TOKYO: Daimler Truck AG, the Volvo Group, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corp have signed a non-binding agreement to co-operate in the fuel cell system joint venture cellcentric.
The companies intend to collaborate based on an equal shareholding with Toyota as the third joint venture partner to cellcentric.
Toyota says 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.
This means 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 advance technological innovation in fuel cell systems through cellcentric, thereby contributing to the realisation of a hydrogen society.
Daimler Truck president and CEO Karin Rådström said, "We are proud that Toyota plans to join cellcentric as a shareholder. This will enable us to strengthen development and further scale hydrogen technology, which we believe complements battery-electric drives in decarbonising transport".
Daimler Truck board member responsible for truck technology and former cellcentric CEO Andreas Gorbach said, "Joining forces with the world's largest automotive manufacturer and fuel cell pioneer is a privilege for us ― and a game changer in making hydrogen in transportation a reality and cellcentric the go to place for fuel cell technology in commercial vehicles worldwide."
Volvo Group president and CEO Martin Lundstedt said, "We are thrilled to explore this collaboration with Toyota, so that we through cellcentric can accelerate and create critical mass for hydrogen applications. This is an important signal to customers, suppliers, and others in the ecosystem."
"Given the importance of accelerating the transformation into net-zero transportation, the need of great companies coming together and collaborating is more important than ever. Welcoming Toyota onboard will be a big leap towards realising decarbonisation of our industries," said Lundstedt.
Toyota president and CEO Koji Sato said, "We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to soon be joining Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as partners in building a hydrogen society. cellcentric which possess deep expertise in commercial fields together with Toyota's over 30 years of fuel-cell development in the passenger car sector, can combine their strengths to deliver one of the world-leading fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles. Toyota will continue to contribute to realising a hydrogen society alongside like-minded partners."
"We are extremely proud that Toyota intends to join as a shareholder of cellcentric ― a great sign of trust in our company from one of the world's leading automotive companies. Together, in this new set-up, we look forward to seizing the opportunity to significantly improve our company across the entire value chain," said cellcentric managing director and CTO Nicholas Loughlan.
