German concern Mercedes Benz, Renault’s long-standing partner in the light commercial vehicle segment, will not participate in the French company’s FlexEVan electric vehicle project, and will instead focus on its new premium electric VAN platform. .EA, they told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The FlexEvan, due to launch in 2026, is being developed for the Renault and Nissan brands, and sources say Renault Trucks, a brand owned by Sweden’s Volvo Group, could join the project.

A Mercedes representative confirmed that the company has no plans to launch a medium or large SUV on any platform other than VAN.EA.

Representatives of Renault did not want to comment on the information.

After the fall in demand for diesel engines, which Renault sold to its German partner, and the end of the joint project dedicated to Twingo-Smart cars, Renault and Mercedes have only one joint project left – the Citan model, the first electric version of which has been launched.

Renault sought to expand cooperation with Mercedes in the segment of light commercial vehicles, but without success.

“It is true that for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), most of the cooperation with Mercedes has been achieved,” the sources said.

Under CEO Luca de Meo, Renault has expanded its partnerships beyond its historic alliances with Nissan and Daimler, both of which were supported by predecessor Carlos Ghosn.

No specific project between Renault and Mercedes is currently under active consideration, the sources added, although new subsidies from the US and Europe could prompt the two companies to combine production facilities. (Agerpress)