Gaussin to expand to Australia with Nexport

French special vehicle manufacturer Gaussin is entering a strategic partnership with Nexport to distribute its range of electric and hydrogen vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

++ This article has been updated. Kindly continue reading below. ++

The joint venture will see an investment of 10 million euros (AUD$16 million) to locally assemble Gaussin vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

This further strengthens Nexport’s capability and positions the company to procure, assemble and supply a range of zero-emission vehicles. Gaussin has a portfolio of zero-emission prime movers, airport transporters and refuellers, electric buses, hydrogen-powered generators, and a range of other vehicles. Late last year Gaussin announced a cooperation with Plug Power to bring hydrogen fuel cell logistics vehicles to market.

Nexport already has an agreement with the electric bus partnership between Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD that announced its expansion to Australia with the aid of Nexport just two months ago.

Australia has a large mining industry that is particularly well-poised to make use of zero-emission vehicles. As one can imagine, underground operations are best carried out by vehicles that do not have emissions. Australia is the world’s second-largest exporter of coal, but also a big producer of cobalt, lithium, and nickel.  Australian fast-charger specialist Tritium has also redesigned a DC fast charger for mining operations and last month two Australian manufacturing and technology companies Ampcontrol and PPK Mining Equipment announced they were set to deliver a range of new battery-electric vehicle solutions for underground mining applications.

Update 29 November 2021

Nexport and Gaussin have entered into an exclusive 20-year Manufacturing and Licencing Agreement (MCLA) following the signing of the term sheet in September 2021. The 20-year joint-venture and licencing agreement will see the local assembly and supply of Gaussin’s range of zero-emission vehicles and systems for port terminals, airports, logistics and people transport applications. Both parties will create an Australian jurisdiction Joint Venture, owned 51% by Nexport and 49% by Gaussin.

“This joint venture will produce the best-engineered, most cost-effective ZEVs and lead Australia to cleaner future,” says Nexport CEO Michel van Maanen, “Progressing this agreement with Gaussin highlights Nexport’s commitment to this cause and establishing Australia as the leading manufacturer in a rapidly growing sector.”

gaussin.com, gaussin.com (update)