Mercedes-Benz and Rivian have abandoned their partnership that would have seen them building electric vans together.
The two manufacturers signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September that supposedly paved the way for a van being built for each brand. But on 12 December they disbanded the partnership.
Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe, said the company decided that it would be more valuable to rather focus on its current consumer and commercial business operations, while Mathias Geisen, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said he understood and respected Rivian’s decision.
Geisen did indicate, though, that the company’s electrification strategy would be pursued without change. He said Mercedes-Benz Vans were still committed to its new EV-manufacturing plant in Poland and its first dedicated electric van factory. Geisen also said that the current development did not mean that the two brands might not work together in the future.
Initially the two companies were hoping that the partnership would reduce the cost of electric vans for commercial vehicle users.
Last year also saw Rivian part ways with Ford in a partnership that was supposed to see the two companies manufacturing vehicles together.
With the steep rise in fuel prices since March this year leading to historic record highs following massive increases in October, the government intervention annouched this week, is widely welcomed.
The countdown to Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 has entered its final week, with thousands of automotive aftermarket professionals expected to gather in Midrand from 27 to 29 October.
African automotive policymakers, vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers are focusing on investment, local manufacturing and cross-border trade as efforts continue to develop a more integrated automotive industry across the continent.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
South Africa has taken important steps to position itself within the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, but industry stakeholders argue that further policy adjustments are needed if the country is to accelerate adoption and support long-term investment in clean transport infrastructure.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
The South African Electric Mobility Association (SAEMA) has officially launched as the country’s collective body for electric mobility, marking South Africa’s entry into a global movement of nations with dedicated representation.
