Dodge losing the sprinter

[hemiram]

In the United States, the Mercedes-built Sprinter has been marketed as the Dodge Sprinter. But not for much longer.

Now that Fiat has replaced Mercedes-Benz as a Chrysler owner, the Sprinter is moving back into the Mercedes lineup.

You have to wonder whether Mercedes will put the famed three-star emblem on the US-spec Sprinter fearing some dilution of the brand's image?  or keep selling it through its heavy-duty subsidiary Freightliner.

Speaking of boxy trucks with a Euro flair, the Ford Transit Connect is now on sale in the United States. The company sold 2,000 in the first full month on the market and vehicles are selling after fewer than 10 days on the lot.

We spotted one with temporary New Hampshire plates in downtown Newburyport. The owner didn't return while we were admiring the vehicle, but other passersby stopped to check it out, too.