Rivian and Mercedes in talks to start van production in Europe

CNN
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Rivian and Mercedes have signed a “MoU” to work together on the production of electric vans and start production in Europe.

The two companies will work together to establish a European plant dedicated to the production of electric vehicles. The two companies will jointly invest in modifying existing Mercedes production sites in central or eastern Europe to accommodate the production of the new electric vans, the companies said.

Rivian has already agreed to supply 100,000 electric delivery vans to Amazon, which owns 18% of electric truck and SUV manufacturers. Widely known for its luxury vehicles, Mercedes is also a leading global supplier of commercial vans, selling around 334,000 last year. More than 9,000 of them were electric, according to the company. In addition to petrol- and diesel-powered vans, Mercedes also makes a number of electric van models, such as the larger eSprinter and his smaller EQV.

Under the agreement, both companies will produce two large vans. One is based on Mercedes engineering and his other uses the new ‘second generation’ Rivian engineering.

Mercedes and Rivian also offer electric passenger cars. Rivian sells his R1T midsize pickup truck and his R1S SUV. Mercedes sells electric vehicles such as the EQS sedan and electric SUV.

The companies also said they would explore other cost-saving opportunities in the future.