Schmitz Cargobull has expanded its offering for urban and regional distribution with the launch of the M.KO Opensider truck body, designed to meet the operational needs of short- and medium-haul transport. The new body draws on the German manufacturer’s long-standing experience in the development of folding wall technologies and is aimed in particular at high-density urban environments and the Nordic market, where load accessibility and fast handling operations are key factors.
The project forms part of an industrial path started more than ten years ago, when Schmitz Cargobull experimented with the production of panels for medium-light commercial vehicles used in last-mile distribution. That initiative did not progress to full-scale production, but it helped consolidate expertise that later fed into the development of dedicated distribution solutions, such as the two-axle and single-axle semi-trailers in the City range for dry and temperature-controlled goods. With the M.KO Opensider, the Group updates that approach, adapting it to current operational requirements.
The defining feature of the body is full side access, achieved through fully opening doors that allow goods to be loaded along the entire length of the side. This configuration helps reduce loading and unloading times, particularly in situations where rear access is limited or impractical, such as narrow streets, congested areas or locations without dedicated loading bays. Side access also facilitates partial picking operations, which are typical of multi-drop urban and regional distribution.
Operational flexibility is combined with a structure designed for intensive use. The body features a high-strength floor, engineered to withstand heavy loads and frequent loading and unloading cycles, offering long service life and limited maintenance requirements. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel rear frame, together with dedicated mounts for the lighting units, helps preserve the efficiency of the lighting system over time, with positive effects on operational safety and reduced vehicle downtime.
The M.KO Opensider is designed primarily for distribution transport, but the folding side wall configuration also enables non-conventional applications. The vehicle can be used for mobile presentations, temporary shops or event-related logistics, where rapid access to the load and the ability to pick individual items without handling the entire cargo represent a clear operational advantage. In these scenarios, uniform load distribution also allows more efficient use of available capacity.
From an economic perspective, side-opening solutions are characterised by good residual value and favourable resale prospects on the used vehicle market. This makes the body particularly attractive for fleet operators, who can benefit from an investment that retains value over time while delivering operational reliability and predictable running costs throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.
Massimiliano Barberis
