OREANDA-NEWS. Mercedes-Benz Vans and BASF have joined forces in the growth market of Russia. BASF is supplying all of the paints for the recently launched production of the Sprinter Classic van. Mercedes-Benz Vans manufactures the Sprinter Classic for the Russian market in cooperation with the Russian partner GAZ at the Gorky automotive plant in Nizhny Novgorod, around 400 kilometers east of Moscow. For the finish, the manufacturers are using 100 percent BASF products, both for the e-coat and for primers, topcoats and clearcoats.

"We are very pleased that Daimler AG has chosen us. The supply contract is an additional milestone in the partnership, which has connected our two companies in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle segments for many years and demonstrates the trust Daimler places in our products and services," said Carsten Vietze, Coatings Account Manager for Daimler Van & Truck & Bus Europe at BASF. "With the supply contract, we are strengthening the market position of the entire BASF Group in the growing Russian market."

The paint system for the Sprinter Classic stands out for its high level of robustness, a property that is especially important for commercial vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz van. For the new paintline, in addition to the e-coat, primer and clearcoat, BASF suppliers three metallic and three solid colors.

BASF is a long-standing partner of Daimler for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in all regions. In addition to the complete product portfolio, ranging from e-coat to clearcoat, the company offers a wide range of services. In 2012, the partnership with BASF in the truck and bus segment was recognized with the Daimler Supplier Award.

The Sprinter Classic is the first vehicle produced in cooperation between Mercedes-Benz Vans and GAZ. The Sprinter is one of the most successful van models in the world. In 1995, it replaced the Mercedes-Benz T1 and since then has been on roads worldwide.