Rheinmetall Expands Vehicle Portfolio with Acquisition of Dutch Startup REEQ

Rheinmetall Expands Vehicle Portfolio with Acquisition of Dutch Startup REEQ

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall, a leading technology group, has bolstered its vehicle portfolio by acquiring the Dutch startup REEQ, marking a strategic move towards innovative light hybrid vehicles. The acquisition, completed by Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., a subsidiary of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, encompasses 100% of REEQ’s shares. With this acquisition, Rheinmetall gains access to REEQ’s advanced mobility technology, including unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), buggies, and quads, all featuring a fully electric drivetrain. By integrating REEQ’s expertise, Rheinmetall aims to cater to the Dutch and European market’s demand for light tactical mobility solutions, reinforcing its commitment to military electrification and autonomy. This strategic move aligns with Rheinmetall’s mission to strengthen the defense industry’s operational capabilities and enhance strategic autonomy.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 19-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has acquired the Dutch startup REEQ, thereby expanding its vehicle portfolio to include innovative light hybrid vehicles. At the beginning of March 2024, the technology group’s Dutch subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., which is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, acquired 100% of the shares in the Dutch start-up REEQ. Rheinmetall is thus expanding its portfolio of lightweight tactical vehicles and also taking the step towards hybrid technology with a fully electric drivetrain in a military vehicle. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

With its vehicles, REEQ has developed a new generation of mobility that combines tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully prepared for autonomy. The technology was developed and is produced in the Netherlands.

Currently, REEQ’s vehicle portfolio consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad, all three with exactly the same fully electric drive train. Through the acquisition of REEQ, Rheinmetall is able to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid solution. Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and series production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.

With this acquisition Rheinmetall is responding to the many calls from Dutch politicians and defense leaders to contribute with industrial strength and specialization to the operational user and strengthening of the defense industry. With the development and production from the Netherlands, the strategic autonomy and the Dutch position in the field of military electrification and autonomy in the international defense industry has also been strengthened.

Located in the city of Ede, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. is part of the Vehicle Systems Division and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Rheinmetall AG is one of the world’s leading technology enterprises.

REEQ is a Dutch start-up and has been in existence since 2018. In that year REEQ carried out a first innovation project regarding electromobility in the military sector on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. In later years, REEQ has developed further in this field of experience.

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SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG