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The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van makes its first public appearance Feb. 6, 2018, at the vehicle's world premier in Duisburg, Germany. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)

DUISBURG, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new Sprinter, a digitally connected, highly versatile vehicle that can be customized to fit a diverse range of applications, from last-mile delivery to construction work to passenger transport. (See video of unveiling)

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz previewed the next iteration of its Sprinter van and highlighted how it is using vehicle connectivity to help customers operate more efficiently and adapt to the demands of e-commerce.

Mercedes-Benz, conducting the biggest test using drones to ship everyday items such as ground coffee and cellphones, said the mini-aircraft completed 100 drop-offs to strategically placed vans in Zurich with a perfect safety record, and more deliveries are planned for next year.

Daimler AG reported higher revenue and flat profits during the second quarter, with a strong performance from its Mercedes-Benz car division but sputtering results from the global truck unit.

FRANKFURT, Germany — Mercedes-Benz will launch a pickup truck in late 2017, becoming the first German premium automaker to enter one of the most lucrative segments in the car industry.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Mercedes-Benz Vans broke ground on its $500 million Sprinter plant for the North American market in North Charleston on July 27 as a company executive cited growing demand for Euro-style vans.

Mercedes-Benz plans to enter the pickup segment in coming years, underscoring a push by manufacturers of upscale vehicles to invade territories traditionally dominated by mass-market competitors.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is slated to introduce the Metris midsize van to the U.S. market at The Work Truck Show in March, host organization NTEA announced.