A pioneering advertorial feature from the New Sprinter

The Sprinter has been leading the way in its sector for almost 20 years, and the New Sprinter is no exception.

The addition of a number of innovative safety packages – such as Crosswind Assist – makes it the logical and responsible choice for driver safety – just as class-leading technology makes Mercedes-Benz the logical and cost-effective choice for your fleet.

The large flat vertical areas of vans make them particularly susceptible to the effects of crosswinds. These can be tricky enough to cope with even on an otherwise empty B road, but on a busy motorway or dual carriageway, being blown off track and out of lane by a strong gust of wind can be dangerous.

First-ever standard-fit solution
Other vans may have tried to address the danger of gusting crosswinds, but the New Sprinter is the first to include a solution as standard, on all models up to 3.5t GVW.

So now, alongside the already impressive list of standard safety equipment on the New Sprinter, your drivers can put their trust in Crosswind Assist.

After all, if a feature can make driving safer, shouldn’t it make it safer for every driver in your fleet, as standard?

Weather aware
The Crosswind Assist feature on the New Sprinter automatically becomes operational from 50mph. At this speed and above, sensors within the ADAPTIVE ESP® dynamic handling control system are activated to detect crosswind gusts affecting the New Sprinter’s forward track.

On a vehicle without Crosswind Assist fitted, a sudden gust can cause it to drift or veer sharply off a straight course – before the driver has time to react. Whether on a two-lane road or trying to stay in lane on a motorway, it doesn’t require much sideways movement to cross the white line and be facing oncoming traffic or be dangerously close to vehicles travelling alongside.

However, with Crosswind Assist, within milliseconds of the sensors detecting a strong gust and resulting unwanted movement, the dynamic handling control system will apply selective braking to individual wheels, to counteract the force of the wind, correct the unwanted movement, and maintain a straight course on the correct side of the white line, or safely in lane.

Faster reactions
Reacting faster and more effectively than a driver ever could, Crosswind Assist is just one example of Mercedes-Benz innovation. And reacting quickly and effectively to surpass our customers’ needs and expectations is the reason for the continuing innovation that’s long been associated with Mercedes-Benz.

After eighteen pioneering years, the New Sprinter is still demonstrating its class-leadership credentials, through innovations that set standards and push the boundaries of what is possible, to make drivers feel safer on the road, and make fleets more efficient.

Find out more for your fleet
The New Sprinter could be the perfect upgrade for your fleet – offering safety features such as Crosswind Assist, together with impressive fuel economy, lower whole life costs and higher residual values.

To find out more about how the New Sprinter could fit your fleet and your budget, get in touch with our Fleet Business Centre here.