As part of its strategic future initiative 'adVANce', Mercedes-Benz has unleashed its Vision Van.
The Vision Van is electrically powered, automated and fully interconnected in a bid to boost efficiency for last mile delivery services.
The van fleet includes fully automated cargo space, integrated delivery drones and unique communication between the vehicle and its surroundings.
The Vision Van comes as consumer demand for same-day and time-definite parcel delivery increases in the marketplace.
It's believed the van could offer efficiency gains in delivery operations of up to 50 per cent.
Mercedes-Benz Vision Van project director Thomas Moser believes the role of automation and logistical integration will only grow stronger for delivery vehicles.
"Many courier, express and parcel service providers and online retailers are pursuing investment and research efforts with the aim to make logistics processes faster, simpler and more efficient.
“Automation technology which supports people in their work already plays a key role here today, and will continue to gain in importance."
Powered by a 75kW electric drive system the Vision vans have a driving range up to 270km and are locally emission-free.