Renault Group is planning to take full ownership of electric van start-up Flexis, bringing to an end the joint venture structure established with Volvo Group and logistics giant CMA CGM.
Under the existing arrangement, Renault and Volvo each hold 45% of the commercial vehicle business start-up, with CMA CGM owning the remaining 10%. The three shareholders have now apparently reached an agreement that would allow Renault to acquire the outstanding stakes and take 100% control of Flexis, however, financial terms have not been disclosed.
Flexis was created in 2023–24 under former Renault CEO Luca de Meo to develop a new generation of electric vans based on an skateboard platform. The venture unveiled three models, a Step-in van, Cargo van and Panel van (pictured in order below), with first deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
The vehicles use electronic architecture developed by Renault’s Ampere EV division, which is itself being reintegrated into Renault’s core engineering operations as part of a broader restructuring led by current CEO François Provost.
According to French newspaper Le Monde, tensions emerged following Provost’s appointment and a review of the business plan, as market growth for electric vans fell short of earlier expectations. Reports that an asset impairment linked to Flexis would feature in its upcoming financial results, have also been denied.
Flexis, led by Philippe Divry (below), employs around 150 staff and was conceived as a stand-alone manufacturer offering integrated fleet services alongside its vans.
In December 2025 it said development remained on schedule, with engineering, field trials and service roll-out progressing. The company has signed 40 letters of intent and confirmed that some services are already operational ahead of full market launch.
Under the original plan, Renault and Volvo were each to invest €300m over three years, with CMA CGM committing €120m through its transport decarbonisation fund.
Renault has already revealed its own version of the Flexis model range, with the new electric Renault Trafic making its debut at the Solutrans commercial vehicle show in November.
