When the innovative Crosswind Assist was launched last year with the new Mercedes Sprinter 3.5t panel van it attracted a lots of attention.
The system helps the driver keep the van under control when hit by a crosswind by taking into account things such as the van’s speed, the vehicle load and steering characteristics to help counteract the crosswind interference.
It does this by applying the brakes to where they are needed, usually on the side of the vehicle facing the wind, which then creates a ‘yaw’ motion to counterbalance interference from the wind.
Mercedes Crosswind Assist keeps vans safe
It’s a clever idea and it’s not just for when heavy winds are in play; it’s also useful for when a van overtakes a truck or crosses a bridge for instance. Any wind speed above 50mph is detected and the system is activated.
Mercedes has now made the system available as standard on its 3.5t chassis cab variants as well as its 3.0t Sprinter panel vans – both the short wheelbase models and super-high roof variants.
The firm says that its chassis cab variants have a much smaller surface for the side wind gusts to ‘attack’ whereas its larger box bodies have a much bigger surface area and are more at risk.
Mercedes says is undertaken extensive testing of its Crosswind System for all the variants it is now being added to.
Mercedes records record sales
Meanwhile, Mercedes has also announced that in the second quarter of this year, its new van registrations soared by 25% compared to the same period last year.
That means this is the sixth consecutive quarter that Mercedes has increased its sales.
Underpinning the success is the impressive Mercedes Citan which have grown by 45%, Vito went up by 12% while Sprinter van sales increased by 23%. Sprinter chassis Sales grew by an incredible 51%.
On top of this, Mercedes also says it’s roadside assistance service, Service 24h, is also going from strength to strength and they attend a broken down vehicle in around 55 minutes.
The engineer then repairs around 85% of vans at the roadside.