• SABS/NRCS compliant
• High-strength safety cell protects occupants
• Controlled, progressive impact energy absorption
• Intelligent design for low-cost repairs

Ensuring maximum passive safety for all vehicle occupants is one of the basic values of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Continuing this tradition, the Sprinter is the safety pacemaker in its class. It starts with an even sturdier passenger cell, and coordinated deformation zones that absorb forces in a front-end impact. High safety standards are also provided in a side impact or rear-end collision. The design of the restraint systems, too, has been further improved.

Recently, this vehicle, encompassing the Sprinter 309 CDI, 315 CDI and 318 CDI panel van, once again passed the stringent SABS regulated rollover tests – SABS 1563 specification – primarily to test the strength of the large passenger vehicle superstructures for roll-over protection. Initial tests were conducted in 2004 with the previous generation Sprinter 416 CDI and again in 2007 on the new generation Sprinter 518 CDI model.

The unit tested was also fitted with the latest example of the mandatory roof escape hatch which has to be fitted to all TRP taxi conversions. As a safety measure, the Sprinter is fitted with lap-belts on all passenger seats.
The conclusion was that no displaced part of the vehicle protruded into the residual space, therefore, confirming that the Sprinter range complies with SABS 1563.

“Mercedes-Benz Vans once again, showed our commitment towards the importance of active and passive safety, and the importance of safety in public transportation,” said Nicolai Berger, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Vans Division, MBSA.

High-strength safety cell protects occupants

The Sprinter's outstanding safety is based partly on measures which reduce the risk of accidents through safe handling, effective braking and intelligent driver assistance systems like ADAPTIVE ESP, and partly on a high-strength passenger safety cell. The Sprinter has a very stiff body structure, to preserve the occupant survival space in the event of accident. The passenger cell is made up of the frame side members, the window pillars and sidewalls, the roof perimeter frame and the roof itself.

The strength of the Sprinter is exemplified by the A and B-pillars, whose internal structure is made of high-tensile steel, in line with internal Mercedes-Benz accident safety requirements. This goes far beyond the statutory safety requirements.

Controlled energy absorption by the side members

In a frontal impact, energy is first absorbed in the area in front of the passenger safety cell, thereby minimising firewall and footwell intrusions. In a severe impact, energy is absorbed in a controlled and progressive manner via two main force transmission paths: initially via the bolted-on cross-members, then by deformation of the side members.

The Sprinter features strong side members that are made of high-tensile steels and have a straight design, which prevents buckling. Additional, higher-level outer side members provide a further path for the transfer of impact forces, ensuring that in an accident the impact energy is transferred in several different directions.

Additionally, under particularly severe impact loads – for example in an offset frontal collision – the centre attachment point of the front subframe disengages, thereby freeing up a further deformation zone in the side members. Large amounts of impact energy are also transferred via the engine/transmission/driveshaft system to the rear axle.

Footwell remains largely uncompromised in an accident

In an accident, the extensive protection measures minimise forward movement of the seat bases in the cab, while minimal displacement of the pedals means that the footwell remains largely uncompromised. The steering column contains three steering shaft joints making the footwell significantly larger and is a further safety feature. The minimal upward movement of the steering wheel in an impact is a further safety factor.

Safety a priority

The new Sprinter's many extended and improved restraint systems provide excellent occupant protection. The driver's seat is fitted with an airbag as standard. The driver's and co-driver's seats have pyrotechnic belt tensioners and the rear seats in the passenger compartment are fitted with lapbelts as standard to reduce occupant loads in an impact.

Strong construction provides side impact protection

The driver and passengers in the Sprinter already sit higher than in a car, which is an advantage in a side impact. Further side-impact protection is provided by the strong floor structure, which also reduces the risk of damage to the fuel system. In the cab area, bracing for the door sill is provided at the A-pillar, with a further reinforced B-pillar and B-pillar cross-member providing additional direct occupant protection.

In the quest for safety, no detail has been overlooked. The battery, for example, is installed in a trough in the driver's footwell. Should the Sprinter need a jump start, an easily accessible terminal, which also serves as a charging terminal, is provided in the engine compartment.

Intelligent design for low-cost repairs

To reduce repair costs and insurance premiums, repair-friendliness was a further important consideration in the design of the bodyshell. For example the sidewall panelling is divided into sections, making it easier to replace damaged segments.
The new, wide, clipped-in rub panels along the sidewalls prevent damage in the event of minor grazing contacts – nothing unusual for a van, particularly in short-radius distribution. At the same time, if damage occurs in the lower areas, low-cost sectional repairs are possible, since in many cases it will only be necessary to replace the skirts rather than having to replace large sheet metal panels. And when repairing scratches, it is only necessary to paint the affected segment.
Replacement front-end modules likewise help to reduce repair costs. The module is bolt-connected and thus easy to replace. The same applies to the headlamps, the bolted-on towing lug, the bolt-connected wings and the lower wing panels. At the rear, the lowest rear door hinge is high enough up to be above the impact zone in a minor collision with a car.

Body-builder Management: close partnership between Mercedes-Benz and selected body-builders

Mercedes-Benz South Africa established a very close working relationship to it’s recommended body-builders during the last number of years. The highly qualified and recommended partners supply bodies and conversions. These companies are evaluated by specialists from Daimler AG using a standardised and transparent process, looking closely at aspects such as quality management, development, sales and service.

Companies who successfully come through this evaluation process have their products and production descriptions included on a recommended body-building list, which is made available to every Mercedes-Benz dealer and salesperson, enabling customers to receive the very best advice.

“The latest example of this partnership is the Sprinter INKANYEZI (meaning the Star), which is a vehicle with a complete package geared towards the needs of the taxi customers. This specialised package includes in-house financing available from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, preferential insurance rates and full aftersales and service support through our extensive dealer network,” concludes Berger.