Deutsche Post to cease StreetScooter production

Deutsche Post DHL Group has announced that it is ending the manufacture of its StreetScooter electric vans before the end of the year.

A spokesperson told German news agency dpa: “There will be no more new orders. The ordered vehicles are still being produced, and deliveries are expected to continue into next year.”

Deutsche Post has also said that it will no longer be pursuing a buyer for StreetScooter, as CEO Frank Appel had hinted last year. Appel said that “further scaling without the right partner does not correspond to our long-term strategic objective.”

Additionally, it means production of the WORK XL van, manufactured by Ford, is also likely to end, although talks are still to be held between the two companies; as well as its joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Chery.

Appel attributed the decision to “global economic uncertainties”—including the recent costs of the coronavirus crisis—and remarked that Deutsche Post was meant to be a logistics company, not a car manufacturer.

StreetScooter CEO Jörg Sommer departed the company last month, citing differing views on the company’s direction.

Deutsche Post will focus on its current fleet, which has 11,000 electric vehicles and is still set to reach 15,000.

Source: electrive

Header image: Drew Beamer