It seems collaboration is the new way of the global trucking industry as hot on the heels of the news that Daimler Truck, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino and Toyota Motor Corporation concluded ‘definitive agreements’ to integrate Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors as a new Japanese truck powerhouse, comes the news that another new joint venture has been announced, this time between Volvo Group and Daimler Truck.

Following the binding joint venture agreements signed on 28 October 2024, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck have obtained all required regulatory approvals and have now launched the new company, Coretura AG, which is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and began operations at the beginning of June 2025.

This joint venture is aimed at transforming the commercial vehicle industry through a new software-defined vehicle platform and establishing a new industry standard. Coretura will enable Volvo Group and Daimler Truck and other future customers to provide differentiating stand-alone digital vehicle applications for their products.

South African software developers working in the trucking and fleet management arena are no strangers to high-stakes innovation. With proven expertise in telematics, vehicle data platforms and logistics systems, local engineers are well placed to contribute to global advances in commercial vehicle technologies. The creation of Coretura – the new joint venture between Volvo Group and Daimler Truck – may open doors for South African developers to collaborate on open software-defined commercial vehicle platforms, over-the-air application updates and high-performance control units purpose-built for truck fleets.

Karin Rådström, president and CEO of Daimler Truck states: “With Coretura, we are setting a clear strategic focus on software development for commercial vehicles. This is a big and really exciting step – not just for us, but for the entire industry and our customers. Together we are starting the digital-driven future of trucks and buses, ultimately making commercial vehicles smarter, more connected and more efficient than ever before.”

Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of the Volvo Group, adds: “Coretura represents a bold step forward in the evolution of commercial vehicles. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative innovation, we’re setting the stage for a new era of connectivity and efficiency in the industry. This venture underscores our commitment to not only advancing our products but also paving the way for sustainable and intelligent transportation solutions.”

Coretura will be led by a four-member Executive Management team consisting of two members from each of the shareholders. Johan Lundén has been appointed as CEO coming from Volvo Group where he previously held responsibility for Strategic Product Planning, Project and Innovation management.

Unlocking the digital future of commercial vehicles

As commercial vehicles are becoming more digital, the mission of Coretura is to build the non-differentiating core, a standardised and open software-defined vehicle platform and dedicated commercial vehicle operating system.

Coretura’s activities also include the specification and procurement of centralised high-performance control units dedicated to commercial vehicles and capable of handling large amounts of data. This will decouple software and hardware development cycles, allowing end customers to purchase and update digital applications wirelessly ‘over the air’ (OTA), enhancing safety, efficiency and customer experience.

“This joint venture blends the agility of a start-up with the stability and expertise of our major shareholders. We are proud and energized to lead the digital transformation in the commercial vehicle industry – backed by strong shareholder support and committed to shaping the industry’s future,” says Lundén.

“Starting with around 50 employees, Coretura is set to grow stepwise. This allows the shareholders to pool resources and invest in accordance with technical progress and achievement of milestones. Coretura thereby follows a collaborative co-development approach with its customers, aiming to launch its first products in vehicles by the end of the decade,” Lundén says.

Volvo Group and Daimler Truck will remain competitors and continue to differentiate their range of product and services offerings, including their respective digital solutions.

Coretura has signalled its intention to work collaboratively across the industry, inviting traditional and new partners who share its vision for a smarter, more connected transport future. The company aims to roll out its first in-vehicle offerings before the end of the decade.

“Coretura is open to cooperation and invites new and traditional suppliers and partners who share its values to join in creating the future of the industry,” Lundén concludes.

From better safety features to sharper compliance tools, it’s all about making fleets more efficient, more connected and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.