CMA CGM, Renault Group, and Volvo Group have formed a new firm to manage the development of an entirely new generation of electric vans in response to the rising need for decarbonised and efficient logistics.
The three organisations will launch an entirely new line of totally electric and software-defined automobiles, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.
The vehicles will be constructed on a revolutionary completely electric LCV skateboard platform that will provide great adaptability for numerous body styles at a cheap cost while still exceeding safety standards.
Using the new Software Defined Vehicle architecture, the vehicle will have unprecedented capabilities to monitor delivery activities and user business success, lowering the global cost of usage for logistic players by 30 per cent.
The linked services allowed by software defined vehicle technology will provide consumers with up-to-date automobiles.
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The vehicle itself aims to provide exceptional capacity for urban transportation, great polyvalence for tailor-made solutions, and various battery capacities, including an unprecedented 800V feature for vans.
The new firm will be completely self-sufficient, combining the agility of a start-up with the solid backbone of its industry-leading partners.
Renault Group and Volvo Group aim to pool research and development investments and bring current know-how, services, and industrial footprint to the new proposed firm.
The new company intends to be built on a robust and efficient business model due to capital allocations through champions in each discipline.
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Martin Lundstedt, President, and CEO of Volvo Group, said: “We are excited to take yet another step in our journey towards sustainable transport solutions through the intended establishment of a new company.
“Volvo Group is keen to continue to offer its customers complete transport solutions that help them decarbonise their value chains. We see a growing demand for clean, efficient, and safe urban transportation and partnership and collaboration is key to achieve this.”
Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, stated: “Renault Group intends to lead this transformation while ensuring a robust and effective value creation.
“The new company is the start-up minded, unmatched combination of the complementary assets of three champions: a leading truck maker, expert in tailored services, a champion of the global supply chains, and a European EV pioneer & LCV leader. All the ingredients are there to come up with something truly unique.”
The joint venture is expected to begin operations in early 2024, subject the completion of all regulatory licencing processes.
