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.
Kia South Africa this weekend rewarded its top-performing dealerships across the country with prizes for outstanding achievements in sales, after-sales and service operations.
Vehicle sales in South Africa got off to a promising start in January, registering a 10.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has announced the appointment of Zweli Mnisi (photo) as the new General Manager: Corporate Communications.
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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to use his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday to announce concrete incentives and plans to accelerate South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) transition, emphasising the crucial role of charging infrastructure—especially off-grid stations.
Last year, Volvo Car South Africa revealed impressive sales figures for its electric vehicle (EV) line-up. But how did it all start?
When the first motorised vehicle, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen arrived in 1885, people in general did not take it too seriously. It was not considered as an alternative to the trusted horse, horse cart or family-size horse carriage.
