France’s CMA CGM Group, the third largest container shipping company in the world, officially joined forces with Flexis SAS, a collaboration established by Renault Group and Volvo Group, to spearhead the next wave of electric vans. Through its energy fund, PULSE, CMA CGM secured a 10% stake in Flexis SAS and expressed intentions for a strategic investment of up to EUR 120 million by 2026. Volvo Group and Renault Group, holding 45% each in Flexis SAS, committed to investments totaling EUR 300 million over the next three years.

With the electrified van market projected to surge by 40% annually until 2030, the three companies aim to meet the escalating demand driven by climate change and CO2 regulations alongside the flourishing e-commerce and logistics sectors. Flexis SAS will be in charge of decarbonizing transportation and logistics, leveraging the expertise of automotive giants and innovative startup practices. The collaboration promises a new era of light commercial vehicles boasting enhanced modularity, safety, and connectivity, produced at Renault Group’s Sandouville plant with plans to recruit 550 personnel over the next four years.