Renault Group, Volvo Group, and CMA CGM Group have unveiled a strategic partnership to create a new series of electric vans.
Headquartered in France, this new entity is set to commence operations by early 2024. Volvo Group and Renault Group will maintain their competitive stance in other domains despite this collaboration.
The upcoming vans will be manufactured on an innovative, fully electric LCV skateboard platform. This design ensures immense modularity, accommodating diverse body types while ensuring cost-effectiveness and meeting rigorous safety standards. These electric vans will offer a variety of battery capacities, including an 800V feature unique to vans.
Additionally, these electric vans will be fitted with software-defined vehicle systems. This technology equips the vans to seamlessly integrate into the logistics business framework, providing capabilities for tracking delivery activities and assessing business performance metrics.
Both Renault Group and Volvo Group have entered into binding agreements to initiate this new enterprise, each holding an equal 50-50 equity share. Over the forthcoming three years, they are committed to an investment of € 300 million each. On the other hand, CMA CGM Group has expressed its intention to participate in this venture through a non-binding letter, pledging an investment of € 120 million via PULSE, its dedicated Energy Fund that champions the cause of decarbonizing the transport and logistics sectors.
In this alliance, Renault Group will contribute its profound knowledge in the electric vehicle domain, Volvo Group will lend its expertise in commercial vehicles and associated services, and CMA CGM Group will infuse its vast experience in global logistics and supply chain management. Given the expertise of these powerhouse entities, the newly formed company promises to be a formidable contender in the electric van industry.
