30 years of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: 5 million vans on the road

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 30 years of Sprinter with 5 million vans produced, marking the milestone with an eSprinter delivery to FedEx in Charleston.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has marked a major milestone: five million Sprinter vans have been produced globally over the past 30 years. The landmark vehicle — a fully electric eSprinter — was handed over to long-time customer FedEx and assembled at the Charleston plant in South Carolina. The handover symbolizes not only a numerical achievement but also the evolution of the Sprinter line toward sustainability and innovation.

The Charleston facility now serves as a vital hub for Mercedes-Benz’s North American operations. Established in 2006 and significantly expanded in 2018 to accommodate the third-generation Sprinter, the plant saw another major upgrade in 2024. A $50 million investment enabled the start of local eSprinter production. Today, it stands as a modern assembly center, equipped with autonomous transport systems, digital training tools, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

FedEx, one of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ largest global clients, has begun integrating the eSprinter into its electrified fleet. The electric van is now in use across various countries, including the U.S., the UK, and Germany. FedEx reports that switching to electric vehicles reduces annual CO₂ emissions by dozens of tons per vehicle. By 2030, the company aims to purchase only electric vehicles for last-mile delivery services.

Since its debut in 1995, the Sprinter has grown from a promising newcomer into an icon of commercial mobility. It was among the first in its class to feature ABS and ESP, setting new standards for safety and performance. Each generation built on this legacy — the second offering more space and configurations, the third integrating cutting-edge digital technology and connectivity.

Today, the Sprinter can be configured in over a thousand variations — from delivery vans and people movers to mobile workspaces. With the eSprinter, the model enters a new era of sustainable transport. Production isn’t limited to the U.S.; the eSprinter is also assembled in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde, Germany, enabling a global supply network for a global product.

The five-millionth Sprinter delivered to FedEx is more than a milestone — it's a statement. It reflects a partnership built on innovation and shared vision, where two global companies are not just reacting to change but actively shaping the future of transportation.

Source: mercedes-benz.com