Morgan Olson, a subsidiary of J.B. Poindexter Inc., opened the 2020 NTEA Work Truck show by revealing the Storm, a new Class 2 walk-in step van prototype.

The Storm provides large fleets and independent contractors with a “D.O.T. FREE” under 10,000-pound GVWR commercial-grade step van delivery solution.

“The Storm provides a purpose-built, Class 2 work truck solution that anyone can drive,” shares Rich Tremmel, Morgan Olson Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We build step vans for the world’s largest e-commerce, parcel package delivery companies every day, and fleet managers are seeing a shortage of DOT licensed drivers. Morgan Olson has responded with this new step van under the 10,000-pound GVWR benchmark; the design creates new driver opportunities, embraces new advanced driver safety technologies, and provides an automotive-like driving experience."

The Storm’s “ergonomic-friendly” driver’s seat position provides a higher “seated” position compared to the lower seated position found in a cargo van driver seat. The benefit is clear and easy to understand. Imagine climbing in and out of a small sports car, hundreds of times a day, as compared to standing up from a raised stool level chair. The Storm’s elevated seated position provides a more natural range of motion for package delivery route drivers making hundreds of stops each day. 

“This Storm clears a new path of enhanced driver safety technology and features,” shares Mark Hope, Morgan Olson’s Vice President of Engineering. “Specifically, these Storm prototypes revealed today feature highly advanced driver safety features. Blindspot information systems that include a 360-degree camera with split-view display, lane-keeping system, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Plus, the new Storm step van’s adaptable body design accepts new autonomous OEM features as our chassis partners develop them.”

The Storm design is so adaptable that today Morgan Olson is also revealing the “Electric” Storm powered by BMWi technology with a coalition of proven chassis partners. This BMWi EV powertrain currently powers over 65,000 vehicles in Europe and is now being readied for the North American market.