The joint venture will build large electric vans for both automakers.
Depending on how things go, options for increased synergies will be explored.
By combining efforts and expertise, both Mercedes-Benz and Rivian will build large electric vans for Europe. This cost-cutting measure will allow the companies to rapidly scale production to help the world transition to cleaner transportation.
Rivian EDV-700 in Amazon livery | Photo: Rivian
Let’s not kid ourselves either; there’s money to be made. Businesses with commercial fleets are looking to transition over to EVs as they are known to be less expensive to operate, not to mention far cleaner.
The two vans produced will come off a common assembly line in Central/Eastern Europe. One will be built upon the VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture), the electric-only platform of Mercedes-Benz Vans, and the other is based on the second generation electric van, Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform.
The soon-to-be-formed new joint venture manufacturing company will invest in and operate the European factory starting in a few years. Leveraging operations synergies and lowering costs will help make the electric vans more affordable for commercial customers driven by the total cost of ownership.
RJ Scaringe, Chief Executive Officer of Rivian: “Rivian was created to encourage the world to transition away from fossil fuel consumption by creating compelling products and services. We’re delighted to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz on this project. Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s best known and respected automotive companies, and we believe that together we will produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet.”
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans: “As a pioneer in the field of locally emission-free transportation Mercedes-Benz Vans has gained broad experience in producing and launching eVans since 2010. Now we are accelerating the transformation to a fully electric product portfolio. 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.”
