Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN), an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced a significant expansion of its dealership network through a new partnership with Papé Kenworth. This agreement marks Mullen’s seventh franchise dealer partner, further solidifying its position in the growing EV market.
Papé Kenworth, a premier full-service dealer based in Eugene, Oregon, is part of the Papé Group and boasts over 30 locations across the Western United States. As the West’s leading full-service Kenworth truck dealer, Papé Kenworth brings extensive experience and reach to this partnership. The collaboration is set to focus on providing zero-emissions trucks for a wide range of applications, supporting customers as they adapt to comply with evolving environmental regulations.
David Michery, CEO and chair of Mullen Automotive, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, ‘Papé Kenworth is a hallmark dealer and distributor with unmatched and deep experience in supporting the nation’s fleet to meet its equipment and logistics needs.’ Michery further noted that Papé Kenworth’s extensive reach and expertise in the commercial vehicle industry would play a crucial role in introducing Mullen’s commercial EVs to a broader market.
This partnership comes at a time when Mullen Automotive is making significant strides in the EV industry. The company has recently begun commercial vehicle production at its Tunica, Mississippi facility and received IRS approval for federal EV tax credits on its commercial vehicles. This Qualified Manufacturer designation offers eligible customers up to $7,500 per vehicle, making Mullen’s EVs more accessible to potential buyers.
Mullen’s product lineup includes the Mullen One, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and the Mullen Three, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck. Both vehicles have received California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA certification, making them available for sale across the United States. Additionally, the Mullen Three has recently received approval for the Hybrid and Zero-Emissions Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), providing up to a $45,000 cash voucher at the time of vehicle purchase.
The expansion of Mullen’s commercial dealer network is not limited to the Papé Kenworth partnership. The company has also recently added Pritchard EV, National Auto Fleet Group, Ziegler Truck Group, and Range Truck Group to its network, providing sales and service coverage in key Midwest, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest markets.
Furthermore, Mullen has secured Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status approval for its Tunica, Mississippi commercial vehicle manufacturing center. This approval provides several benefits, including deferment of duties owed and elimination of duties on exported vehicles, potentially enhancing the company’s competitive edge in the global market.
As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, partnerships like the one between Mullen Automotive and Papé Kenworth are likely to play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of electric commercial vehicles. This collaboration not only expands Mullen’s reach but also provides customers with access to zero-emissions trucks backed by the expertise of an established dealer network.
The partnership between Mullen Automotive and Papé Kenworth represents a significant step forward in the commercialization of electric vehicles, particularly in the commercial sector. As regulations continue to evolve and demand for sustainable transportation solutions grows, such strategic alliances are poised to shape the future of the automotive industry.
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