Leinfelden‑Echterdingen and Kirchheim u. Teck, Germany / Gothenburg, Sweden / Tokyo, Japan – Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate in the fuel cell system joint venture cellcentric. The three companies intend to collaborate based on an equal shareholding with Toyota as the third joint venture partner to cellcentric. The combination of the parties’ complementary experience and know-how will support and advance their joint objective to develop, produce and commercialise fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles and other heavy-duty applications with comparable requirements. Additionally, Toyota and cellcentric intend to jointly manage the development and production of fuel cell unit cells — the core component of fuel cell systems — and directly linked architecture and control elements with the aim of creating competitive products based on the technologies of both companies.
By combining Daimler Truck and Volvo’s extensive commercial vehicle expertise with Toyota’s fuel cell development, production technology and manufacturing experience, the aim is to further strengthen cellcentric’s technological advantage and market competitiveness. It is intended that cellcentric will be the joint centre of competence that develops, produces and commercialises fuel cell systems for heavy-duty on- and off-road transport and other heavy-duty applications with comparable requirements. Furthermore, through collaboration with industry associations and partners across the entire hydrogen value chain, the partners aim to actively support the development of hydrogen supply and infrastructure in the early stages.
Daimler Truck, Volvo and Toyota have positioned hydrogen as one of the key energy sources to decarbonise transport and will accelerate technological innovation in fuel cell systems through cellcentric thereby contributing to the realisation of a hydrogen society.