BURLINGTON, Ont. (Jan. 14, 2005) — DaimlerChrysler Canada announced it has sold over 1,000 Dodge Sprinter delivery vans in Canada — far surpassing initial expectations.

The company said it has sold 1,002 Dodge Sprinters in 2004. The vehicle was introduced to the Canadian market in January of last year.

The lineup is comprised of cargo vans, passenger vans, and the soon to be revealed cab chassis — powered by a 2.7L, five-cylinder CDI Turbo Diesel engine. It’s aimed at urban commercial users through a network of 28 national Sprinter dealers.

The Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 by Mercedes-Benz and in less than five years became the market leader in Western Europe’s van segment. In 2000, it was brought to North America for distribution by Freightliner LLC — the North American commercial subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler.

The vehicle is also the ideal choice for fleets experimenting with alternative fuels. United Parcel Service, for example, recently paired up DaimlerChrysler in the U.S. to test new hydrogen fuel-cell technology on Dodge Sprinter vans.

The Dodge Sprinter ergonomic design provides 360-degree viewing for both driver and passenger. It is available in three wheelbases – 118, 140 and 158 inches – and two roof heights, allowing up to 73 inches of interior stand-up height.

The new cab chassis configuration should provide additional flexibility to the lineup and allow for the user to customize utility.

— with files from Burlington Post