Skip to main content

‘Mission Metris’ is go: Mercedes-Benz unveils four wild Project Vans for SEMA

It seems like the objective of Mercedes-Benz’s “Mission Metris” is pretty simple: have a good time.

The German brand is bringing four midsize project vans to the 2014 SEMA Show, including a DJ Van, Luxury Van, Mobile Golf Pro Shop, and a Fire Chief Concept Truck.

As you’ve probably guessed, these aren’t your average work vans. They may be utilitarian underneath, but you won’t find any ladders or power tools strapped inside these deluxe party cruisers.

The first member of “Mission Metris” is the Luxury Van. Instead of empty storage space in the back, the Mercedes wears padded interior materials with a TV, reclining bench seats, and an ultra-executive vibe completing the experience.

Next up is the Mobile Golf Pro Shop, which functions just as it sounds. There’s a high-tech golf simulator and infotainment system inside for those times when you get booted off the range, with a Mobile Performance Center and Merchandising Displays coming along for the ride.

For those who want to keep the festivities portable, Mercedes built a Party/DJ Van, complete with a clamshell roof that opens into a swirling digital backdrop. Of course, it has the bass-thumping stereo to match.

In case the party gets too out of hand, the last member of “Mission Metris” is a Fire Chief Concept Truck. Unfortunately, it doesn’t spray 1500 gallons of water per minute, but it does have advanced communications systems and a standout civil servant uniform.

“Mission Metris” was designed to build anticipation for new midsize commercial vans that will arrive in the U.S. and Canada next year. For the painters, carpenters, and shipping companies who aim to use the van as it was intended, production versions will be shown in 2015.

The 2014 SEMA Show kicks off November 4th.

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Never mind slowing sales, 57% of drivers will likely have an EV in 10 years

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have slowed globally over the past few years. But should EV makers cater more to the mainstream, it’s likely that 57% of drivers will have an EV in 10 years, consulting firm Accenture says.

Last year, nearly 14 million EVs were sold globally, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. But it was much slower than the 55% sales growth recorded in 2022 and the 121% growth in 2021.

Read more
I spent a week with an EV and it completely changed my mind about them
The Cupra Born VZ seen from the front.

After spending a week with an electric car as my main vehicle, opinions I’d formed about them prior to spending so much time with one have changed — and some quite dramatically.

I learned that while I now know I could easily live with one, which I wasn’t sure was the case before, I also found out that I still wouldn’t want to, but for a very different reason than I expected.
Quiet and effortless

Read more
Trade group says EV tax incentive helps U.S. industry compete versus China
ev group support tax incentive 201 seer credit eligibility

The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), a trade group with members including the likes of Tesla, Waymo, Rivian, and Uber, is coming out in support of tax incentives for both the production and sale of electric vehicles (EVs).

Domestic manufacturers of EVs and their components, such as batteries, have received tax incentives that have driven job opportunities in states like Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Georgia, the group says.

Read more