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.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Nissan’s decision to drop a planned $500 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) production at its Canton, Mississippi plant is the latest indication that established manufacturers are reassessing how quickly the market will shift to battery power.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
Volvo Cars has started building the fully electric EX60 at its Torslanda factory outside Gothenburg, with first customer deliveries due in early summer.
