A new partnership has just been set up between the companies Rivian and Mercedes-Benz. The aim of this collaboration is accelerate the production of electric vans. The vehicles produced within the framework of this partnership will thus carry the badges of the two manufacturers.
For the moment, the partnership between the two companies is still at the understanding memorandum stage. This stage corresponds to the initial stage of the partnership. From there, Rivian and Mercedes-Benz’s goal is to reach binding agreements and gain regulatory approval for a joint manufacturing company that will operate from an electric vehicle plant located in Europe.
Two models will be produced
According to the information provided by the two companies, they will produce two electric vans. The first will be based on the architecture of the Mercedes VAN.EA electric van while the second will be based on the Rivian Light Van platform. The two companies plan to share the costs with the objective optimize and scale manufacturing to produce large electric vans.
According to Mathias Geisen, who heads Mercedes-Benz Vans, the two companies share investment and technology because they also share the same strategic ambition. This ambition is accelerate the electrification of the van market with superior and durable products for consumers.
Different experiences
In the sector of electric vans, we can say that Mercedes-Benz is already quite experienced. The company has been producing electric vans since the release of the first Vito electric in 2010. As for Rivian, it is still a beginner in the sector. It has started to deliver its electric vans for Amazon earlier this year.
With this collaboration, the two manufacturers hope to be able to streamline operations and make the vehicles more profitable. Eventually, it will be produce vans at a more affordable price.
Regarding the partnership, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and respected automotive companies in the world. He believes that together they will produce “truly remarkable” electric vans that will benefit users, but also the planet.
SOURCE: newatlas