NAFTA Sprinters and MB USA, LLC

[jdcaples]

The short of it: have any dealership techs heard that you'll be receiving Sprinter service/maint training any time soon?

The longer story: I've been watching the Chrysler bankruptcy docket entries (no, it's not over yet) and Daimler is still negotiating with Chrysler (OldCarco) regarding the fate of a bunch of contracts; parts and Sprinters.

MBUSA, LLC is represented in the proceeding and seperately from Daimler AG, but I'm not fluent enough to be able decipher the legalize.

At this writing, according to the people in Sprinter reassembly plant in Ladsen, SC, there are about 500 Sprinters being held hostage by this lack of agreement between Daimler AG and the old Chryser.

I'm just curious if any dealership employees have seen anything to indicate Sprinters will be joining the suite of vehicles sold and serviced by MBUSA, LLC dealerships.

-Jon

[lkchris]

Recall, of course, that Daimler already owns Freightliner.

Perhaps it all just goes there.

[jdcaples]

I'd like to know if any members work for a dealership planning to invest in the opportunity and what the technicians are being told about training opportunities.....


http://www.autonews.com/article/20090901/ANA05/909019978/1251

-Jon

PS: I mean when something's known, and info is available, of course.... I realize it's really soon to be asking that question.

[jdcaples]

MB hasn't provided a list of dealerships that have signed up for the Sprinter sales/service opportunity.

An article from fleetowner.com reported some more info.

http://fleetowner.com/management/news/mercedes-benz-sprinter-1217/

119 dealerships in total: 49 existing Freightliner shops and 70 flying the Three Pointed Star.

I'm looking forward to 2010.

-Jon

PS: I'm also looking forward to the opening of www.sprintertekinfo.com in early 2010.