Move expands drivetrain maker’s involvement in electric market
American drivetrain manufacturer Meritor has taken a stake in commercial electric vehicle maker SEA Electric.
Though specifics of the deal are undisclosed, the equity investment aims to accelerate SEA’s global sales while adding another string to Meritor’s electric bow, diversifying its drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets.
“This collaboration with SEA Electric gives us another path to apply our expertise in electrification solutions for the medium-duty market,” Meritor CEO and president Chris Villavarayan said.
Our review of the SEA 300, here
Founded in Australian but now headquartered in Los Angeles, SEA Electric currently partners with commercial vehicle OEMs, dealers, operators and upfitters to deliver a range of zero-emissions trucks with remote mount electrification solutions to the commercial vehicle market.
In March, SEA launched two SEA Electric badged vehicles, the SEA 300 EV and the SEA 500 EV, locally.
“Meritor’s investment will help us to accelerate global sales efforts and strengthen the delivery and distribution transportation segment for vehicles that operate in urban and metropolitan areas,” SEA Electric president and founder Tony Fairweather said.
“We are excited for Meritor to join us as a strategic investor and shareholder.”
Meritor’s electric initiatives include acquiring all outstanding common shares of electric-drive firm TransPower last year.