Smith Electric Vehicles, a producer of all-electric medium-duty commercial vehicles, will be forming a joint venture with Taiwan-based Taikang Technology Corp. in order to enhance the assembly and distribution of its products.
The agreement covers the construction of a new plant in Taiwan that will serve as a hub for Smith's manufacturing activities. The JV also includes a 5,000-vehicle commitment that will cover the first three years of production.
The initial trucks will be Newton and Edison model vehicles configured for refuse pick-up and transport. Smith will have the sole sourcing and procurement rights for its proprietary Smith Drive, Smith Power and Smith Link components. Taikang Technology has been working closely with a number of Taiwanese government agencies on transforming its fleet of refuse trucks to all-electric technology.
Smith currently operates manufacturing facilities in Kansas City, Mo., and Newcastle, U.K.
