Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW Group have signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration in the hydrogen sector, aiming to create a hydrogen society and achieve overall carbon neutrality. They have collaboratively developed environmental technologies such as fuel cells and sports cars for more than a decade.
Toyota and BMW are cooperating on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies’ models, offering customers a broad range of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). As a first step, BMW plans to launch its first mass-produced FCEV in 2028. The companies shall also integrate development and procurement and also drive cost reductions by consolidating powertrain units to boost the commercial and passenger vehicle market.
Establishing sustainable hydrogen supply networks is essential for the realisation of a hydrogen society. Both companies believe that working with like-minded partners is essential for the realisation of a hydrogen society. They will encourage sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand and working closely with hydrogen-producing companies, distribution and refuelling facilities, to ensure a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.
Koji Sato, president of Toyota, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between BMW and Toyota, confirming their shared passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a’multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality. They will deepen their collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realisation of a hydrogen society.
Hydrogen has been widely accepted and studied as a future transport energy vector for global decarbonisation as it can also act as a storage solution for the fluctuating renewable energy supply. Toyota’s goal of being ‘best-in-town’ centres on carrying out locally grounded management to adapt to the specific market environment and consumers in each area.
