Daimler Truck AG, Volvo Group, Cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding agreement to collaborate on the fuel cell joint venture Cellcentric. Commercial vehicle manufacturers and the Japanese vehicle manufacturer plan to work together as equal shareholders; Toyota is joining the joint venture as the third partner. The combination of the partners’ complementary expertise and knowledge aims to support and advance the common goal of developing, manufacturing and marketing fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles and other heavy-duty applications with similar requirements. In addition, Toyota and Cellcentric planned to jointly develop and manufacture single cells for fuel cells, the key component of fuel cell systems; There were also directly related system architecture and control elements. The aim is to develop competitive products that make best use of the technologies of both companies.
By combining the extensive commercial vehicle expertise of Daimler Truck and Volvo with Toyota’s expertise in the development, production technology and production of fuel cells, Cellcentric will further strengthen its technological leadership and competitiveness, the companies announced. At the same time, Cellcentric will remain a joint competence center for the development, production and marketing of fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles and other heavy-duty applications with similar requirements. Vision “Hydrogen Association”
Additionally, the partners want to actively support the early-stage development of hydrogen supply and hydrogen infrastructure by collaborating with industry associations and partners throughout the hydrogen value chain, according to a press release. Daimler Truck, Volvo and Toyota see hydrogen as an important energy source for decarbonising transportation. By collaborating with Cellcentric, they want to advance the technological development of fuel cell systems and thus contribute to the transformation of a society in which hydrogen is a central energy carrier (Hydrogen Society), according to the companies.
Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, responsible for Truck Technology and former CEO of Cellcentric: Working with Toyota, the world’s largest car manufacturer and fuel cell pioneer, is not only a privilege, but also a groundbreaking milestone in making hydrogen a reality in transport. This will enable us to make Cellcentric the world’s premiere destination for fuel cell technology in the commercial vehicle sector.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to soon partner with Daimler Truck and Volvo Group to build the hydrogen community,” said Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato. Cellcentric has extensive expertise in fuel cells for commercial vehicles; This expertise ideally complements Toyota’s more than 30 years of experience in fuel cell development in the passenger car industry. Together we can create one of the world’s leading fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles. Toyota will continue to contribute to the realization of the hydrogen society together with like-minded partners.
Automobile Magazine – English
