The ties between the Renault and Volvo groups are not new. In the 90s, two giants of automobile and heavy-duty capacity even went so far as to merge: the much-hyped and promised Renault-Volvo merger was finally canceled in 1993. Unfortunately, not finding agreement in passenger cars, the French and the Swede will find it in trucks. Since 2001, the Renault Trucks company (formerly RVI, Renault Véhicules Industriels) belongs to the Volvo AB group.engaged in the production of trucks, construction equipment, marine engines and military equipment. The company Volvo Cars, engaged in the production of passenger cars, no longer belongs to the Swedish conglomerate since 1999.the date of its acquisition by Ford (now the Chinese Geely).

Flexis, a new joint venture between Renault and Volvo

On a completely different axis, the two groups today announced a new partnership in commercial vehicles, and especially electric ones! For the joint development of this project, independently of the respective subsidiaries of the two groups, a joint venture called Flexis was created (as Horse, spun off from Renault, which is a joint venture with Geely). It will be owned equally, with the aim of investing 300 million euros each over the next three years. CMA CGM, one of the world leaders in maritime freight transport, has signed a letter of intent worth €120 million. Renault boss Luca de Meo welcomed the synergy: “The future company will combine the strengths of three leaders: a leading truck manufacturer, a global leader in the supply chain, as well as a European pioneer of electric vehicles and a leader in the field of SUVs.”

Electric and modular SUVs

But then what are we talking about? Utility of the future! The FlexEVan project is dedicated, as its name indicates, to the development of modular SUVs, that is, adapted in terms of format, size, cargo volume and payload. For, both groups will develop a skateboard-like platform (highly modular), and 800 V charging technology for electrical circuits. No numbers have been announced yet, but the charging time and range of the vehicles in question are ambitious. The very first model, expected in 2026, will be equivalent in size to the Renault Trafic, and will be completed from the bottom (Kangoo equivalent) and then from the top (Master equivalent) by 2030. Nissan, Renault’s historic partner, is still undecided about its involvement. Mercedes-Benz (linked to Renault for the Citan SUV) for its part is committed to the autonomous project.

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