Dusseldorf, Germany. A new 4-cylinder diesel engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, plus a host of safety system options are the highlights of the new redesigned 2014 Sprinter van model due to go on sale in the U.S, starting September 1.

Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes Benz vans, noted during a press conference here at the Alte Federfabrik facility unveiling the new Sprinter is the first time the company has dedicated a “rollout” event especially for North American journalists. “That shows how important this region has become for us,” he said.

The veritable explosion of pickup truck sales during the first quarter this year– with the sale of full-size pickup trucks up 26% to date year-over-year according to Kelly Blue Book’s Automotive Insights – is being driven by a host of factors, according to industry experts, but the vastly improved fuel economy and greater electronic “connectivity” are two major reason

Think about this for a minute: Let’s say you’re a highway fleet looking to obtain the best possible fuel economy for your big rigs, which operate on mostly flat roads in the Midwest hauling some 60,000 to 80,000 lbs. in dry van trailers. You might start with a “soup to nuts” review of your specifications; maybe you look at shaving some pounds off of the suspension system, adding aerodynamic devices to the tractor and trailer, or switching to wide-base tires.