Mitsubishi Fuso has signed a strategic agreement with electric vehicle startup REE Automotive to jointly develop software-defined vehicle (SDV) and x-by-wire technology for future medium-duty delivery trucks, the companies said, in a move aimed at accelerating next-generation commercial vehicle development.
Under the partnership, the Japanese truck maker will use REE’s existing SDV architecture and its so-called “smart corner” x-by-wire system, which electronically controls key vehicle functions such as steering, braking and propulsion. The technology is designed to reduce mechanical complexity, lower fleet operating costs and support future autonomous and connected vehicle applications.
REE Automotive, which is based in Tel Aviv and recently focused on regaining compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, said the cooperation strengthens its long-term commercial outlook. Dan Barel, co-founder and chief executive of REE Automotive, said the collaboration aligns both companies around software-led vehicle development.
“We are proud to collaborate with the exceptional team at Mitsubishi Fuso, aligning our shared vision for innovation in next-generation commercial vehicles,” Barel said. “Software-defined vehicles represent a transformative leap, enabling faster development of next-generation commercial vehicles through continuous AI-powered over-the-air updates.”
Industry observers say the partnership gives Mitsubishi Fuso access to a ready-made SDV and x-by-wire platform, while REE gains validation from an established global truck manufacturer. Analysts note that such platforms could help commercial operators cut downtime and total cost of ownership, while also enabling new data-driven revenue streams.
REE has previously announced partnerships with a number of established vehicle makers, including Morgan Olson and Toyota Hino, though none have yet progressed to large-scale series production. It remains unclear how quickly the Mitsubishi Fuso collaboration could lead to commercial deployment.
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Separately, Mitsubishi Fuso has also moved to strengthen its electrification strategy through other international partnerships. In August, Daimler Truck’s Japanese unit signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan-based Foxconn to explore cooperation in electric bus development, production and distribution. Under that plan, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing and Foxconn’s Foxtron Vehicle Technologies unit are studying supply chain integration and potential localization of Foxtron’s electric bus models for broader market rollout.