The term "utility vehicle" covers a number of different types of vehicle, including vans, pick-up trucks and sports utility vehicles. The term "utility vehicle" is used to denote a vehicle with physical and technical characteristics that enable it to perform several different functions.
Vans are primarily used for business and commercial purposes, and cover a range of different vehicles including trucks, vans, temperature-controlled vehicles, skip wagons, delivery vans and pick-up trucks. They are mainly used to transport equipment, goods and people between two points. They are also capable of storing a high volume of items.
Pick-up trucks are mainly reserved for private use and are not specifically designed with commercial needs in mind. They come in a range of shapes and sizes and feature a flat-bed loader at the rear to carry equipment. This type of vehicle is not hugely popular in Europe and is more common in the United States, Africa and Australia. Many automotive manufacturers have developed at least one pick-up model.
Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are primarily reserved for individual leisure use. They are capable of travelling off-road and also offer towing capability. They are extremely popular in the United States, and are growing in popularity throughout Europe. They are characterised by their hatchback body shape. This type of vehicle is capable of carrying a high volume of items.
They often come under criticism due to their high CO2 emissions.