CMACGM, Renault, and Volvo Partner for Electric Van Venture

Key Highlights:
•    CMA CGM, Renault, and Volvo team up to form Flexis SAS for electric vans.
•    CMA CGM commits EUR 120 million, and Renault and Volvo contribute EUR 300 million.
•    Flexis SAS responds to the growing need for electric vans due to environmental concerns and e-commerce expansion.
•    New electric vans from Flexis SAS offer real-time monitoring, cutting operational costs by 30%.
•    Production will take place at Renault Group's Sandouville plant.

In a drive toward sustainable transportation solutions, the CMACGM Group has announced its partnership with Renault Group and Volvo Group as a founding member of Flexis SAS, a joint venture set up. This collaboration focuses on the development of electric vans.

Flexis SAS was founded in response to the growing demand for electric vans, which is being pushed by increased environmental concerns and strict CO2 laws, as well as the rapid expansion of the e-commerce and logistics sectors. Projections show that the European market for electric vehicles will increase at a 40% annual rate until 2030.

Volvo Group, Renault Group, and CMA CGM intend to lead the decarbonization of the transportation and logistics sectors through Flexis SAS, leveraging their individual strengths. The alliance brings together the automobile production prowess of two industry titans with CMA CGM's expertise in automotive logistics and supply chain decarbonization.

CMA CGM bought a 10% share in Flexis SAS through its PULSE energy fund and has stated that it intends to make a strategic investment of up to EUR 120 million by 2026. Meanwhile, Renault and Volvo Group, each with a 45% interest, want to invest EUR 300 million over the following three years.

Flexis SAS will launch a new generation of light commercial vehicles made in France, including a completely electric LCV skateboard platform built for maximum versatility and safety compliance at a competitive price. 

These trucks will feature enhanced connection, allowing for real-time monitoring of delivery operations and company performance, leading in up to a 30% decrease in operational expenses for logistics providers.

Furthermore, the vehicles will provide great urban mobility and versatility, with changeable battery capacity and the industry's first 800V architecture for vehicles in this category. 

Also Read: Volvo Group and VIT Introduce Specialized Automotive Course in MTech Program

Production will take place at Renault Group's Sandouville plant, a famous LCV manufacturing facility that intends to hire 550 workers over the following four years.

CMV360 Says

The collaboration between CMACGM, Renault, and Volvo to create Flexis SAS for electric vans is a promising step towards greener transportation. Their investments show a shared dedication to combating climate change and meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles, driven by our planet's needs and the booming online shopping world. 

Flexis SAS's focus on real-time monitoring and cost-cutting is exciting, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and sustainable future for logistics. Plus, the new jobs and improved city mobility make it even more appealing.