Who manufactures Mercedes Sprinter vans?

The Sprinter is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Vans, the commercial-vehicle division of Mercedes-Benz Group. It is produced at multiple plants around the world, reflecting its status as a global workhorse for businesses and fleets.

The primary manufacturer is Mercedes-Benz Vans, part of the Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler). Sprinter production occurs at multiple plants globally, with core assembly in Düsseldorf, Germany, and Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Since its introduction, the Sprinter has evolved into a global platform offering cargo and passenger variants. Production and assembly have shifted over time to meet regional demand, with major hubs in Europe and North America and ongoing adaptations for different markets. Exact production sites can change by model year and regional strategy, so current site lists should be verified with official Mercedes-Benz Vans sources.

Core production sites

Here are the primary locations traditionally associated with Sprinter assembly for global markets. The list can vary by model year and regional strategy.

• Düsseldorf, Germany


• Charleston, South Carolina, USA

These sites represent the main global hubs for Sprinter production, while regional assembly may occur elsewhere to support local markets.

Regional variations

In some regions, Sprinter variants are assembled at additional facilities to serve local demand, including adaptations for climate and regulatory requirements. The core global production network is coordinated to ensure consistency across markets, with final assembly often performed near major customer regions.

Brand, ownership and structure

The Sprinter program is produced under the Mercedes-Benz Vans brand, part of Mercedes-Benz Group. In 2021, Daimler Group reorganized its corporate structure into two main entities: Mercedes-Benz Group (focusing on passenger cars and vans) and Daimler Truck AG (handling trucks and commercial vehicles). The Sprinter remains a flagship Mercedes-Benz product within the group’s commercial-vehicle strategy.

Summary

Mercedes-Benz Vans manufactures the Sprinter, with primary production at Düsseldorf, Germany, and Charleston, South Carolina, USA, among other regional facilities. The Sprinter continues to be a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz Group’s commercial-vehicle lineup, produced through a globally coordinated manufacturing footprint that serves markets worldwide.

Where are Mercedes Sprinters manufactured?

Mercedes Sprinter vans are made at multiple plants globally, with a major facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, that handles part-by-part assembly for the North American market. Other production sites are located in Germany (Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde), South Africa (East London), and Brazil (Iracemápolis).
 

• North Charleston, South Carolina, USA: This is the main assembly plant for the North American market, where the third-generation Sprinter started part-by-part assembly in 2018. 
• Germany: Production of various Sprinter models is also handled in Germany, with facilities in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde. 
• Other Global Locations: The Sprinter is also produced in other countries, including East London, South Africa, and Iracemápolis, Brazil. 

What's better, Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter?

The choice between a Ford Transit and a Mercedes Sprinter often comes down to budget and maintenance versus off-road capability and luxury. The Transit is typically more affordable and easier to service due to its common parts and widespread dealer network. The Sprinter is better suited for challenging terrain with its available 4x4 option and offers a more premium feel, though it is generally more expensive and can be harder to maintain.
 
This video compares the off-road capabilities of the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter: 55sWe're the RussosYouTube · Jul 27, 2022
Ford Transit

• Pros:
  • Lower cost: Generally has a lower starting price.
  • Easier/cheaper maintenance: Shares many parts with F-150s, making service and parts more accessible and affordable.
  • Wider service network: More Ford dealers mean more service options and less wait time.
  • Taller standard interior: Has a higher standard interior height, which is advantageous for taller people.
  • AWD: Offers All-Wheel Drive, which is sufficient for most non-extreme off-road situations.
• Cons:
  • Less off-road focused: AWD is not as capable as the Sprinter's 4x4 for very challenging terrain. 

This video explains the advantages of the Ford Transit for camper builds: 2:49SHELBY BURNS | ADVENTURE | ROAD TRIPS | OUTDOORSInstagram · Jun 19, 2025
Mercedes Sprinter

• Pros:
  • Superior off-road capability: Available with true 4x4 and higher ground clearance, ideal for more demanding terrain. 
  • More cargo options: Offers a higher maximum cargo volume. 
  • Premium feel: Often perceived as more luxurious. 
  • Longer warranty: Includes a 100,000-mile warranty on diesel engines. 
• Cons:
  • Higher cost: Typically has a higher purchase price. 
  • More complex maintenance: Maintenance can be more expensive and difficult due to specialized European parts and service procedures. 
  • Fewer service centers: A smaller network of specialized dealers can lead to longer wait times for service. 

This video discusses the key differences between the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter: 56sAdvanced RVYouTube · Jan 31, 2025

Are Dodge Sprinters and Mercedes Sprinters the same?

Yes, Dodge Sprinters and Mercedes Sprinters are essentially the same vehicle, with the "Dodge" versions being rebadged Mercedes-Benz Sprinters from when Daimler owned both brands. They were sold under the Dodge and Freightliner brands in the United States to avoid a tariff on imported commercial vehicles, but were manufactured by Mercedes in Germany and are identical except for badging and minor trim differences.
 
Key details

• Manufacturing: Both were manufactured in the same German factories by Mercedes-Benz. 
• Purpose: The "Dodge" and "Freightliner" branding was used in the U.S. market because Daimler-Chrysler wanted to use brands with established commercial vehicle experience and avoid import taxes on the imported vans. 
• Shared models: Throughout the period they were sold under different names, the vehicles were identical, with differences limited to the badges and minor interior or exterior trim. 
• Current status: Today, only Mercedes-Benz markets the Sprinter, and all new models are sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand name. 

Who makes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans?

Mercedes-Benz Group AG, a German company, makes the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Historically, the van has also been sold under the Dodge and Freightliner nameplates, with Freightliner assembling it in the US from complete knock-down (CKD) kits, and Volkswagen also selling re-badged versions as the Volkswagen Crafter. Today, it is primarily marketed under the Mercedes-Benz brand.
 

• Primary manufacturer: The van is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Group AG, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. 
• Historical branding: In the past, the Sprinter was also sold under the Dodge and Freightliner brands in the United States. 
• Production in the US: Mercedes-Benz has a plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, where it assembles Sprinters to meet North American demand more economically. 
• Other brands: Volkswagen also sold re-badged versions of the Sprinter as the Volkswagen Crafter.