Quote:
Originally Posted by sanchezc
Mercedes vs Volvo:
Mercedes & Volvo vs Others:
Safety may be the reason why neither Mercedes nor Volvo have ever built a minivan. I've read of safety concerns with the sliding doors in rollovers: they apparently tend to pop open. Reason for which I understand that the NHTSA is considering requiring new designs with more than just the current two attachment points.
Any thoughts?
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Mercedes have built minivans for ages. They have produced a commercial minivan for decades which in the 80's was converted to a passenger van. Then, on the 90's this passenger minivan got a complete redesign using a new platform (different from the commercial van).
It is call the V-class and the Viano. It is produced in several countries including Germany, Spain and others. And has sold by hundreds of thousands all around the world.
Besides that, the Brazilian and Argentinian subsidiaries of Daimler produces four or five different types of minivans (ranging from 7 to 14 passengers).
They don't sell them in the U.S. because of safety issues, but because of brand image.
Do a search on the V-class and the Viano.