Stuttgart/Melbourne – Mercedes-Benz Vans has excelled at the renowned "Motoring Matters Magazine Group Awards 2013" in Australia, scooping two awards. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter won the coveted "Delivery Magazine Van of the Year Award". The Mercedes-Benz Viano topped the "Best People Mover of the Year" category once more. Dr. Kolja Rebstock, Managing Director Commercial Vehicles Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, and Diane Tarr, General Manager Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia/Pacific, received the awards at a special ceremony which took place at the "Melbourne Convention Centre".

The established Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been voted “Van of the Year” by the editorial staff of the Australian "Delivery Magazine". As in Great Britain at the "Van Fleet World Honours" in mid-May, the van won over the expert jury with its pre-eminent core attributes – its quality, efficiency, performance and above all its safety package. Chris Mullet, editor-in-chief and publisher of "Delivery Magazine", explained: "The Sprinter is without doubt the safest van ever to be presented on the Australian market."

Dr. Sascha Paasche, Head of Engineering Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented: "Winning the "Van of the Year Award” for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Australia affirms once again the results of our development work in the field of safety. Rather than resting on our laurels, however, we are continuing our development efforts with the aim of raising the safety standard of Mercedes-Benz Vans still higher. The new Sprinter is another important step in this direction."

The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which has been available for ordering in Europe since 3 June 2013, sets new benchmarks once again on the safety front. Five new assistance systems are set to have a positive effect on the incidence and severity of accidents in future. The launch of the new Sprinter also marks the world premiere of standard-fit Crosswind Assist as well as the optional Collision Prevention Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are also new.

Mercedes-Benz Vans achieved a twofold success at the "Motoring Matters Magazine Group Awards 2013". The award for the best people mover went to the Mercedes-Benz Viano for the third time in a row. The people carrier has been adapted to the needs of the Australian market and is marketed there as the “ Mercedes-Benz Valente”.