Summary sheet
- Services - Transportation and storage
The project will support the investment carried out by Groupe Petit Forestier in the deployment of a green commercial fleet across several EU countries over the period 2026-2028.
The aim is to support the deployment of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles for the transport of foodstuffs, medical products, and other goods whose quality and preservation depend on the cold chain. It also includes non-refrigerated vehicles used for the transport of general merchandise. This initiative contributes to the decarbonisation of road transport and encourages the early adoption of clean vehicle technologies.
The project involves deployment of zero-emission refrigerated vans and trucks, specifically Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), to be leased by the promoter to its clients. The promoter operates across the refrigerated logistics and temperature-controlled transport sector, supporting supply chains in areas such as food distribution and catering services. The fleet will be deployed mainly in France, Italy and Spain.
The operation contributes to the EIB's lending objectives of promoting sustainable and decarbonised road transport, thereby supporting EU policy goals related to climate action, air quality improvement, and the transition to low-emission mobility. The project aligns with the Bank's Climate Bank Roadmap and Transport Lending Policy and will contribute to its Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability objectives.
Besides, the novelty content of the project, in the form of the early deployment of electric commercial vehicles assembled within the EU, contributes to the Technology EU (TechEU) objective by supporting the scale-up of innovative, clean transport technologies and strengthening the EU's industrial base in sustainable mobility.
The project is also expected to contribute to the strengthening of the EU's economic, social and territorial cohesion with around 41% of the vehicles expected to be leased in cohesion regions.
The operation is hence eligible under Article 309 point (a) projects for developing less developed regions and point (c) common interest.
The offered longer maturity is benefiting the Company whilst providing a diversification of the Borrower's financing sources as this operation will be the 1st for Petit Forestier with the Bank and thus strengthens the overall financial position of the company.
The project is expected to generate positive environmental impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and noise. It does not fall under the scope of the EIA Directive and is not expected to have significant adverse environmental effects.
The promoter has been assessed as a private company not subject to EU public procurement rules. If this assessment changes during appraisal, the Bank will require the promoter to apply the relevant legislation.