Mercedes-Benz and Rivian join forces to make commercial EV vans
Shaun · Sep 9, 2022 11:53 AM
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Mercedes-Benz Vans and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate a strategic partnership. The partnership will enable the companies to cooperate on the production of electric vans.
The companies said in a statement that they intend to establish a new joint venture manufacturing company to produce large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian, starting in a few years. The plan is to build an all-new electric-only production facility leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central/Eastern Europe.
Two large vans are planned; the Mercedes will be based on VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture), while Rivian’s will be based on the Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform that the company developed for Amazon commercial vans.
Like any other joint ventures, both companies will be able to leverage operations synergies and increase cost efficiency to help make the vans more affordable.
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said, “From 2025 onwards, all vans based on our new architecture VAN.EA will be electric-only. I am delighted that as part of this transformation we are now joining forces with Rivian - a highly dynamic and inspiring partner with a strong technology position.
“We are sharing investments and technology because we also share the same strategic ambition: accelerating the electrification of the van market with sustainable and superior products for our customers.”
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