The Italian industrial group Merlo is diversifying its activity and entering the light commercial vehicle market, creating the MeVe (Merlo Vehicles) division, dedicated to sustainable mobility. The company, until now specialized in the manufacture of telehandlers, self-loading concrete mixers and tractors for agriculture, construction and industry, will launch the ALLDO range, a modular platform of commercial vehicles developed, patented and manufactured in Italy.
The first ALLDO prototypes were presented at the IAA Transportation fair in Hannover, at an early stage of the project that aims to gather information from operators and professionals in the sector. The vehicle was designed to meet the needs of last-mile logistics, corporate fleets and municipal services, with a modular architecture that allows the vehicle to be adapted to different uses, including urban deliveries, goods transport, construction, waste collection and passenger transport.
The ALLDO platform can be configured in four wheelbase lengths, between 2,600 and 4,325 millimetres, and in three weight classes, from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, with a total of 14 planned configurations. The range will have fully electric versions, with 55, 75 and 110 kWh batteries and a range of 200 to 500 kilometres, as well as a range extender version (REEV) that can reach 1,000 kilometres. The vehicle is 1.75 metres wide, has a turning radius of 5.85 metres and includes features such as a cabin with one to three seats, a step-in height of 328 millimetres and automatic sliding doors, designed for operations with a high number of daily stops.
Merlo did not disclose the investment associated with the creation of MeVe or production or sales targets for the new range. "With MeVe and ALLDO, aesthetics and functionality come together to provide a unique work experience," said Paolo Merlo, group president.
