The globally-acclaimed automobile manufacturer revealed the science fiction-like vehicle earlier this week. It's part of adVANce, Mercedes' strategic initiative for the transport and delivery industry

Written by Patrice Sweeney

Mercedes unveiled concepts for the Vision Van as part of its cutting-edge bid in evolving technologies in robotics, digitalisation, and automation. The all-electric automobile is a crucial aspect in overhauling its commercial efforts, transitioning it from a producer of vehicles, to a mobility provider.

The growing influences of e-commerce, urbanisation, platform-based business models, and the Internet of Things (IoT) position the Vision Van to meet evolving customer requirements. Two thirds of the population is expected to live in urban areas by 2030, and Mercedes is gearing up to be at the forefront of increasing demands for same-day delivery, delivery within the hour, and other products and services that are brought straight to the customer.

This innovative vehicle will be the first van world-wide to include a fully-digitised network that will connect all of the people and technologies that participate in the delivery process. Furthermore, it will be the first of its kind with integrated delivery drones, and a fully automated cargo area.

These impressive design features will facilitate delivery and transportation in highly congested areas, and will avoid any negative impacts on the environment.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, elaborates:

Equipped with an electric drive system, the Vision Van not only operates locally emission-free, it also moves almost silently. This means that it can be operated in cities even during times when there are traffic restrictions or for late-night deliveries in residential areas. This gives our customers the possibility of offering new services to their customers.