Mercedes-Benz and Rivian have agreed to focus on building electric vans in Europe. Rivian plans to build a new electric vehicle production facility that will utilize existing Mercedes sites in Central or Eastern Europe. The factory will produce vehicles for Mercedes and Rivian.
“We are delighted to partner with Mercedes‑Benz on this project,” said R.J. Scaringe, CEO of Rivian
“Mercedes‑Benz is one of the most recognized and respected automotive companies in the world, and we believe that together we will produce a truly extraordinary electric van that will benefit not only our customers, but the planet.” he.
With the collaboration of the two parties, it is expected to be able to build at least two vans at the factory, one based on VAN.EA, Mercedes’ all-electric van architecture, and the other based on the Rivian Light Van platform, the second-generation version of the startup’s electric delivery vehicle. .
That said, the two won’t be limited to just vans and the company said that “further options for enhancing synergies from the joint venture will also be explored.”
Mercedes-Benz Van Head Mathias Geisen stated that from 2025 onwards, all vans based on the new architecture from VAN.EA will run on electricity only.
“I am delighted that as part of this transformation, we are now joined by a very dynamic and inspiring Rivian with a strong technology position,” he said.
Rivian and Mercedes say they share the same ambition, to rapidly increase production of electric vans to help the world transition to cleaner transportation.
As such, they claim that working together will allow them to improve cost efficiency and make this product more affordable for all.
