Mercedes-Benz Vans presented its strategic future initiative adVANce on September 7. Thus, the van division adheres firmly to the changing demands of customers. The transformation of the industry is the result of various economic and social developments, for example, urbanization, the growth in e-commerce, the intelligent interconnection of different technologies in the Internet of Things (IoT) and the distribution platform based business models.
Furthermore, the transportation study “Vision Van”, developed within the scope of adVANce, was presented. The all-electric vehicle combines numerous innovative solutions for delivery on the last mile in urban and suburban areas. As the first van worldwide it digitally interconnects all parties and processes, from the distribution center to the recipient.
In addition, the “Vision Van” is the first van ever to have a fully automated loading space and integrated delivery drones. If the vehicle is stopped by the parcel deliverer, for example in a residential area, several parcels may – in addition to manual delivery -simultaneously and independently be delivered by air to the recipients in the surrounding area – even if they are not at home. This simplifies the business for the carrier, reduces the delivery time and offers completely new possibilities to the end customer, for example, direct delivery of goods on the day of the order at the agreed time.
Mercedes-Benz Vans sees efficiency gains of up to 50 per cent on the last mile due to the use of the “Vision Van”. The vehicle is equipped with a 75 kW electric drive and can travel – depending on the purpose – between 80 kilometers and about 270 kilometers. Local delivery is effected completely emission-free with the “Vision Van”.
“With our ‘Vision Van’ we at Mercedes-Benz Vans consistently show the way of future van generations. Equipped with intelligent automation technology, it links the entire process from loading and road transport up to delivery to the end customer. This simplifies the business for the carrier and reduces the delivery time for the customer rapidly”, says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
With its electric drive, the “Vision Van” is not only locally emission-free but also virtually silent. So it can be used in cities, even in times of driving restrictions or for late delivery in residential areas. For the vehicle operators this opens up completely new possibilities for innovative services to their clients.
