Daimler and Volvo launch joint venture to transform truck technology

Coretura plans to separate hardware and software, enabling manufacturers to release over-the-air updates for their vehicles. This means features and performance improvements can be added remotely, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for fleet operators. By working together, the two commercial vehicle giants aim to set a new standard for software-defined vehicles in an industry that has traditionally relied on mechanical upgrades and in-person servicing.

Bringing competitors together

Coretura marks a collaboration between two of the world’s largest truck and bus manufacturers, who are normally fierce competitors. “Coretura represents a bold step forward in the evolution of commercial vehicles,” said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group, at the launch event. “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.”

Karin Rådström, President and CEO of Daimler Truck, echoed these sentiments, calling the launch “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.”

What Coretura will do

Coretura’s first priority is to develop a core software operating system that can serve as a digital foundation for trucks and buses. This system will not only support Daimler Truck and Volvo Group vehicles but could also be adopted by other manufacturers or suppliers in the future. By creating a shared platform for over-the-air updates, Coretura aims to ensure that vehicles can continue to receive new features, security patches, and performance improvements long after they leave the factory.

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

Coretura has begun operations with around 50 employees, but it plans to expand steadily over the coming years. The first Coretura products are expected to be integrated into vehicles by the end of the decade.

Potential benefits for South African operators

Although Coretura’s early work is taking place in Sweden, both Daimler Truck Southern Africa and Volvo Trucks South Africa believe the platform could have an impact on the South African transport industry in the years ahead. According to a spokesperson for Daimler Truck Southern Africa, Coretura’s technology will eventually be relevant in all markets and segments across Daimler Truck’s portfolio. However, the spokesperson added that it is too early in the development process to specify which Daimler Truck models will first use Coretura products, or in which markets they will be introduced.

“We anticipate the first integration of Coretura products into Daimler Truck vehicles to occur toward the end of the decade,” the Daimler spokesperson said. “Coretura will provide the non-differentiating hardware and software layer (Operating System) that will enable the differentiating vision of Daimler Truck. The information in the press releases and video provides an outlook on what kind of applications operators can expect in Daimler Truck vehicles.”

When asked whether Coretura could create jobs or business opportunities locally, Daimler Truck Southern Africa explained that Coretura’s headquarters is in Gothenburg, Sweden, and that no direct jobs are planned in South Africa at this stage. “Furthermore, as the company just started operations in June 2025, it is too early to confirm if any South African tech companies or suppliers would be involved with Coretura,” the spokesperson said.

Volvo’s South African view

A spokesperson for Volvo Trucks South Africa offered a similar perspective, confirming that Coretura’s work will ultimately benefit operators in South Africa once products are ready. “The Coretura offering for sure will affect safety, uptime, efficiency etc. at some point,” the spokesperson said. “They expect the first outcome of their efforts to hit the market in four to five years though and, as trucks become truly digital, they will be a better product for our customers and customers’ customers – regardless of market or application.”

The spokesperson added that while Coretura’s initial work is based in Sweden with around 50 employees, the company plans to grow into hundreds of employees over time. “I’m sure they will search globally for the best talent and partners to make this happen.”

A step towards smarter trucks

While Coretura’s immediate impact on South African fleets will not be seen for several years, the launch of this joint venture signals an important shift in how commercial vehicles will be designed, maintained, and operated in the future. For fleet operators across South Africa, the promise of trucks and buses that can receive regular digital upgrades could lead to reduced downtime, improved safety, and lower running costs over a vehicle’s life.

As software-defined vehicles become more common, Coretura’s work could help ensure that South African transport companies stay competitive with smarter, more connected vehicles. Although it will take time for these benefits to reach local roads, the groundwork laid by Daimler and Volvo through Coretura marks a significant step towards modernising commercial vehicles and supporting more efficient transport operations worldwide.