Pepper Motion, a German company specializing in zero-emission drive kits for commercial vehicles, has been sold to a strategic investor from Turkey. The acquisition comes after Pepper Motion filed for insolvency in self-administration earlier this year. The Denkendorf-based company’s plans for expansion into India remain uncertain following the sale.
Management consultancy Falkensteg facilitated the acquisition process and confirmed that the Turkish investor will take over Pepper Motion’s operational capacities in Germany and its development expertise for modular electric and hydrogen drives. Pepper Motion’s drive kits are designed for installation in buses and trucks, focusing on battery-electric and fuel cell drive systems.
Pepper Motion initiated insolvency proceedings under self-administration in February 2024, citing subdued customer demand in the e-bus and truck markets. However, after just three months, a restructuring solution was found through a structured, international sales process. The acquisition by the Turkish investor is expected to lead to a strategic reorientation, with Pepper Motion aiming to target new markets and facilitate emission-free passenger and freight transport.
The last official announcement from Pepper Motion was six months ago when the company revealed plans to establish a large production facility in India. The facility was intended for the conversion of diesel buses and trucks, as well as the construction of new vehicles and battery production of up to 20 GWh. Pepper Motion had expressed its ambition to establish the world’s largest production of zero-emission buses and trucks outside of China, citing Tesla as a role model for fully integrated vertical production.
Prior to its acquisition, Pepper Motion had shifted its focus from the German public transport sector to international customers and increased truck orders. In autumn 2023, the company ceased its end customer business to become a pure technology supplier, discontinuing its own conversion projects and vehicle development. Pepper Motion now describes itself as a system supplier and strategic partner for manufacturers, retrofitters, and special vehicle builders in the commercial vehicle market.
