Hino Motors Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and REE Automotive Ltd. (REE), an innovator in e-mobility, have announced the signing of a strategic business alliance agreement. The two companies will combine Hino’s knowledge and technologies as a commercial vehicle manufacturer with REE’s innovative REEcorner EV technologies.
The next-generation commercial mobility solution, to be jointly developed by Hino and REE, will be comprised of a modular platform (powered by REE) that will carry a customised Mobility Service Module on top.
The Mobility Service Module – which will carry passengers, goods and deliver services. The solution will offer a low-floor, full-flat design that meets customer needs and also supports autonomous driving.
The companies are aiming to develop hardware prototypes by 2022.
“The starting point of this collaboration is the FlatFormer concept we showcased at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show,” says Hino CEO, Yoshio Shimo. “It received an excellent response, and I am delighted to see this FlatFormer concept come closer to reality. REE is a visionary company, and I am confident that this business alliance will become a driving force for Hino as we take on the challenge of generating new value in commercial mobility to harmonize with future society.”
Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE, adds: “The FlatFormer unveiling at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show proved to be a turning point in future electric mobility and set the stage for this exciting alliance with the visionary team at Hino. We see this alliance as a unique opportunity to fulfill our shared mission of improving quality of life for people around the world by developing and bringing to market revolutionary next generation EVs.”
Hino Motors, Ltd. is a Toyota Group company selling trucks and buses in more than 80 countries in 2020. The number of employees totals 35,000 globally, and produces vehicles in over 20 countries including the 4 major plants in Japan.
Keyword: Japan’s Hino Motors And REE Automotive Sign Business Alliance Agreement