The Dolphins
Les Dauphins is a French coachbuilder and converter specializing in ambulance, VSL, TPMR, and funeral vehicle manufacturing, converting commercial platforms from Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and others into EN1789-compliant medical vehicles for healthcare operators, government, and military clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersChelles, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Dolphins does
Les Dauphins is a French coachbuilder and converter specializing in ambulance and medical transport vehicle manufacturing, operating dual production sites in Chelles, France (headquarters with a 10,000 m² showroom on a 3-hectare site) and Aveiro, Portugal (CAPSUD factory spanning 50,000 m²). The company converts commercial vehicle platforms from Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat), and MAN into EN1789-compliant ambulances (Type A and Type B), VSL, VLM, TPMR vehicles for persons with reduced mobility, police vehicles, and funeral vehicles. Its proprietary technology stack includes the patented Mov'Pure air purification system (co-developed with GreenReso, certified by Bureau Veritas at 99.9% pathogen elimination), JSA hydropneumatic suspension launched in 2022, and electric/hybrid conversion capabilities (Mercedes EQV in 2018, Ford Custom PHEV in 2019, VW ID.Buzz in 2022, Renault Trafic 100% electric in 2024).
The business operates a multi-stream revenue model combining new vehicle sales, used/reconditioned vehicle sales, vehicle rental, financing brokerage, after-sales service (SAV) with mobile capability, and an online medical equipment boutique (boutique-lesdauphins.fr). Go-to-market is sales-led with a national commercial team covering all French departments, complemented by participation in public procurement tenders (notably UGAP for French Ministry of Defence contracts) and industry trade shows (CNSA/FNMS). Customers span private ambulance operators (Jussieu Secours, Ambulances Taxis Antoine, Paramedic Ambulance), government entities (French Ministry of Defence, French Fire Services/Pompiers, municipal police), and the funeral sector. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (2025-2028), Bureau Veritas COP certification (France and Portugal, 2024-2027), and is the sole exclusive Nissan conversion partner in France.
The firm is privately held by founder Mapril Baptista, a former ambulance driver who established the original Les Kangourous entity in 1996 before restructuring under the Les Dauphins brand in 2004. With reported headcount of 200+ employees and stated production capacity of 2,000+ vehicles per year, Les Dauphins positions itself as the market leader in ambulance manufacturing in France and Europe. No external investment, private equity ownership, or public listing is evident in the source material, and revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.
The Dolphins firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Dolphins
- Legal name
- LES DAUPHINS
- Website
- https://lesdauphins.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Les Dauphins is a French coachbuilder and converter specializing in ambulance, VSL, TPMR, and funeral vehicle manufacturing, converting commercial platforms from Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and others into EN1789-compliant medical vehicles for healthcare operators, government, and military clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Dolphins industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ambulance Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361)
- SIC
- Truck & Bus Bodies (3713)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Chassis Cab Conversion & Vocational Body Integration (IMACAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Bus & Coach Body Manufacturing (Coachwork) (IMACAGAE)
Keywords
Where The Dolphins is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chelles
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Dolphins business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- New Vehicle Sales: Sale of new ambulances (Type A, Type B), VSL, VLM, TPMR vehicles, police vehicles, and funeral vehicles. Vehicles are converted on commercial platforms from multiple manufacturers including Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat, Nissan, and MAN. Full turnkey service including financing assistance, registration, and branding.
- Used Vehicle Sales: Sale of reconditioned ambulances and medical transport vehicles, offering more affordable options for smaller operators.
- Vehicle Rental: Short and long-term vehicle rental services for medical transport operators.
- Financing Services: Assistance with financing search and administrative file preparation for vehicle purchases.
- After-Sales Service (SAV): Maintenance and repair services for delivered vehicles, with mobile service capability.
- Medical Equipment Boutique: Online and physical retail of medical equipment, work clothing, hygiene products, and supplies for healthcare professionals.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom ambulance and medical transport vehicles with variable pricing based on specifications |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
The Dolphins product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Les Dauphins is a French coachbuilder-manufacturer that converts commercial vehicle platforms (Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, Stellantis, MAN) into specialized medical transport vehicles including Type A and Type B ambulances, VSL, VLM, TPMR, funeral, and police vehicles. The company provides turnkey service covering financing assistance, vehicle registration, branding, after-sales maintenance with mobile capability, and short/long-term rental solutions, producing over 2,000 vehicles annually across facilities in France and Portugal.
Product overview
Les Dauphins is a French specialist in ambulance and sanitary vehicle conversion, operating as a coachbuilder-manufacturer that transforms base vehicles from partner constructors (Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Nissan, Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat, MAN) into specialized medical and emergency vehicles. The product portfolio centers on two core ambulance types (Type A for single-patient non-urgent transport and Type B for emergency care), complemented by VSL, VLM, TPMR, funeral, and police vehicle categories. Key differentiators include the proprietary Mov'Pure air purification system, electric and hybrid vehicle options (Mercedes EQV, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Ford Custom Hybrid), and turnkey solutions covering financing, rental, and after-sales service. The company also offers an online medical equipment boutique.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Mov'Pure: Exclusive air purification technology for ambulances, certified by Bureau Veritas, providing continuous disinfection with hydrogen peroxide molecules and negative ions.
Products and services
- Ambulance Type A
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.9% elimination of bacteria, viruses and fungi with Mov'Pure system
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Dolphins
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Dolphins technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Dolphins partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- French Ministry of Defence / SIMMTcoreMajor public procurement partnership for military ambulance supply. Delivered 35 Volkswagen T6 ambulances to the French Armed Forces through UGAP public procurement platform. SIMMT (Service d'Intendance des Matériels de la Défense) manages technical specifications. First major contract awarded in 2023, with renewal of partnership.
- GreenResocoreTechnology partnership for development of the proprietary Mov'Pure air purification system. GreenReso provides the underlying technology while Les Dauphins integrates it into vehicle designs. System certified by Bureau Veritas.
- TIB (Partenaire Carrossier)coreCollaboration for the innovative 'Caisse Carrée' (square body) ambulance conversion on Renault Master platform. Joint development of specialized body structure combining TIB's body expertise with Les Dauphins' conversion capabilities.
- UTACcoreLong-standing partnership for vehicle testing, homologation, and ISO 9001 certification audits. UTAC has conducted 10G crash tests, seat tests, and certification audits since 2010. Current ISO 9001 certification cycle conducted with UTAC.
- Bureau VeritascoreCertification partner for production conformity (COP) and Mov'Pure technology validation. Certified both French and Portuguese production sites for COP (2024-2027). Validated Mov'Pure air purification system effectiveness.
- Antigua (Martinique)minorSales partner for Martinique (French overseas territory) facilitating local sales and customer support for Paramedic Ambulance delivery.
- UGAP (Union des Groupements d'Achats Publics)coreFrench public procurement platform enabling government agencies to purchase Les Dauphins vehicles. Used for French Ministry of Defence ambulance contracts.
- Renault (Renault Trucks)coreLong-standing manufacturer partnership with 4th Renault approval (2023-2026). Conversion partner for Master, Trafic, and Kangoo platforms. Multiple certifications since first approval in 2010.
- Volkswagen Group FrancecoreCertified integrated partner (valid until July 2027) for Transporter, T6, T7, Crafter, and ID Buzz conversions. Partnership renewed in 2024.
- Mercedes-Benz FrancecoreOfficial partner for Vito, Sprinter, Classe V, and EQV (electric) conversions. Partnership certified in 2022.
- Ford FrancecorePartner for Custom, Tourneo Custom conversions. Partnership certified through 2026. Hybrid (PHEV) conversion partnership since 2019.
- Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat)coreMulti-brand partnership covering Boxer, Jumper, Expert, Jumpy, Vivaro, Movano, Ducato conversions. Certified for both France and Portugal operations.
- Nissan FrancecoreExclusive partnership for Interstar and Primastar conversions since 2018, renewable annually. Current certification through 2028.
- MAN Truck & BusminorPartnership for TGE van conversions into medical transport vehicles.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Dolphins competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Demers Ambulances: Canadian ambulance manufacturer producing Type I, II, and III ambulances primarily for the North American market. Comparable product range and EN1789/GSA-style compliance focus to Les Dauphins, but operating in a different geography with different regulatory and procurement framework.
Direct peers
- WAS Ambulanz (Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH): Germany's largest ambulance coachbuilder, converting commercial vehicle chassis into specialized ambulances and emergency vehicles. Closely comparable to Les Dauphins in business model, OEM partnership strategy, target customer base (public healthcare and emergency services), and European market focus.
- System Strobel GmbH & Co. KG: German emergency vehicle and ambulance manufacturer specializing in conversions of commercial chassis for healthcare transport. Comparable product range, certification portfolio, and target market to Les Dauphins.
- Miesen GmbH & Co. KG: German premium ambulance manufacturer (established 1930s) producing Type A, B, and C ambulances on multiple OEM chassis. Direct competitor to Les Dauphins in the European ambulance market with a near-identical coachbuilder approach and EN1789 compliance focus.
- Binz GmbH: German coachbuilder with a long history in ambulance and special vehicle manufacturing, including hearses and emergency vehicles. Direct competitor to Les Dauphins in the European ambulance and special vehicle conversion market.
Broad incumbents
- Gruau: French coachbuilder with a broader vehicle conversion portfolio spanning ambulances, refrigerated vehicles, and other commercial specialty vehicles. Comparable geographic market (France) and conversion-based business model, though more diversified across vehicle types than Les Dauphins.
- REV Group (REV Ambulance Group): US-listed parent of multiple ambulance brands (E-ONE, KME, American Emergency Vehicles). Operates ambulance manufacturing at significantly larger scale than Les Dauphins, primarily serving North American municipalities and EMS providers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Dolphins social profiles
Digital presenceThe Dolphins compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance15 records
The Dolphins financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Dolphins leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Dolphins subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The Dolphins funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Dolphins M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Dolphins
What does The Dolphins do?
Les Dauphins is a French coachbuilder-manufacturer that converts commercial vehicle platforms (Renault, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, Stellantis, MAN) into specialized medical transport vehicles including Type A and Type B ambulances, VSL, VLM, TPMR, funeral, and police vehicles. The company provides turnkey service covering financing assistance, vehicle registration, branding, after-sales maintenance with mobile capability, and short/long-term rental solutions, producing over 2,000 vehicles annually across facilities in France and Portugal.
Is The Dolphins a public or private company?
The Dolphins is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Dolphins founded?
The Dolphins was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Dolphins based?
The Dolphins is headquartered in Chelles, France, in the Europe region.
How does The Dolphins make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. New Vehicle Sales are the primary driver. The others are used Vehicle Sales, vehicle Rental, financing Services, after-Sales Service (SAV) and medical Equipment Boutique.
Who are The Dolphins's main competitors?
Demers Ambulances is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are WAS Ambulanz (Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH), System Strobel GmbH & Co. KG, Miesen GmbH & Co. KG and Binz GmbH. Broad incumbents are Gruau and REV Group (REV Ambulance Group).
Does The Dolphins have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Dolphins.
What industry is The Dolphins in?
The Dolphins's product category is Ambulance Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAGAI, Chassis Cab Conversion & Vocational Body Integration, with a secondary code of IMACAGAE, Bus & Coach Body Manufacturing (Coachwork). Its NAICS code is 3361 and its SIC code is 3713.