The iconic Mercedes-benz Sprinter van is taking center stage in Sony Pictures’ highly anticipated film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Transforming into the ECTO-Z, this versatile vehicle is not just a prop; it’s a crucial team member, aiding the Ghostbusters in their mission to save the world from a chilling second ice age. Mercedes-Benz Vans is amplifying this exciting collaboration with a co-promotional campaign, offering fans behind-the-scenes glimpses and interactive experiences. Even before the movie’s official release, eager fans had the chance to witness the ECTO-Z and its predecessor, the ECTO-1, displayed at the legendary New York firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8, decked out in a frosty, movie-inspired makeover.
In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Sprinter steps into the role of the ECTO-Z, a state-of-the-art engineering marvel joining the Spengler family and the original Ghostbusters. Returning to their roots at the famed New York firehouse, the Ghostbusters have established a cutting-edge research lab to elevate their ghost-busting endeavors. However, the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes a spectral army, plunging the city into an unnatural freeze. Facing an impending ice age, the combined forces of veteran and rookie Ghostbusters must unite to protect their city and the world. Crucial to this mission is the ECTO-Z, a uniquely engineered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, acting as the team’s mobile command center and equipment transporter.
The ECTO-Z is more than just a van; it’s a mobile arsenal. Equipped with a custom-designed, выдвижной rack, it securely carries essential ghost-busting gear like Proton Packs, Ghost Traps, and Muon Scrubbers, ensuring every Ghostbuster is mission-ready. The Sprinter’s inherent versatility provides supernatural levels of storage and adaptable space, perfectly accommodating the extensive, monster-fighting modifications within its rear. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, including icy terrains (thanks to features like seat heating and advanced driver-assistance systems), the ECTO-Z delivers unwavering confidence and adaptability for any ghost hunt, regardless of the environmental challenges. Standing alongside the beloved ECTO-1 from 1984, the ECTO-Z proudly holds its position as the only other officially engineered Ghostbuster vehicle.
Gil Kenan, the director of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, highlights the Sprinter’s seamless fit within the Ghostbusters universe: “The Sprinter is the perfect companion to the iconic Ecto-1 for our new Ghostbusters engineering team. How else are they gonna lug a bunch of proton packs around New York City, and do it in style?” Dennis McCarthy, the Vehicle Effects specialist responsible for the ECTO-Z’s transformation, emphasizes the Sprinter’s real-world capabilities that inspired its movie role: “When things are starting to get tough, the Sprinter first responder vehicles will help save the day. Like the ECTO-Z, these vehicles are built to get the most-demanding jobs done. This was the initial thought behind our van choice for the movie. The real potential was shown after we completed the upfitting process and realized just how endless the possibilities are inside the van.”
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has consistently led its class, establishing benchmarks in safety, ergonomics, efficiency, and comfort. It continues to redefine the commercial vehicle landscape with its adaptable design and thoughtful features, catering to a wide spectrum of users, from everyday drivers to delivery services, construction crews, and specialized upfitters – including, as demonstrated, filmmakers. From ambulances and mobile salons to camper vans and now the ghost-busting ECTO-Z, the Sprinter platform offers an unmatched foundation for virtually any customized build. Mercedes-Benz Vans is also driving towards an electric future, having recently launched the all-new eSprinter in North America, their first fully electric van.
To celebrate the movie launch, Mercedes-Benz invites fans to delve deeper into the collaboration through their promotional campaign. Visit the Mercedes-Benz Vans Website and their YouTube Page for exclusive content. For behind-the-scenes action and further updates, follow Mercedes-Benz Vans on their social media channels: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hit U.S. theaters on March 22nd, 2024 – get ready to see the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter save the world!
