Toyota Motor Corporation has signed a non-binding agreement to join the fuel-cell joint venture Cellcentric, established by Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, in a move to accelerate hydrogen-powered transport solutions.

The three companies plan to operate the venture on an equal shareholding basis, with a focus on developing, producing and commercialising fuel-cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles and other industrial applications.

As part of the collaboration, Toyota and Cellcentric will jointly oversee the development and production of fuel-cell unit cells—the core components of fuel-cell systems—alongside related architecture and control technologies.

The partners also intend to work with industry bodies and stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain to support the expansion of hydrogen supply and infrastructure, which is seen as critical to scaling adoption.
Chief executives of the participating companies said the partnership would strengthen efforts to decarbonise transport.

Chief Executive Officer, Daimler Truck, Karin Rådström, described Toyota’s planned entry as a boost to the development and scaling of hydrogen technology, while Andreas Gorbach said the collaboration could position Cellcentric as a global hub for fuel-cell innovation in commercial vehicles.

President, Volvo Group, Martin Lundstedt, said the partnership would help build critical mass for hydrogen applications, while Koji Sato noted that combining Toyota’s decades of fuel-cell expertise with Cellcentric’s commercial-vehicle capabilities could deliver advanced systems for heavy-duty transport.

To formalise its participation, Toyota plans to invest in Cellcentric through a capital increase, enabling an equal ownership structure among the three companies.

Despite the collaboration, all parties will continue to compete independently in their core business areas.
Cellcentric aims to become a leading global manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier of fuel-cell systems.

The venture employs more than 560 staff across Germany and Canada and holds around 700 patents in fuel-cell technology.