Accounts Include Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter Brands

GREENVILLE, S.C., (March 3, 2010) – Cargo (www.thinkcargo.com), an idea generation and brand engagement firm based in Greenville, S.C., announced today it has been selected as the official agency-of-record (AOR) for Daimler Vans USA, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz USA, which markets Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter vans.

Sprinter vans are light commercial vehicles with a wide variety of passenger and cargo uses and are one of the fastest growing segments of commercial transportation worldwide. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the market share leader in Europe with over one million sold worldwide since its launch in 1995. The Sprinter van line includes two separate brands: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner Sprinter. Cargo is handling both brands. 

Mercedes-Benz USA Sprinter Brand Manager Antje Williams said Cargo won the business for its ability to most effectively integrate creativity and technology for a seamless brand experience. “Cargo demonstrated a unique ability to effectively engage our brand across a broad spectrum of dealer, customer and end user influencers,” explained Williams. “They also demonstrated a system whereby they can execute work in the critically precise and efficient manner that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand name.”

Since last October, Mercedes-Benz USA has been preparing for the U.S. launch of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter line and the re-launch of the Freightliner Sprinter line, both of which occurred last month. Cargo created and launched new websites, product literature, online and SEM campaigns, and national print advertising campaigns for both brands.

Cargo partner and co-founder Dan Gliatta said, “I am extremely proud of our team for delivering on the brand promise for which Daimler Vans USA hired us:  for being technologically intuitive creatives with a smart, nimble approach to business. The sales and marketing landscape of Sprinter vans is evolving rapidly, so our primary job is to stay three steps ahead of end users, customers and dealers to constantly provide them with better tools of engagement.”

As agency-of-record, Cargo is responsible for all aspects of brand marketing for the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter brands, including strategic planning; brand positioning; interactive design, development, optimization and hosting; SEM/SEO; product literature; advertising; media planning and buying; brand analytics; and tradeshow management and marketing.

About Cargo
Cargo is an idea-driven agency that integrates technology with creativity to bring new thinking to the way its clients reach and engage their audiences. Cargo is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina and provides creative thinking and creative execution for Daimler Vans USA, UNICEF, Healthstat, OOBE Apparel, Wheeled Coach, Fatz Cafe, JCB Construction Equipment, Carver, Upstate Alliance and more.  For more information on Cargo and their business building ideas, visit www.thinkcargo.com.

About Daimler Vans USA
Located in Montvale, NJ, Daimler Vans USA LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC responsible for the sales and marketing of Sprinter commercial vehicles in the U.S.  Marking the return of the three-pointed star to the U.S. light duty commercial vehicle market, Daimler Vans USA markets the Sprinter van line through established Freightliner dealerships and, through an agreement with Mercedes-Benz USA, to a select network of Mercedes-Benz dealerships.  More information can be found at www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.freightlinersprinterusa.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA)
Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, Mercedes-Benz USA is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.   MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the U.S.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com, and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

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Media Contact:
Kara Dullea
(864) 275-3331
kdullea@thinkcargo.com