√Mercedes-Benz and Rivian electric van partnership on hold

Three months after Mercedes-Benz and Rivian announced their plans to produce electric vans in Europe, the joint venture is on ice.

UPDATE, 13 December 2022: A joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Rivian to produce electric vans in Europe has been put on hold, amid a change in priorities from the US electric-car start-up.

In September, German car-maker Mercedes-Benz and US electric vehicle specialist Rivian signed a memorandum of understanding to produce large electric vans at a new factory in Poland.

According to a media statement from Mercedes-Benz, the joint venture has now been paused due to “Rivian’s ongoing reprioritisation of projects” in North America.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe told Automotive News Europe it would be focusing more on delivering electric vehicles – such as its R1T pick-up and R1S SUV – to private buyers, while continuing to produce battery-powered vans for Amazon.

“At this point in time, we believe focusing on our consumer business, as well as our existing commercial business, represent the most attractive near-term opportunities to maximise value for Rivian,” Mr Scaringe told Automotive News Europe.

Mercedes-Benz’s new van factory in Poland will be its fourth facility to produce electric light commercial vehicles. From 2025, Mercedes-Benz claims all of its electric vans will be based on its new ‘VAN.EA’ platform.

Our original story continues unchanged below.

9 September 2022: Mercedes-Benz and Rivian have today announced their intention to partner on future projects.

In a joint statement, German car giant Mercedes-Benz and US electric vehicle start-up Rivian said they would begin producing large electric vans for both brands in the coming years.

Production of the two vehicles will take place at a new manufacturing facility in Europe, which has been flagged as part of the joint venture between the companies.

Mercedes-Benz says from 2025, all of its electric vans will be based on its new ‘VAN.EA’ architecture, while Rivian models will be underpinned by its own architecture – creatively named the ‘Rivian Light Van’ electric platform.

“I am delighted that as part of this transformation we are now joining forces with Rivian – a highly dynamic and inspiring partner with a strong technology position,” Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said at the announcement.

“We are sharing investments and technology because we also share the same strategic ambition: accelerating the electrification of the van market with sustainable and superior products for our customers,” he said.

RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, was equally pleased with the new relationship: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz on this project,” he said in a written statement.

“Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s best known and respected automotive companies, and we believe that together we will produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet.”

Australia will soon receive the battery-powered Mercedes-Benz EQV and eVito – the first of four electric vans from the manufacturer due by 2024.

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