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Commercial vehicles are indispensable workhorses for entrepreneurs and businesses. Whether it’s delivering packages, transporting materials, or providing mobile services, they can do it all. But did you know that commercial vehicles were once literally indispensable workhorses? As you might imagine, commercial vehicles have a rich history. Since the first delivery vans appeared in the early 20th century, these vehicles have undergone significant development. In this article, we take you on a journey through time: from simple, handcrafted models to modern electric workhorses.
Many centuries ago, entrepreneurs transported their goods with horse-drawn carts. Since the vehicle's power depended on the strength of the horses, the transport capacity was limited. This meant that transporting heavy loads or traveling long distances took a lot of time. Horses were also vulnerable to diseases and required intensive care. All of these factors made transportation less than optimal. Fortunately, things began to change. In the late 19th century, the first motorized vehicles ended the reliance on horse-drawn carts. The foundation was laid for what would later become the modern commercial vehicle, forever changing the transport of goods and services.
Entrepreneurs were first introduced to delivery vans at the beginning of the 20th century. These early models, such as the Benz Patent Motorwagen, were equipped with internal combustion engines. They were simple, but much faster than a horse-drawn cart, with significantly higher capacity.
In 1928, Ford introduced the Model A Delivery. This compact van was widely adopted by small business owners and shopkeepers. It became popular due to its low maintenance costs and affordable purchase price. This model was one of the first vehicles designed specifically for transporting goods in the city, laying the foundation for the development of light commercial vehicles. Thanks to its ability to deliver and transport goods more quickly and in greater volume, small and medium-sized businesses were able to grow more rapidly.
After World War II, the economy grew rapidly, and this had an impact on the commercial vehicle market. Entrepreneurs needed flexible vehicles that were suitable for specific tasks, such as city delivery or mobile repair services. During this period, commercial vehicles were increasingly designed for specific sectors.
One model that perfectly fit this need was the Volkswagen T1, introduced in 1950. This van remains iconic to this day and is often referred to as the "Bulli" or "VW Bus." Its distinctive design, ample cargo space, and ease of use made it extremely popular. Entrepreneurs like bakers, florists, and market vendors flocked to this vehicle for its reliability and practical layout.
Another popular model from this era was the Citroën Type H. This robust French van featured a recognizable ribbed exterior. It offered plenty of space and became particularly popular among craftsmen and local businesses. The diversity and availability of commercial vehicles grew, allowing entrepreneurs to choose from an ever-expanding range of options that met their specific needs.
The commercial vehicle industry underwent significant changes in the 1970s due to rising fuel prices and stricter emission regulations. Businesses began adjusting their fleets and had to focus on fuel savings. The emphasis shifted to vehicles that performed better in urban areas and consumed less fuel.
The Mercedes-Benz T2 became a popular choice for urban entrepreneurs because it was designed with fuel efficiency and reliability in mind. At the same time, Ford introduced the Transit MK1, which became famous for its versatility and low fuel consumption. These vehicles were specifically designed for fast deliveries in cities and tight spaces, making them ideal for urban logistics. The development of more compact and fuel-efficient vans helped entrepreneurs better manage rising fuel costs and comply with new emission regulations.
As the demand for commercial vehicles grew, so did the focus on safety and comfort. Drivers were spending more time in their vehicles, and the need for a better driving experience became more evident. New technologies were introduced to improve the work environment.
Models like the Volkswagen LT and Renault Trafic from the 1980s featured improved safety systems and ergonomic cabins. For the first time, commercial vehicles were designed with the driver in mind: better seats, sound insulation, and intuitive controls made driving more comfortable.
In the 1990s, Fiat introduced the Ducato, a delivery van with a modern design for the time. The Ducato featured a spacious cabin with safety elements such as ABS, and it was known for its adaptable cargo space. The model became especially popular among freelancers and small businesses looking for a flexible and reliable vehicle. The new commercial vehicles were not only safer but also more focused on the comfort and productivity of the driver.
Starting in the early 2000s, the focus began shifting toward eco-friendly solutions for commercial vehicles. The first electric and hybrid models hit the market, catering to businesses that wanted to reduce their ecological footprint at a time when sustainability and climate change became major issues.
The Nissan e-NV200 and Renault Kangoo ZE were two models that gained popularity for urban delivery services due to their emission-free engines. The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter also made its debut as a fully electric alternative to traditional delivery vans. This model is particularly suited for medium-sized businesses and is ideal for short-distance driving. The trend toward electric vans offers lower maintenance costs and, since they are quieter, they are especially appealing for businesses operating in busy cities where noise pollution is a concern. Additionally, these vehicles are much more environmentally friendly.
Electric delivery vans and trucks are still under development today. Want to know more? Read our blog about the progress of electric trucks.
The future of commercial vehicles looks promising, with even more smart innovations on the horizon. This is largely due to the advent of modern technology and autonomous driving. Companies like Tesla and Einride are working on self-driving commercial vehicles that can transport goods on their own, using artificial intelligence and telematics to operate without a driver. The further expansion of this technology will allow businesses to work even faster and reduce costs.
Models like the Tesla Cybertruck and Einride T-pod are appreciated for their modern design and smart features. Thanks to telematics, businesses will be able to track and manage their vans in real-time without needing to step inside the vehicle. The expectation is that commercial vehicles will increasingly be able to drive themselves in the future.
From horse-drawn carts to electric vans, commercial vehicles have literally and figuratively come a long way. The future of these vehicles looks bright as well. Are you an entrepreneur looking for your own motorized workhorse? At BAS World, we have a wide range of commercial vehicles, and we’re happy to help you find the perfect match. Contact us today!