Mercedes-Benz and Rivian have already reached an initial agreement to collaborate on light commercial vehicles. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding that still must go through the necessary regulatory procedures, but if completed, the two would establish a new joint venture producing company. The company would construct two vans, one for each brand.
This new business will be formed by Rivian and Mercedes to lead to the establishment and operation of a plant in Central/Eastern Europe. "Electric-only production facility" will be built inside an existing Mercedes factory on the continent, but where that is was not revealed. The two companies intend to develop cars designed for "efficient manufacturing" as a result of this deal.
The two firms hope to lower the cost of electric vans for commercial vehicle owners as a result of their collaboration. The goal is for the two to "quickly scale" electric van manufacturing in order to help with the shift towards EVs, with the sharing of investments and expenses intended to drive down costs.
Mercedes-Benz expects the plant to be operational for "a few years." The facility will create a car based on the Mercedes VAN.EA platform. Starting in 2025, all of the company's vans will be powered exclusively by electricity. In addition, Rivian's second-generation RLV (Rivian Light Van) architecture will be used to construct a van at this factory.
Rivian Automotive is an electric vehicle manufacturer and technology firm founded in 2009. Rivian is developing its own "skateboard" platform that can accommodate future vehicles, or it may be adopted by other companies. The R1T truck was launched in late 2021. By the end of 2023, the firm also wants to establish a unique charging network in the United States and Canada.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
