Daimler Truck AG, the Volvo Group, and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on hydrogen fuel cell technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Toyota intends to join the existing cellcentric joint venture as an equal shareholder alongside Daimler Truck and Volvo Group.
The partnership aims to combine the commercial vehicle expertise of Daimler and Volvo with Toyota’s 30 years of fuel cell development and manufacturing experience. By joining forces, the three companies intend to advance the development, production and commercialization of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty on-road and off-road transport, as well as other heavy-duty applications with similar requirements.
Founded in 2021 as a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, cellcentric currently employs more than 560 people across sites in Germany and Canada. The company holds approximately 700 individual patents and aims to become a leading global manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier of fuel cell systems for the heavy-duty market.
Technical Collaboration and Production
A key component of the expanded joint venture is the joint management of fuel cell unit cells — the core component of fuel cell systems. Toyota and cellcentric intend to collaborate on the development and production of these cells, as well as the directly linked architecture and control elements.
The goal of this technical integration is to create competitive products by leveraging the proprietary technologies of all three partners. cellcentric is intended to serve as a joint center of competence, focusing on technological innovation to support the realization of a hydrogen-based transport ecosystem.
Strategic Implications for the Industry
The move signals an increased industry focus on hydrogen as a necessary complement to battery-electric drives for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation.
"Joining forces with the world’s largest automotive manufacturer and fuel cell pioneer is a game changer in making hydrogen in transportation a reality," said Andreas Gorbach, Daimler Truck Board Member responsible for Truck Technology.
Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of the Volvo Group, added that the collaboration is designed to create "critical mass" for hydrogen applications, providing a signal to customers and suppliers across the value chain.
Koji Sato, president and CEO of Toyota, noted that combining cellcentric’s commercial field expertise with Toyota’s passenger car fuel cell background will help deliver "world-leading fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles."
Operational Structure
Despite the joint venture, cellcentric will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous entity. It will serve a wide range of customers across the heavy-duty sector, including stationary applications. To achieve the equal shareholding structure, Toyota plans to participate in a capital increase by investing in the company.
Daimler Truck, Volvo, and Toyota will continue to compete independently in all other areas of their respective businesses.
The signed agreement is currently non-binding. The parties will continue discussions to reach a legally binding agreement, which will be subject to approval by the respective boards and relevant regulatory authorities.
