Mercedes-Benz Vans is entering into new types of cooperation with customers and partners. Working closely with all stakeholders leads to solutions tailormade to specific use cases and unites the established strengths of Mercedes-Benz Vans with new ways of working. Teams are analysing customer value chains, working processes and challenges, developing innovative concepts, producing initialprototypes and testing them in pilot projects with selected customers. Mercedes-Benz Vans used this customer co-creation approach with bodybuilder Kerstner to develop the "Polarfuchs" ["Arctic Fox"]. Based on the eVito, it is a perfect eGrocery vehicle for urban areas. It has an electric drive and batteryelectric refrigeration system, enabling it to deliver groceries with zero local emissions.
In September, the "Polarfuchs" ["Arctic Fox"] demonstrated its suitability for everyday use in a four-week pilot project with online meal kit provider HelloFresh in Belgium. The "Polarfuchs" ["Arctic Fox"] supported up to 50 deliveries per tour and was able to keep the temperature in the cargo area (chilled goods) reliably. Thus it fulfilled the urban delivery use case successfully