Toyota has signed a non-binding agreement with Daimler Truck, Volvo and Cellcentric to cooperate on an equal shareholding in a fuel cell system joint venture.
The aim is that Cellcentric – a joint venture of Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG founded in 2021 – 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.
As part of the project, Toyota and Cellcentric plan to work together on the development and production of fuel cell unit cells, the core component of the system, along with associated architecture and control elements.
Also, 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.
By combining Volvo’s and Daimler Truck’s extensive commercial vehicle expertise with Toyota’s fuel cell development, production technology and manufacturing experience, the aim is to further strengthen Cellcentric’s market competitiveness.
Koji Sato, president and CEO at Toyota, 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.”
Nicholas Loughlan, Managing Director and CTO, Cellcentric, said, “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.”
