What Frappa does

Frappa (Carrosserie Frappa, SAS Frappa) is a French coachbuilder-manufacturer founded in 1845 and headquartered in Davézieux, Ardèche, where it operates three production sites. The company designs and manufactures refrigerated vehicles across the full weight range — from 3.5-ton light commercial vehicles to 26-ton rigid trucks and semi-trailers — integrating proprietary bodywork, in-house European-approved chassis (manufactured since 2016, 1,000th unit registered in 2023), and proprietary cryogenic refrigeration systems using liquid nitrogen (for heavy trucks) and dry ice (for light commercial vehicles). Its Silencio and Silensnow product lines target silent, zero-emission urban night deliveries with 2-5x faster temperature descent than thermal units and zero NOx/CO2 emissions during operation.

Frappa operates a multi-stream revenue model: new vehicle sales to enterprise customers (transport companies, food retailers, industrial clients, and rental operators), a recurring rental fleet of ~450 semi-trailer refrigerators through its Frappa Locations subsidiary, after-sales services including mobile workshops and ATP-CERTICOLD certification renewals, used vehicle sales, spare parts (24h dispatch), and repair services targeting under-two-weeks immobilization. Direct enterprise field sales is the primary go-to-market motion, supplemented by export partnerships across Europe and active participation in industry trade shows (Solutrans, SIRHA, Transfrigoroute, SELFI). The company employs approximately 280 staff organized in a flat three-level hierarchy.

The customer base spans blue-chip transport operators (Geodis, STEF, Jacky Perrenot), food retailers (Carrefour, Leclerc, Intermarché, Casino), wholesalers (Puig, La Provençale), industrial firms (Siemens, Elis), food producers (Maître Coq), and rental companies (Fraikin, Clovis Location). Recent strategic activity includes a partnership with Messer SE & Co. KGaA for German market expansion (May 2025), certification as a CERTICOLD Pharma testing center, and the launch of the Xplora Offroad Campers sub-brand (2020) via Campers Lab. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Frappa

Legal name

SAS Frappa

Website

https://frappa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1845

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Frappa is a 180-year-old French coachbuilder-manufacturer headquartered in Davézieux that designs and produces refrigerated vehicles from 3.5T light commercial vans to semi-trailers, integrating proprietary cryogenic refrigeration (liquid nitrogen and dry ice), in-house chassis, and insulated panels for transport companies, retailers, and industrial clients across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Davézieux

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. New Vehicle Manufacturing and Sales: Frappa designs and manufactures refrigerated vehicles from 3.5T light commercial vehicles to semi-trailers, including semi-trailers, rigid trucks (3.5T to 26T), and light utility vehicles. Production includes both bodywork and integrated chassis.
2. Rental Services (Frappa Locations): Technical rental of semi-trailer refrigerators with nearly 450 units. Includes 24/7/365 SAV across Europe, more than 1500 service points, and financing solutions for new and used equipment.
3. After-Sales Service and Repair: Mobile workshops, spare parts supply with 24h processing, ATP-CERTICOLD certification renewal, and repair services with goal of less than 2 weeks immobilization. Includes convoyage service.
4. Used Vehicle Sales: Sale of refurbished semi-trailer refrigerators, Premium approach with complete vehicles in perfect working condition, fully compliant with manufacturer standards.
5. Spare Parts: Original Frappa parts for vehicle maintenance. Orders processed within 24h, same-day shipping for orders before 2pm.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Frappa (Carrosserie Frappa) is a French coachbuilder-manufacturer that designs, manufactures, and services refrigerated transport vehicles from 3.5-ton light utility vehicles to semi-trailers, integrating proprietary insulated panels, in-house chassis with European type approvals, and cryogenic refrigeration systems (liquid nitrogen and dry ice). The company also offers rental services, used refurbished vehicles, mobile workshop maintenance, original spare parts, ATP-CERTICOLD certification renewals, and a sub-brand producing high-end off-road campers. All production occurs across three sites in Davézieux, Ardèche.

Product overview

Frappa is a coachbuilder-manufacturer (carrossier-constructeur) that produces a comprehensive range of refrigerated vehicles from 3.5T light utility vehicles to semi-trailers, complemented by cryogenic cooling technology, rental services, and after-sales support. The core product portfolio centers on Véhicules Frigorifiques (refrigerated vehicles) available in three main configurations: Véhicule Utilitaire Léger (VUL) for light commercial use, Porteur frigorifique (3.5T-26T refrigerated trucks), and Semi-remorques frigorifiques (refrigerated semi-trailers). These vehicles integrate proprietary cryogenic systems including Silencio® and Silensnow® for silent, sustainable urban cooling. The company also operates as a full-service provider through Frappa Locations (rental with 450+ vehicles), used vehicle sales, mobile workshops, spare parts supply, SAV lifecycle support, ATP certification services, and repairs. A sub-brand, Xplora Offroad Campers, extends the manufacturing expertise to premium off-road camper vehicles. The company operates three sites in Davézieux, Ardèche, maintaining industrial sovereignty through in-house production of insulating panels, chassis, and cryogenic units.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Xplora Offroad Campers: French brand specialized in high-end off-road camper vehicle fabrication in Ardèche, offering custom-designed vehicles with composite bodywork, reinforced insulation, and robust construction for extreme conditions with prices starting from €200,000
• Silencio
• Silensnow

Products and services

• Refrigerated Semi-Trailers (Semi-remorques frigorifiques) Complete refrigerated semi-trailer range adapted to multiple trades including food distribution, flowers, hanging meat, ferries, and bulk transport; integrates Frappa bodywork with proprietary chassis carrying European type approvals. Sold to transport companies and retailers for cold-chain logistics.
• Refrigerated Rigid Trucks 3.5T to 26T (Porteur frigorifique) Refrigerated rigid truck range from 3.5T to 26T covering 6 to 24 pallets, sold to transport companies, food retailers, and wholesalers needing medium-duty cold-chain vehicles. Bodywork is suitable for all chassis brands.
• Light Commercial Refrigerated Vehicles (VUL - Véhicule Utilitaire Léger) Light commercial vehicles in floor-cab configuration, available in refrigerated or dry versions, designed to maximize payload. Targets urban last-mile delivery operators and small transport companies.
• Cryogenic Cooling Systems (Systèmes Cryogéniques) Proprietary cryogenic refrigeration systems using liquid nitrogen (for heavy trucks) and dry ice (for light utility vehicles), offering -196°C boiling temperature, 2-5x faster cooling than thermal units, zero noise, zero NOx, and zero CO2 emissions. Sold to transport operators seeking regulatory forward-compliance (FGAZ 2050) and zero-emission refrigeration.
• Frappa Locations - Refrigerated Vehicle Rental Technical rental service operating approximately 450 refrigerated semi-trailer units with 24/7/365 after-sales support, more than 1500 service points across Europe, financing solutions for new and used equipment. Serves transport companies needing temporary or seasonal refrigerated capacity without capital purchase.
• Refurbished Used Refrigerated Vehicles (Véhicules d'occasion reconditionnés) Sale of refurbished refrigerated semi-trailers fully restored to manufacturer standards and supplied with complete compliance documentation and quality guarantee, targeted at fleet operators seeking premium used equipment.
• Mobile Workshops (Ateliers Mobiles) On-site mobile maintenance service with permanent spare parts stock and vehicle replacement options for workshop repairs, designed to reduce vehicle immobilization. Serves transport operators needing fast on-site intervention.
• Original Spare Parts Supply (PDR - Pièces de Rechange) Supply of original Frappa spare parts designed for easy replacement, with 24-hour order processing and same-day shipping for orders placed before 2pm, supporting both Frappa vehicles and third-party fleets.
• After-Sales Service (SAV - Service Après-Vente) Full vehicle lifecycle support covering production planning, quality compliance verification, vehicle handover, and continuous product improvement based on customer feedback, available to Frappa vehicle buyers and fleet operators.
• ATP - CERTICOLD Certification Renewal Services Certification renewal services for refrigerated, refrigerant, and cryogenic vehicles at 3, 6, and 9-year intervals, including vehicle transport to and from the test facility. Covers ATP and CERTICOLD renewal requirements, applicable to Frappa and other-brand refrigerated vehicles.
• Vehicle Repair Services (Réparation) Vehicle repair service with a target of less than 2 weeks immobilization, convoy service, insurance follow-up, and manufacturer-compliant repairs available for Frappa vehicles and other brands.
• Xplora Offroad Campers High-end off-road camper vehicles with composite bodywork, reinforced insulation, modular configurations for 2-6 people, autonomous solar energy systems, and extreme-condition construction; prices starting from €200,000. Targets affluent individual buyers and families seeking expedition travel.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2 to 5 times faster temperature descent compared to thermal refrigeration units
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and minor.

• Messer SE & Co. KGaAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Collaboration with Messer for cryogenic symposium in Krefeld, Germany at their R&D center. Joint development on cryogenic cold solutions for German market expansion.
• DHOLLANDIAmajorTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of tail lifts (rabattable, rétractable, à colonne, TPMR). Ongoing collaboration with technical and commercial teams for customer solutions.
• CARRIER TransicoldmajorTechnology or IntegrationReference supplier for embedded refrigeration units. Daily commercial collaboration for product optimization from light commercial vehicles to semi-trailers.
• BPWmajorTechnology or IntegrationEuropean leader in axle and suspension systems. Telematics solutions partner for temperature and technical data. Frappa receives 1000th chassis with BPW components in 2023.
• Campers LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive commercial and technical agency since 2020 for Xplora Offroad Campers brand. Development and commercialization of travel vehicles with rise-up roof configurations for family vehicles.
• CHOREGEstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOrganizational consulting partner working to transform Frappa from fragile attractive constructor to antifragile independent pioneer. Present at Supply Chain Event 2024.
• Transfrigoroute FrancestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum partnership. Frappa participates as speaker on cryogenic solutions and the 4S values (Sécurité alimentaire, Solidarité client, Simplicité conductrice, Sérénité sociale).
• Messer FrancestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership alongside Messer SE & Co. KGaA for cryogenic technology development and market expansion.
• Tecnea - CemafroidmajorTechnology or IntegrationCertification body for CERTICOLD Pharma qualification. Frappa's testing center qualified for pharmaceutical temperature-controlled transport products.
• VIVRE AUX ÉCLATSminorOthersFrappa supports the noble cause of bringing smiles to children and healthcare workers in hospitals. Clown performances in care settings since 1996.
• A corps d'apprendreminorOthersAssociation founded in 2021. Frappa supports a team of volunteers helping young people in difficulty find meaning through body awareness.
• E-merveilles par ArdècheminorOthersFrappa supports its historic Ardéchois roots since 1845 to promote the territory and attract talent to the most wonderful place to live.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Thermo King: Trane Technologies brand supplying transport refrigeration units for trucks, trailers, and rail. Comparable as the principal alternative refrigeration OEM competing with Carrier Transicold for Frappa-spec slots and across the broader refrigerated transport market.
• Carrier Transicold: Global supplier of transport refrigeration units and a key Frappa partner/supplier. Comparable as the embedded refrigeration technology provider across Frappa's range; also a potential competitor in integrated refrigerated solutions.

Direct peers

• Lamberet: French manufacturer of refrigerated vehicles and bodies, ranging from light commercial vehicles to semi-trailers. Directly comparable as a French coachbuilder with overlapping customer base in transport, food retail, and pharma cold chain.
• Chereau: French designer and manufacturer of refrigerated trailers and semi-trailers, headquartered in Normandy. Closest direct competitor in the French refrigerated transport market with similar product breadth.
• Benalu: French manufacturer of tippers, tankers, and specialized trailers including refrigerated configurations. Comparable as a French industrial trailer OEM serving logistics and distribution customers.

Regional players

• Lecitrailer: Spanish manufacturer of trailers, including refrigerated variants. Comparable product category with a primarily Iberian customer base, competing indirectly in cross-border European fleet deals.
• Wielton: Polish trailer manufacturer group with refrigerated semi-trailers in its portfolio. Comparable product category but primarily serves Central and Eastern European markets rather than France.

Broad incumbents

• Kögel: German manufacturer of trailers including refrigerated variants for the European logistics market. Comparable as a competitor in refrigerated semi-trailers with broader product portfolio.
• Schmitz Cargobull: Europe's largest trailer manufacturer offering refrigerated semi-trailers among a much wider portfolio. Comparable as a pan-European refrigerated trailer competitor with significantly greater scale and geographic reach than Frappa.
• Krone: German trailer manufacturer with refrigerated semi-trailer offerings. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving European transport companies with deeper international distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCieFEPRkJGBKjgKGolFqqGg
• Facebookfacebook.com/frappacarrosserie/?locale=fr_FR
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/groupe-frappa/?originalSubdomain=fr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Frappa