Trucking giant Daimler has been highly active during this time of pandemic, announcing a preliminary non-binding agreement to establish a new joint venture with Volvo, as well as innovating in the supply chain to keep trade flowing at a vital time.
Regarding the deal with Volvo, Daimler stated that the intention is to develop, produce and commercialize fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicle applications and other use cases.
Daimler will consolidate all its current fuel cell activities in the joint venture. The Volvo Group will acquire 50% in the joint venture for the sum of approximately EUR 0.6 billion on a cash and debt free basis.
Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler Truck AG, said: “Transport and logistics keep the world moving, and the need for transport will continue to grow.
"Truly CO2-neutral transport can be accomplished through electric drive trains with energy coming either from batteries or by converting hydrogen on board into electricity.
"For trucks to cope with heavy loads and long distances, fuel cells are one important answer and a technology where Daimler has built up significant expertise through its Mercedes-Benz fuel cell unit over the last two decades.
"This joint initiative with the Volvo Group is a milestone in bringing fuel cell powered trucks and buses onto our roads.”
Daimler & Mercedes On-Hand in Coronavirus Battle
In only three weeks, Daimler Buses converted an inter-city bus into a special vehicle for the transfer of COVID-19 patients at its plant in Neu-Ulm.
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro, now the largest intensive care ambulance in Germany, is to be used by DRK-Rettungsdienst Heidenheim-Ulm gGmbH (German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services Heidenheim-Ulm).
The vehicle is a loan; initially it will be available to the German Red Cross (DRK) for a period of six months.
The joint project is supported by the University Hospital in Ulm which is providing the specialized medical staff. SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm GmbH (public utility company) is also on board the project and is providing drivers and maintenance personnel.
Daimler Extends Warranties
Due to the current pandemic, Daimler Trucks affiliate FUSO has extended vehicle warranties to safeguard mobility for their customers in Europe.
Two months of additional coverage will be supported by FUSO automatically for warranties expiring between the period of March 15th to May 15th, 2020. This program will be offered in all European markets.
Hartmut Schick, President and CEO of FUSO and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said: “Our customers in the transportation industry are working tirelessly to distribute essential goods such as food and medical supplies. They rely on our products to keep the world moving when everything else has come to a standstill.
"Especially in these challenging times, we want to give them our fullest support and make a positive contribution to society.”