Daimler Truck, the Volvo Group, and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate within the fuel cell joint venture, cellcentric. Under the proposed terms, the three automotive manufacturers intend to establish an equal shareholding structure, positioning Toyota as the third primary partner alongside the existing founding members.
The collaboration aims to combine the commercial vehicle expertise of Daimler and Volvo with Toyota’s three decades of experience in fuel cell development and manufacturing. The partners intend for cellcentric to serve as an independent centre of competence for the development, production, and commercialisation of fuel cell systems. These systems are intended for heavy-duty on-road and off-road transport, as well as stationary applications with similar requirements.
Beyond the core systems, Toyota and cellcentric plan to jointly manage the production of fuel cell unit cells and associated control elements. To support the transition to hydrogen, the partners have also stated their intention to collaborate with industry associations to assist in the early-stage development of hydrogen supply and infrastructure.
The agreement remains subject to final negotiations, board approvals, and regulatory clearances.
Karin Rådström, President & CEO, Daimler Truck 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.”
Andreas Gorbach, Daimler Truck Board Member 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. “
Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group 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.”
Koji Sato, President and CEO, Toyota said, “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.”
Nicholas Loughlan, Managing Director and CTO, cellcentric said, “Together, in this new set-up, we look forward to seizing the opportunity to significantly improve our company across the entire value chain.”
