Utilimaster, a business unit of The Shyft Group, announced its latest production-ready, purpose-built walk-in van, the Velocity F2. Built on a sub-10,000-lb. GVWR Ford Transit chassis, the Velocity F2 combines nimbleness, comfort, and fuel efficiency with the cargo space, access, and load capacity similar to a traditional walk-in delivery van.

The company is taking production orders for the Velocity F2 now.

Utilimaster has expanded its product portfolio to include this Class 2 purpose-built walk-in van to meet the rapidly growing global e-commerce and delivery demand, saying it will fulfill a segment void.

“Our vehicle designs have always been a direct reflection of our clients’ specific needs and shifting industry requirements,” said Chad Heminover, president, Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services. “Right now, our customers are asking for a solution that allows them to scale their delivery fleets quickly, in light of the ecommerce explosion, without sacrificing load capacity or efficiency. The Velocity F2 gives parcel delivery fleets the flexibility they need to activate a large driver pool, service more customers, and maintain longer routes, consistent with increased demand.”

The company said benefits of the Velocity F2 for parcel delivery company fleets include: 

• The total cost of ownership and operation is lower than Class 3-6 vehicles.

• Drivers of Class 2 vehicles do not need a commercial driver’s license to operate.

• Ease of compliance with Department of Transportation requirements.

Additional features include better fuel economy, improved safety step heights, lightweight aluminum sidewalls, 600-700 cu. ft. of cargo space capacity, and a corresponding payload range of 3,700 – 4,300 pounds, among other notable specifications and options. Utilimaster is taking production orders for large and small fleets now.

The Velocity is also offered in a Class 3 (GVWR 14,000) vehicle, available on both the Ford Transit (Velocity F3) and the Mercedes Sprinter (Velocity M3) chassis. 

This June, the company rebranded to The Shyft Group to be more reflective of its next phase of business transformation focused on high-growth commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets and to follow the divestiture of its Emergency Response business. The name represents speed, efficiency, agility, and a high-intensity approach, which corresponds with the company’s pivot in market focus and the forward momentum garnered in the work truck, specialty service, and delivery vehicle markets.