Are you a van enthusiast? Do you wish you could meet other people who also like vans? There's a new social network with your interests in mind, and it's not nearly as creepy as it sounds.
MYVAN, developed by Mercedes-Benz, is a special online gathering place for van lovers only. According to Mercedes, it will feature an "active exchange of experiences and opinions," through a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter feed. It will also have videos targeted at van owners. Thankfully, they'll have nothing to do with Sammy Johns, Chris Farley or Uncle Rico.
Instead, MYVAN is aimed squarely at workers in trades who use highly customized vans as mobile offices. It will update professionals with the latest industry trends in addition to letting van owners share best practices. Found a great way to install mobile shelving, or looking for advice on starting a new plumbing business? Let your fellow van owners know on MYVAN. Mourning the demise of the Ford Econoline or looking for a good deal on shag carpeting? Keep that to yourself.
Though the site is aimed at owners of all van brands, it makes sense that Mercedes would be the driving force. In 2010, nearly one in five large vans sold in Western Europe was a Sprinter, and about 225,000 Mercedes vans were sold worldwide last year. The theory is that a rising tide will lift all vans, and that even a brand-neutral site will increase awareness of the entire segment.
"MYVAN will offer tradesmen who come in contact with the subject of transport sustainable benefits," said Mercedes-Benz Vans marketing VP Andreas Burkhart, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans. "We see MYVAN as an international format that has relevance beyond national boundaries."
In other words, they've got love for all kinds of vans -- and that's alright with me.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
