The electrification of the automotive sector is making manufacturers look for solutions to develop this technology at an affordable price. Hence, from time to time, announcements like the one we bring you today are given. The manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has partnered, and vice versa, with the American Rivian. The objective behind this "union" is simple as they have explained: design, develop and sell electric vans…
However, after this declaration of intent there are endless doubts. The first, and most obvious, is that we are surprised that Mercedes-Benz beech has given up developing these vehicles together with its former partners in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The second, and also obvious, what benefit can they get by allying with Rivian? Especially since it is a young and still unstable company. Well, you will see that everything has an obvious explanation.
For now neither Mercedes-Benz nor Rivian announce when the production of their electric vans will start…
As you well know, Mercedes-Benz works on a new generation of electric vans. To do this, it has summoned a team of technicians to design a platform. It is called VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture) and it would be almost ready to start its trial tests. In fact, thanks to this partnership with Rivian they hope to make a van that would unfold in two. That is, one version would be for the house of the star and another for the Yankees.
For its part, Rivian will provide its Stuttgart partner with the second generation of the Rivian Light Van (RLV) base. On it they will also make a van that, like the previous one, will also be folded into two versions. However, these developments would not be the only ones they would have on the table. According to their respective press releases, they will take further steps to explore other options for increase joint venture synergies that will create.
As they explain in their official press release...
"The joint venture reflects the common goals of Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian: both companies plan rapidly scale production of electric vans to help the global transition to cleaner transport. By working together, they will be able to take advantage of operational synergies and substantially increase the cost efficiencies to help make trucks more affordable for Business Customers Driven by Total Cost of Ownership»
However, behind all the "fanfare" for their union is a couple of "loose fringes." First, It is not known how the procedures are going to establish this new joint venture. The second is that they have not announced when they are going to launch the production of these electric vans. They say, and this is indicated by the norm, that they have to submit to the relevant authorities so that they give their company the go-ahead. Regarding the second, pay attention...
They indicate that they have the…
“Intent to invest in and operate a factory in Europe to produce large electric vans for Mercedes‑Benz Vans and Rivian, starting in a few years. The objective is build a completely new electric-only production plant building on an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central and Eastern Europe»
We will have to wait a little longer, because not knowing what your deadlines are, everything is up in the air. Who knows what...
Source - Mercedes-Benz - Rivian