Stella’s commercial vehicles have been important work companions for a large number of professionals for decades now. Generations of artisans, couriers, law enforcement officials, doctors and nurses and outdoor enthusiasts have appreciated its evolutions over the years. This year, in 2024, the Stuttgart company is therefore celebrating several anniversaries.
We start 55 years ago (1969) when production of the first Hanomag-Henschel light commercial vehicles began in Bremen. After ten years 40 years ago (1984): the last T1/TN van rolls off the assembly line in Bremen, 35 years ago (1989) the facelift of the T1/TN series arrives with new engines and improved aerodynamics. The Sprinter was born in 1995 and will turn 30 next year together with Vito.
1969, the Bremer dell’allora Hanomag-Henschel
In September 1969, 55 years ago, the first light commercial vehicle Hanomag-Henschel rolled off the Bremen assembly line at the former Borgward plant following the transfer of van and station wagon production from the Hamburg-Harburg plant. At the same time, Daimler-Benz acquired a 51% stake in the company and then also marketed the L 306 vehicles under the name Mercedes Benz. At the turn of 1970 and 1971, Daimler-Benz took over all remaining shares of Hanomag-Henschel and continued to build the L 306 until 1977.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
On 19 July 1984, it was produced at the Bremen plant specimen number 290,958the latest van in the series known internally as T1/TN. This marked the end of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle production in Bremen, with all production concentrated at the plant Düsseldorfwhere the T1/TN had already been produced since 1980. From then on, Bremen was used exclusively as a car factory. In 1995, more were built at the Düsseldorf plant 660,000 vans of the series.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
1989, a major update for the T1/TN
First introduced in 1977, the T1/TN was technically revised and improved for its new edition in March 1989, 35 years ago. The engineers focused on three main objectives: greater powergreater speed and lower emissions. The two new engines were awarded the title “Diesel 1989”. With this complete restyling, the Düsseldorf plant closed the eventful eighties. In 1992, a total of around 900,000 vans left the site.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
From an aesthetic point of view, the changes made to the product include the upright covering front windows on high-roof variants and a new gap-free bumper. These design changes have improved aerodynamics up to 25%, depending on the structure, leading to greater aerodynamic efficiency and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For example, a van with a flat roof achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost 23% at a constant speed of 100 km/h.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
The T1/TN owes its success in numerous industrial sectors above all to its versatilitywhich includes several sliding side and rear doors (opening angles: 90°, 180° or 270°), adapted to the dimensions of the European pallet. In total, 252 variants were offered.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
1995, the Sprinter is born
In 1995, the Sprinter came to light, a new Mercedes Benz van which represented a milestone in many respects including being the first commercial vehicle with the Star to have a name instead of simple numerical codes and letters. The Sprinter has, therefore, taken up the baton of the Mercedes Benz T1/TN which was a true legend produced in almost one million units in 18 years.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
While adopting the basic technical concept of the T1/TN, everything else has been revolutionized. The combination of self-supporting body, high-grip rear-wheel drive, modern chassis with independent front suspension, exemplary safety equipment and powerful engines it was unique. From the beginning, the Sprinter positioned itself as a real one all-rounder. Thanks to its numerous variations and options, it became the first choice in all industrial sectors and has remained so to this day.
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
At the beginning of 2024, Mercedes-Benz has once again redefined the large van segment with a significant increase in safety, comfort and digitalisation, while maintaining its flexibility. With the eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also implementing the next phase of its electrification strategy. A triad of efficiency, autonomy and charging volume that makes the fully electric version a versatile all-round vehicle. Next year, Mercedes-Benz Vans will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sprinter and its ‘little brother’ Vito.
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Source: it.motor1.com
