Mega-trends such as digitalisation and electrification offer great opportunities for van customers' industries while at the same time presenting them with major challenges. For example, the market for fresh food deliveries offers major commercial potential internationally. However, transporting temperature-sensitive goods demands optimal use and cooling of the cargo space, because these goods require, for example, different storage temperatures. The vehicle must also be able to be integrated into the logistics chain as efficiently as possible. In addition, end customers in this segment particularly value sustainability and CO2 reduction.

The same can be seen in other sectors: With the fast growth of online retail, courier express parcel service providers are seeing exponential order growth, but at the same time average revenue per consignment is falling. New mobility concepts and increasing cost pressure are changing passenger transportation. The desire for more sustainability and flexibility means that connectivity solutions are increasingly coming into focus. Construction clients, on the other hand, continue to need more classic van features: reliability, robustness and safety.

Mercedes-Benz Vans aims to meet all of these requirements and needs. The company relies on intensive cooperation with leading high-performance bodybuilders. At the "Clever Bodybuilder Solutions 2019" event at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde, Mercedes-Benz Vans, together with bodybuilders, presents a total of 34 outstanding bodies for the brand's entire van fleet. The spectrum ranges from aluminium dump trucks to a bus for wedding guests and covered nine different sectors: “Trade and eGrocery”, “Service and Crafts”, “People Mover”, “Restricted Mobility”, “Camper Van”, “CEP and Logistics”, “Construction”, “Emergency, Rescue and Municipal” and “Further Industries”.