The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce Mercedes-Benz Vans (MBV) Charleston as the club’s new Presenting Partner and front-of-kit sponsor for the 2026 season on Monday.
The Battery and MBV Charleston have been partners since the start of the year, and the elevated collaboration further brings together two of the Lowcountry’s most renowned organizations.
As part of the new arrangement, the MBV Charleston branding will be featured on the Battery’s Primary Kit, in addition to community initiatives, stadium presence and other collaborations between the organizations. MBV Charleston will continue to serve as the club’s Official STEM Sponsor.
“At Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, we are proud to support organizations that inspire excellence, bring people together, and create a lasting impact in our community,” said Johannes Kellermann, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC. “The Battery have been a cornerstone of the Lowcountry for generations, and we are honored to expand our partnership. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to teamwork, performance, and investing in the future of our region, both on and off the field.”
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston as our Presenting Partner and to have their brand represented on the front of our jersey,” said Lee Cohen, President of the Battery. “This partnership brings together two organizations with deep roots in the Lowcountry and a shared commitment to excellence, community and creating a positive impact across our region.
“We’re excited about what we can accomplish together and look forward to continuing to grow this partnership for years to come.”
Fans will be able to see the Battery’s new look for the first time during the club’s upcoming home match on Sat., Aug. 22, against Miami FC. The updated jerseys will also be for sale for the first time at the stadium for fans to purchase.
Deeply rooted in South Carolina since 2006, MBV Charleston has assembled Sprinter and eSprinter vans for the North American market at its Ladson facility. As the United States remains the world’s second-largest Sprinter market, MBV Charleston’s partnership with the Battery, the nation’s oldest continuously operating professional soccer club, brings together two organizations with a longstanding commitment to the region and its communities.
Tickets for the August 22 match, which will feature MBV Charleston on the jerseys for the first time, can be purchased via SeatGeek.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
About Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (“MBV Charleston”) is a Ladson, South Carolina–based production entity that manufactures Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
The Sprinter plant officially opened in 2018 and serves as a key part of the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network. MBV Charleston was selected as the first plant in this network to produce the all-new eSprinter, beginning in 2024. The company also continues to invest in the local community through donations to non-profits and schools, as well as active support of STEM education initiatives and volunteer programs.
Since 2006, Sprinter, eSprinter, and Metris vans have been assembled in North Charleston and delivered to destinations across the United States. In 2025, the plant celebrated the assembly of the 5,000,000th Sprinter in the Mercedes-Benz global production network. The U.S. remains the second-largest market for Sprinter vans after Germany.
