Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with REE Automotive to jointly develop and verify X-By-Wire and Software Defined Vehicle technologies.
These will be for MFTBC’s commercial vehicles.
XBW technology replaces traditional mechanical linkages with electronic control, enabling steering, braking, acceleration and other critical functions to be managed via sensors and electrical signals.
In addition to enhancing vehicle safety and operability, the technology, it is anticipated, will contribute to reduced vehicle weight, improved fuel efficiency, and the deployment of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems.
SDVs refer to next-generation vehicle architectures where key functions and performance are primarily controlled and updated through software.
Independent of hardware constraints and through over-the-air (OTA) software updates, SDVs offer great potential for flexibility and scalability, extend vehicle lifespans, and reduce total cost of ownership, bringing long-term value to customers.
MFTBC and Israel-based REE Automotive have launched a joint initiative to explore and validate the integration of XBW and SDV technologies.
This collaboration aims to unlock new possibilities for next-generation commercial vehicles delivering optimised modular architectures, greater design flexibility, excellent controllability and advanced safety features, all while reducing costs for end customers.
As part of this collaboration, MFTBC and REE Automotive plan to build a Proof of Concept vehicle within one year, merging the technologies of REE’s P7-C EV chassis to MFTBC’s current eCanter model.
In parallel, MFTBC will continue evaluating REE’s technologies as a potential partner for further future technology collaborations.
REE brings to the table its expertise in electric control units (ECUs), over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and SDV platforms.
Its REEcorner technology, featuring zonal architecture that modularises key vehicle functions like steering, braking, suspension, and drive systems within each wheelhouse, enables unprecedented freedom in vehicle design.
REEai Cloud offers remote data optimisation, predictive maintenance, and comprehensive fleet management capabilities.
“We believe that by combining Mitsubishi Fuso’s autonomous driving and ZEV technologies with REE’s XBW and SDV technologies, we can realize superior logistics solutions,” said Hironobu Ando, MFTBC Head of Product Engineering.
“We are very pleased to work together with REE to address social issues such as global warming, traffic accidents, and driver shortages.”
Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE expressed his enthusiasm for the joint venture in a statement.
”We are excited and honoured to work together with the very talented team at MFTBC as we share our commitment to smarter and safer next-generation commercial vehicles,” he said.
”Software-defined vehicles unlock the potential to accelerate the development time of next-gen commercial vehicles designed to solve customers’ challenges and continue improving over time with over-the-air updates.
“I believe that together we can set the bar for SDV commercial vehicles that support autonomous solutions.”
