Base vehicle deal with Mercedes-Benz will ensure good availability for buyers throughout 2018, it says
EVM has confirmed that it will be able to deliver vehicles based on the existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 5,000kg GVW into 2019, assuaging concerns that the move to the new model Sprinter may lead to chassis supply issues.
“We became aware of a possible shortage in Q3 2017 and we have worked with Mercedes-Benz UK to secure sufficient chassis to see us through until February 2019,” says Director Danny McGee, who adds that while EVM’s order book is full until June, it has good availability after that.
EVM has stock Sprinters with both the four-cylinder and the V6 engines. Most have the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox but a small number are manuals.
They can be converted to Avantgarde, Elegance and X-Clusive minicoaches and the City Line and Community low-floor minibuses. Additionally, supply of the coachbuilt Grand Tourer is also secure into 2019, says Mr McGee.
“What gives us comfort in having so much current stock available with a model change pending is that the new Sprinter is more about connectivity and a frontal restyle. The basis of the vehicle is the same,” he adds.
“There is no doubt that the new Sprinter will be ground-breaking, but it will also come with a price increase. That is expected to be in the region of 4-5%.”
Production of extra-long wheelbase new-model Sprinter 516 and 519s is expected to commence towards the end of 2018.
