Mullen Automotive, Inc., an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced today that its subsidiary Bollinger Motors has partnered with LaFontaine Automotive Group to become its first authorized dealer. LaFontaine will facilitate sales of the all-new Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab, an all-electric class 4 commercial truck, with deliveries expected to commence in the second half of 2024.
The B4 Chassis Cab boasts a unique chassis design aimed at ensuring safety by protecting its 800V battery and other components, a feature particularly tailored for the commercial market. This announcement marks a significant step for Bollinger Motors, which has been developing electric commercial trucks since its inception in 2015.
LaFontaine Automotive Group, with two locations in Lansing and Farmington Hills, Michigan, will add Bollinger’s commercial vehicles to its portfolio, bringing its total to 54 retail franchises across 39 retail locations. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to enhance LaFontaine’s commercial vehicle offerings and expand its customer base throughout Michigan.
According to Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group, the collaboration with Bollinger Motors aligns with their long-term vision and commitment to providing a comprehensive customer experience. Brian Frania, the commercial and fleet director at LaFontaine, highlighted the company’s growth in commercial units sold and serviced, attributing it to their customer-first approach. Get The News You WantRead market moving news with a personalized feed of stocks you care about.
Jim Connelly, chief revenue officer at Bollinger Motors, mentioned that additional dealer partners will be announced soon, indicating an ambition to establish a nationwide sales and service network.
The partnership with LaFontaine follows a series of strategic moves by Bollinger Motors, including collaborations with Our Next Energy for battery supply and Roush Industries for vehicle assembly operations. Furthermore, Bollinger Motors recently became eligible for federal clean vehicle tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, amounting to $40,000 per vehicle for the B4 chassis cab.
Bollinger Motors, headquartered in Oak Park, Michigan, became a majority-owned entity of Mullen Automotive in September 2022. This recent development is part of a broader strategy by Mullen to build a diverse range of electric vehicles, including the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover and various commercial EVs.
