Mercedes-benz Vision Van Disaster-proof housing

THE FUTURE OF HOME DELIVERY

The Vision Van from Mercedes-benz might just revolutionise courier systems – it’s smart and all-electric. The way we do our shopping

is changing. The convenience of online shopping and increasing Internet penetration are giving more and more people reason to shop online. In December 2014 alone, almost 10 million South Africans bought an item online and that number will keep growing. Mercedes-benz says that, by 2030, more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas.

In response to changing shopping habits, the German automaker has released its Vision Van concept – an almost modular delivery van equipped with two delivery drones and customer connectivity. The van’s digital connectivity allows the courier to connect to all parties involved in the consignment’s process: from customer through distribution and back to the customer. The van is all-electric and fitted with an automated cargo unit that can be removed. As a result, the units are potentially interchangeable and refillable in a different location. The Vision Van is equipped with a 75 kw electric drive that’s said to be good for between 80 km to 270 km when fully charged, depending on driving style and conditions.

“With the Vision Van from Mercedes-benz, we provide an idea of future generations of vans: the intelligent automation technology connects the entire process, from loading and transportation by road through to delivery to the consignee. This makes it easier for the deliverer to do business and rapidly reduces the delivery time for end customers,” says Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-benz Vans.

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