"Tradesman Utes" vs Vans

[Crazy Dazz]

Nah, I'm not thinking of buying one.
(Well maybe)

I suppose they have been around for a while, but in recent years there sees to have been an explosion in the use of Utes with "Tradesman" bodies.

(Perhaps the most bizarre thing is the the stacks of well-bodies at AHG and other dealers, indicating that they have run so short of cab-chassis that they have resorted to stripping styleside utes.)

These are nolonger just trays with canopies, they're full custom-built bodies, and are usually thoroughly kitted out internally with shelves, racks, bins, etc.
There are some (smaller) dual-cabs, but mostly these are single cabs, and I'd guess not 4wd. ie there's no "dual purpose".

I'd imagine some businesses DO get 4WD units, because their work takes them into environments where its necessary.
But for others I'm wondering why this choice, rather than simply a commercial van?
Is it price? I haven't done any research, but I'd have thought that a basic van would be cheaper, more fit for purpose, and offer superior space?
Is it comfort? Are the utes more carlike to drive?
Or is it just the great Australian obsession with Utes?