In a significant move within the commercial vehicle industry, Toyota Motor Corporation and Daimler Trucks have unveiled plans for cooperation, while Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus will merge their operations.
There are multiple factors driving this decision. Firstly, developed countries facing carbon emission reduction requirements need to adopt zero-emission technologies in their commercial vehicle fleets. On the other hand, in growing markets like Asia and Africa, Chinese manufacturers’ low-cost strategies have a considerable influence. Against this backdrop, the partnership between Toyota and Daimler Trucks, as well as the management integration of Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, hold great significance for the commercial vehicle industry.
Specifically, the collaboration between Toyota and Daimler Trucks involves Toyota supplying hydrogen fuel cell (FC) modules to Packer, a major US commercial vehicle group. Toyota is set to commence FC module production in the second half of 2023, with installation planned in heavy-duty trucks manufactured by Packer’s Kenworth and Peterbilt brands.
This partnership builds upon Toyota’s ongoing demonstration tests of FC heavy-duty commercial trucks in the Los Angeles port area, highlighting the escalating demand for zero-emission solutions in the commercial vehicle sector.
Meanwhile, the alliance between Toyota and Daimler Trucks reflects their shared interest in electrifying heavy-duty trucks. Daimler Trucks has been conducting fuel cell research and development through a joint venture with Sweden’s Volvo, and this partnership with Toyota is expected to expedite the market introduction of such technologies.
Regarding the management integration of Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, several challenges need to be addressed. Hino Motors has faced legal action related to engine certification fraud, and there are other issues to resolve, including duplication in their domestic sales networks.
Notably, the developments outlined above have particular significance in the Southeast Asian market. Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers are widely used, almost as national vehicles, in Thailand and Indonesia. In Indonesia, Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso trucks and buses currently command over 70% of the market share, with Japanese companies dominating. However, Chinese and Indian manufacturers are also gaining ground, signaling a changing competitive landscape.
Overall, the partnership between Toyota and Daimler Trucks and the management integration of Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus mark major advancements in the commercial vehicle industry. These developments will significantly reshape industry dynamics as zero-emission technologies advance and emerging markets are addressed.