Collaboration of Four Firms: Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Join Forces for the Advancement of Commercial Vehicles
In a groundbreaking move, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino, Daimler Truck, and Toyota have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at revolutionizing the commercial vehicle industry. The new partnership, set to commence operations in April 2026, will focus on developing hydrogen infrastructure and technologies as a key pillar for decarbonizing commercial vehicles [1][2].
The four firms have agreed to collaborate based on a shared desire to create a sustainable and efficient future for commercial transportation. This collaboration is a significant step forward for the industry, as it brings together the strengths of Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino, Daimler Truck, and Toyota to accelerate innovation [1][2].
The new holding company, which will be established with Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino as wholly owned subsidiaries, will pool resources and expertise to meet transportation needs more precisely than ever before [2][3]. This integration aims to create a more prosperous world through mobility, as outlined in their mission to build a better future together [1][2].
One of the key plans related to hydrogen infrastructure and technology development is the emphasis on CASE technologies—Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric—with hydrogen explicitly highlighted as a pillar within the electric vehicle segment [1][2][3]. Hino is actively pursuing both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across regions such as North America and Asia, leveraging Japan’s national energy strategy, which strongly supports hydrogen [1].
The collaboration expects to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers and contribute to carbon-neutral commercial transportation on a global scale, reinforcing hydrogen infrastructure development capabilities [2][3]. Leadership under Karl Deppen, CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso and the new company, prioritizes shaping a sustainable mobility society and supporting customers with advanced zero-emission trucks based on hydrogen and electric powertrains [3][4].
The collaboration between the four firms will involve leveraging individual strengths while working together. Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino's combined resources will enable the new company to address the insufficient hydrogen infrastructure challenge more effectively [1][2]. Hino President Satoshi Ogiso described the collaboration as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" [1].
Toyota, a leader in passenger vehicles, and Daimler Truck, a top-class commercial vehicle company, will provide support to the new company [1][2]. Both firms will invest in the new holding company, with each targeting 25% ownership [1][2]. CEO Deppen described the collaboration as a "daunting responsibility" and a means to shape the future of the industry [1].
During a recent Q&A session, Yuta Tomikawa asked about the collaboration's plan to address the hydrogen infrastructure issue. The answer to this question will be revealed in a video [1].
In summary, the Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino merger under Daimler Truck and Toyota is a strategic move to leverage hydrogen fuel cell technology and infrastructure as a cornerstone for the future commercial vehicle industry’s electrification and decarbonization pathway. This collaboration is positioned to drive innovation, scale hydrogen adoption, and deliver sustainable commercial transport solutions worldwide starting from 2026 [1][2][3].
The strategic collaboration among Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino, Daimler Truck, and Toyota is aimed at driving innovation in commercial transportation, specifically focusing on the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technologies. The formation of their new holding company will pool resources and expertise, accelerating the electrification and decarbonization of the commercial vehicle industry through the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
