TORONTO, ON – In July 2014, Mercedes-Benz premiered in Berlin a model that will compete in the midsize commercial van segment. Now available in Germany, this  new model will be making inroads globally following in the footsteps of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This new midsize van will be introduced in Canada and the United States in the last quarter of 2015 as the "Metris" whereas the "Vito" will remain the nameplate for all other global   markets.

The "Metris" nameplate was officially debuted today at the 2014 edition of SEMA in Las Vegas where Mercedes-Benz Vans USA is currently exhibiting a special showcase of four modified versions of the new midsize van. The "Mission Metris" concepts presented at SEMA are designed to offer a first glimpse at the new commercial van for customers and upfitters alike. Actual production versions of the cargo and passenger vans will be shown at a later date in 2015.

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Designed to revolutionize and revitalize the Canadian and American midsize commercial van segment, the Metris will offer tremendous versatility, safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the Metris is a perfect example of successful technology transfer within the Daimler Group benefiting from 120 years of experience in the commercial vehicle sector.

"Mercedes-Benz Vans 2014 sales have been brisk so far in Canada, up 21.4% year to date. The new generation Sprinter with its bold new look, numerous interior refinements, ground breaking safety systems and new powerful and fuel efficient 4- cylinder BlueTEC diesel engine, has helped us achieve an unparalleled position in  this market," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Looking forward to 2015, the addition of a 4x4 variant to both the cargo and passenger versions of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Metris will undoubtedly continue to raise the bar and establish new thresholds in the commercial vehicle segment in Canada".

Pablo de la Peña, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Vans added: "The introduction of the Metris is very timely for us to expand the Mercedes-Benz vans product portfolio   by broadening the scope of business solutions available to our commercial clientele".

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 43 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 37,018 vehicles in 2013, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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