Abstract
For the specifications for the layout and the design of roads some design vehicles have been developed. Characteristics of a great number of types and models of vehicles were collected and stored in a data base. This report describes the characteristics which were collected and how these were stored. Furthermore the authors examine the way in which trend-following modifications of the characteristics are present and how they influence the design vehicles which must be developed. Thereafter design vehicles for cars, buses, lorries and articulated vehicles are evolved by evaluating each characteristic which is representative for the dutch vehicles. Emphasis is particularly placed on motorways.