Deutsche Post subsidiary StreetScooter GmbH has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese automobile manufacturer Chery Holding Group to establish a joint venture to develop an electric light utility vehicle for the international market in selected countries.
The project will include local manufacturing and sourcing as well as nationwide sales and service. As outlined in the memorandum, the entry of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) into the Chinese market will be gradual. Mass production is scheduled to begin in 2021 with production capacities of up to 100,000 electric vehicles per year.
The market entry of StreetScooter in China continues the internationalization of the company after the strategic cooperation with Japanese logistics company Yamato.
“This production and sales agreement is a major milestone in our company’s, as yet, short history,” said Jörg Sommer, CEO of StreetScooter GmbH. “We’re thrilled about the upcoming collaboration with our partner, Chery, and this opportunity to open up the world’s largest market for electric light commercial vehicles, introduce our energy, logistics and fleet solutions, and create a local source of value creation. StreetScooter now has a commercial presence in Japan and China, the two most important national economies in Asia.”
Yin Tongyue, chairman of Chery Holding Group, added, “The strong cooperation between Chery and StreetScooter will create opportunities for both parties to explore the global market, especially in the EU and China. It will also help Chery to further accelerate the development of innovative solutions based on new energy and smart interconnection and therefore surpass traditional fuel vehicles. Chery will actively integrate the global unique resources and know-how through open cooperation and customer-centric unique selling propositions and offerings.”
The joint venture also aims to establish a location for research and development in China, focusing on developing eLCV components, technology, vehicle architecture and design, autonomous logistics and energy solutions. The new joint venture intends to target major fleet operators in the areas of last-mile delivery and e-commerce as potential customers.
Interested in scooters? Attend the Urban Delivery Operations session at Post+Parcel Expo Conference to learn more about operating delivery vehicles in urban areas.