The custom-designed van has become a reality thanks to the successful "Van Solution" and "Van Partner" concept introduced by the Vans business unit at Daimler AG. Thanks to the large number of variants available, vans produced by Mercedes-Benz already meet a wide range of needs; however, specific requirements require equally specific solutions that only specialist bodybuilders can provide. Van Solution and Van Partner involve inten­sive and tiered cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and well-known bodybuilders. Whereas Van Solution caters for the supply of van bodies and conversions ex factory, Van Partner uses a network of recommended partners to provide solutions on a two-invoice basis.

Van Solution comprises prominent system partners who offer numerous vehicle variants to widen the range of Mercedes-Benz models available. These Mercedes-Benz partners offer the vehicles ex factory from a single source. Unveiled two years ago at the International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Van Solution has quickly proven to be a resounding success: in the first full calendar year alone (2007), around 1500 complete vehicles were sold based on the Van Solution concept. The system partners cover typical areas of the van market – refrigerated vehicles, mobile-workshop fittings, dry-freight box bodies, three-way tippers and folding lifting platforms on panel vans – enabling numerous industries to be served. The advantages for customers are clear: the customer does not need to spend time looking for a bodybuilder; the vehicle purchasing process – including financing, conversion and delivery – can be concluded quickly and without delay, and fleet management is made much easier. From purchase to operation of the complete vehicle, there is just a single contact.

The made-to-order vehicles have been technically tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. When an order is placed, the additional equipment and appoint-ments required for the base van – such as stabilisers for vehicles that carry heavy loads, power take-offs or electrical/electronic connections – are included automatically.

In addition to high quality and a wide range of industry-specific products, another main criterion includes comprehensive service. In this sense, service means providing extensive vehicle documentation as well as advice and service hotlines, not to mention the reliable supply of spare parts and the provision of a highly effective after-sales service by the system partner concerned. For more information, please visit www.vansolution.de

The second stage of the partnership – the Van Partner stage – involves what are known as Qualified Partners. In this case, highly qualified and approved partners supply bodies and conversions on a two-invoice basis. To this end, the companies are evaluated by specialists from Daimler AG using a standardised and transparent process, looking closely at aspects such as quality management, development, sales and service.

Companies who successfully come through this evaluation process have their products and production descriptions included on a Qualified Partner List which is made available to every Mercedes-Benz partner and salesperson, enabling custom-ers to receive the very best advice. In this model, sales, service and product liability for the bodies and conversions are the responsibility of the Qualified Part-ners; however, the customer can count on receiving a high-quality solution that is fully in keeping with everything one would normally expect of a Mercedes-Benz van.

The process of purchasing a custom-designed body is now much easier, both for customers and for salespeople in the Mercedes-Benz organisation, since bodybuilders who have achieved "Qualified Partner" status can now be found on a new Mercedes-Benz Vans Portal. A search function makes it easier for customers to find regional suppliers, while interested parties can easily call up contact and partner details. In addition to this, a product overview provides a concise summary of the products and services offered by the Qualified Partners.