Which vehicle types are currently in high demand and why

1. Vans and panel vans – the backbone of urban logistics

Why are they in such high demand?
Online retail, same-day delivery, and increasing urbanization are driving the need for flexible, compact delivery vehicles. Companies are looking for vehicles that:

• are economical to maintain

• remain flexible in use

• can also operate in low emission zones

Demand drivers:

• Parcel and courier services

• Craft businesses

• Service providers

• E-commerce logistics

Trend factors:

• Increasing proportion of electric transporters (especially in urban traffic)

• Continued high demand for diesel due to range and payload

• Desire for standardized, immediately available vehicles

Practical tip:
Buyers should pay particular attention to total cost of ownership (TCO), delivery times, body flexibility, and resale value. E-vans are becoming increasingly attractive for urban logistics, especially with subsidy programs and charging infrastructure.

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2. Flatbed vehicles – flexible for construction, horticulture, and municipalities

Why are they in demand?
Flatbed vehicles are considered all-rounders for transport-intensive industries where material handling, robustness, and easy loading are crucial.

Demand drivers:

• Construction companies

• Landscaping

• Municipal operations

• Craftsman fleets

Trend factors:

• Increasing demand for all-wheel drive variants

• Demand for double cabs for team transport

• Growing demand for crane, tarpaulin, or tipper bodies

Practical tip:
Companies benefit particularly from modular body solutions that allow vehicles to be used in a variety of ways. Models with high payload reserves and flexible body options are future-proof.

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3. Box trucks – growth through retail and system logistics

Why particularly strong?
Stationary retail, branch logistics, and temperature-controlled transport are driving demand for closed box trucks.

Demand drivers:

• Food and fresh produce logistics

• Retail chains

• Furniture and parcel logistics

• Pharmaceutical logistics

Trend factors:

• Increasing demand for tail lift vehicles

• Growing importance of aerodynamics and fuel consumption optimization

• Initial stronger demand for electric distribution trucks

Practical tip:
For companies with fixed routes, box trucks with efficient cargo space layout and modern driver assistance systems are particularly economical. Electric variants are particularly worthwhile for inner-city distribution transport.

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4. Construction and special-purpose vehicles – stable demand despite economic fluctuations

Why is demand still high?
Despite fluctuations in the construction industry, demand for robust special-purpose vehicles remains stable – especially in infrastructure, waste disposal, and energy projects.

Demand drivers:

• Construction industry

• Recycling and waste disposal

• Energy & utility companies

• Municipal clients

Trend factors:

• Increased demand for tippers, roll-off tippers, and hook lift vehicles

• Increasing demands on safety and driver comfort

• Increasing importance of telematics and fleet management

Practical tip: Operational reliability is
the most important factor here. Buyers should look for durable chassis, maintenance-friendly technology, and high residual values.

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5. Electric commercial vehicles – a growing market with clear areas of application

Why on the rise?
Electric commercial vehicles are gaining market share, especially in urban distribution transport and fleets with fixed application profiles.

Drivers:

• increasing environmental regulations

• Access to low emission zones

• Image and sustainability strategies

• Declining operating costs with appropriate use

Reality:
Diesel remains dominant for the time being, but the share of electric vans is growing steadily—especially in urban logistics.

Practical tip:
Electric vehicles are particularly worthwhile for predictable daily mileage, private charging points, and subsidy opportunities.

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6. What buyers should deduce from market trends

Future-proof purchasing decisions today are based on:

• Total cost of ownership (TCO) instead of just the purchase price

• Flexible body solutions for changing applications

• Adaptation to environmental and emission regulations

• Technology openness (diesel, electric, hybrid, depending on requirements)

• High resale value and ease of maintenance

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Conclusion – demand follows efficiency, flexibility, and economy

Currently, there is particular demand for vehicles that are operationally practical, versatile, and economical in the long term. Transporters, box trucks, flatbeds, and special construction vehicles remain the mainstays – supplemented by a growing but targeted share of electric vehicles.

Companies that base their purchasing decisions on real-world usage profiles, operating costs, and market trends not only secure economic advantages, but also a fleet that is sustainable in the long term.