Australian electric vehicle producer and supplier Nexport has entered into an exclusive 20-year manufacturing and licensing agreement (MCLA) with leading French engineering firm Gaussin.

The 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.

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 says: "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 adds: " 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."