- Joint Venture between Nexport (51%) and Gaussin (49%) to locally manufacture and sell zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for port terminals, airports, logistics and small passenger transport vehicles.
- Agreement will create in excess of 80 jobs in NSW and highlights Nexport’s commitment to support Australia’s journey towards net zero.
- MCLA signed on 25 November 2021 at Australian Embassy, 4 Rue Jean Rey, 75015 Paris.
Australian electric vehicle (EV) producer and supplier, Nexport Pty Ltd (Nexport) is pleased to
advise that it has entered into an exclusive 20-year Manufacturing and Licencing Agreement (MCLA)
with leading French engineering firm GAUSSIN (EURONEXT GROWTH – ALGAU FR0013495298)
(Gaussin) (www.gaussin.com).
The MCLA follows 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.
Headquartered in Héricourt, in the east of France, Gaussin is a technology and engineering company
that designs, assembles and offers zero-emission, smart and connected on/off road vehicles for
freight and small passenger transport vehicles.
Both parties will create an Australian jurisdiction Joint Venture, owned 51% by Nexport and 49% by
Gaussin. The MCLA marks a major step forward in the progression of an agreement that will bring a
cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for Australia and New Zealand through the
implementation of locally manufactured net zero vehicles and systems.
Nexport is currently in discussions to secure a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility around
metropolitan Sydney with a shortlist of sites currently being considered. The partnership is expected
to create around 80 jobs.
Nexport CEO Michel van Maanen said: “The transport industry is the third largest polluter in
Australia. As the first truly integrated solutions provider, Nexport connects infrastructure, assets,
and applications through a local value chain helping government and industry transition towards
zero emissions.
This joint venture will produce the best-engineered, most cost-effective ZEVs and lead Australia to
a cleaner future. 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 CEO Christophe Gaussin added: “We are very proud of this new ambitious partnership
with Nexport. Gaussin and Nexport are complementary and our partnership paves the way to a
large scale distribution of zero-emission vehicles in the Australia and New Zealand markets quickly
and efficiently. Our companies share a common ambition to fight against climate change and to
help the mobility and transportation sectors to become carbon free.”
Austrade Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for France, Belgium and Spain, Mr Jean-
Baptiste Nithart said: “This Joint Venture agreement between Australian EV manufacturer Nexport
and French engineering firm Gaussin demonstrates how industry can practically deliver on the
Australian government’s technology-driven Emissions Reduction Plan. The Australian Trade and
Investment Commission (Austrade) supports collaboration between Australian and French
companies that prioritises the use of innovative clean energy technologies such as hydrogen for EV
charging infrastructure. This helps us achieve net zero by 2050, while creating jobs and growing
our economy.”