"The first months of the year under review - 2008 - and the first quarter of the 2009 financial year stand in stark contrast to each other. Yet in spite of the fact that the effects of the global financial and economic crisis were already being keenly felt in the second half of 2008, in total 287,205 vehicles (Vito/Viano, Sprinter, Vario) were sold. The previous year's record of 289,073 units was nearly equalled. The basis for success was once again the Sprinter van model series which is manufactured in the Dosseldorf and Ludwigsfelde plants in Germany and the Gonzalez Catan plant in Argentina. Some 166,473 Sprinters were sold - more than ever before.
Despite an increasingly difficult market and the great uncertainty as to the length and depth of the global economic downturn, Daimler AG continues to press ahead with its Research & Development pro-gramme. Its main focus is on drive systems which are fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. ... Innovative and high-quality products, as well as an attractive model range, therefore form the base from which we can further strengthen our market position in 2009."
-- Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans
Despite an increasingly difficult market and the great uncertainty as to the length and depth of the global economic downturn, Daimler AG continues to press ahead with its Research & Development pro-gramme. Its main focus is on drive systems which are fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. ... Innovative and high-quality products, as well as an attractive model range, therefore form the base from which we can further strengthen our market position in 2009."
-- Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans