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What does vehicle development mean?

Vehicle development encompasses the technical planning, design and optimisation of vehicles and their components – particularly in the field of commercial vehicles, such as lorries, heavy-duty vehicles and specialised transport solutions. In addition to functional requirements, regulatory guidelines, type-approval criteria, load and stress scenarios, and comprehensive safety requirements are also incorporated into the development process. 

The focus is on key areas such as body and chassis design, optimisation of service life and strength, and the efficient integration of complex bodies into different vehicle platforms. This results in robust, high-performance and economical vehicle solutions that meet the high technical and legal requirements of modern vehicle manufacturing. 

 

 

Our services

Engineering & Structural Design

We develop components and vehicle structures that offer high stability and durability under real-world conditions – robust, efficient and optimised in terms of material usage, for example through topological optimisation. 

Legal framework & authorisation

Advice on legal requirements, international vehicle standards, wheelbases, turning circle regulations and other registration requirements – including vehicle documentation.

Conversion & Vehicle Modification

Planning and carrying out fitting-out and conversion work, including the use of manufacturers’ official bodybuilder portals and, where necessary, special approval services.

Testing & Certification

Safety and load tests, e.g. load securing during emergency braking, Code XL bodywork and other certification services. 

 

 

Our development process

1. Analysis & Requirements Definition

Comprehensive analysis as the basis for vehicle development: identification of all technical requirements, such as vehicle type, area of application, payload, legal requirements, environmental conditions and safety-related criteria. This phase lays the groundwork for an optimally designed commercial vehicle or chassis.

2. Design & Calculation

Design of vehicle components, suspension and chassis structures, and the integration of custom bodywork. Our engineers carry out static and dynamic calculations, FEM analyses and load assessments – to ensure maximum safety, stability and durability in vehicle construction.

3. Optimisation & Design

Topology optimisation, material optimisation and lightweight construction approaches to improve efficiency, payload and durability. The aim is to achieve a weight-optimised, robust vehicle design that meets the requirements of modern commercial vehicles whilst reducing operating costs.

4. Documentation & Preparation for Approval

Preparation of all technical documentation required for certification and type-approval: test reports, technical documentation, operating instructions and complete type-approval dossiers. In addition, we support acceptance and testing processes to ensure a smooth and legally compliant vehicle type-approval process.

Industries & Applications

Our vehicle development is applied in areas such as: 

  • Commercial vehicles (lorries, vans, heavy goods vehicles)  
  • Special-purpose and custom-built vehicles  
  • Bodywork and vehicle integration  
  • Bodybuilding & vehicle modification  

The benefits of LTKON

  • End-to-end vehicle development, from design to type approval  
  • Experience with complex commercial vehicle requirements  
  • Integration of standards, safety and type-approval expertise  
  • Expert design and engineering services  
  • Advice on bodybuilder modifications and legally compliant solutions  

Ready to develop your vehicle?

Contact us for a personalised consultation, technical design solutions or a bespoke development proposal – we can assist you with the implementation of your commercial vehicle or vehicle manufacturing projects. 

👉 Submit an enquiry now 

FAQ - Vehicle Development

Vehicle development involves the technical design, construction, optimisation and type-approval of vehicles and components – with a focus on functionality, safety and the legal framework.
Robust commercial vehicle designs & innovative engineering.

We specialise in commercial vehicles (e.g. lorries, heavy goods vehicles), specialist and custom-built vehicles, as well as bodywork variants and modifications. 

We provide support ranging from documentation and audit preparation to technical advice on compliance with legal regulations and certification requirements.