Toyota Motor Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group aimed at entering the capital of cellcentric, a company established in March 2021 by the two European manufacturers for the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology applied to heavy transport. Under this agreement, the Japanese brand intends to acquire an equal stake in cellcentric, reinforcing the joint commitment of the three companies to this solution as a vector for decarbonizing the transport sector. Toyota’s entry will accelerate the development and practical application of fuel cell systems in real operating conditions.
Cellcentric is dedicated to the development, production, and commercialization of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty road and off-road vehicles, as well as for stationary applications with high energy demands. Toyota’s integration will complement the existing know-how, combining Daimler Truck and Volvo Group’s experience in the commercial vehicle sector with Toyota’s expertise in the development and industrialization of fuel cell technology.
In the context of this partnership, Toyota and cellcentric will collaborate on the development and production of fuel cells, the central element of these systems, as well as on the respective architecture and control components, with the aim of creating competitive solutions based on the technological synergies of the two entities. The strategy also involves positioning cellcentric as a global competence center for hydrogen systems, capable of serving multiple applications in the heavy-duty segment. At the same time, the partners commit to collaborating with industrial entities and players in the hydrogen value chain, promoting the development of production and supply infrastructures, particularly in the initial implementation phase.
Despite the cooperation at the level of hydrogen technology, Daimler Truck, the Volvo Group, and Toyota will maintain independent operations in the other business areas. The realization of an equitable shareholder structure will involve the Japanese manufacturer participating in a capital increase of cellcentric, thus ensuring a common basis for the future development of the technology.