The German CV maker Daimler Truck AG announced that it has become a major anchor shareholder in German high-tech engineering company Manz AG through a capital increase of around 10%.
Additionally, both companies have also signed a cooperation agreement on a strategic partnership to establish a pilot line for the production of lithium-ion battery cells and for the assembly of batteries at Daimler Truck’s Mannheim site, a press release from the CV maker said.
Mannheim currently supplies the Mercedes-Benz plant Wörth with battery packs for the series production of the all-electric eActros.
Under this agreement, both the parties will pool their expertise and develop further projects for their joint future with the aim to develop innovative battery technology and associated production processes for trucks and buses, the release added.
Dr Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, said, “We aim to be the innovation leader in the commercial vehicle industry. To do so, it is fundamental to have battery cells that meet the extremely specific requirements in trucks and buses.”
Dubbed as the “InnoLab Battery”, the Mannheim facility will have 60 new machines set up across approximately 10,000 square meters, the release said.
By the end of 2024, the research findings will be incorporated into the development of Daimler Truck’s battery-electric product platform, the company noted.
Yaris Pürsün, Head- Global Powersystems Operation, Daimler Truck, said, “Our InnoLabs are working on the further development of the drive systems of the future: from prototyping to preparing for possible series production.”
Martin Drasch, CEO, Manz AG, said, “With our innovative production concepts and solutions for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, we are therefore the ideal partner to successfully play an active role in shaping Daimler Truck’s electrification strategy.”