Munich-based H₂ pioneer KEYOU and leading commercial vehicle specialist Paul Nutzfahrzeuge from Vilshofen in Lower Bavaria are further expanding their existing partnership. The aim of the intensified cooperation is to provide a nationwide service network and thus further advance the market ramp-up for H₂-powered commercial vehicles and buses.

‍The two companies are linked by a long-standing partnership and the shared conviction that H₂ is indispensable as an alternative drive technology in the commercial vehicle segment. As "preferred partner" for the assembly of KEYOU vehicles, Paul has already set up the two prototype vehicles for KEYOU in the past - the 18 t truck and the 12 m city bus - and is currently entrusted with the construction of a 40-ton vehicle as part of the HyCET funding project. In addition, the Paul Group is responsible for the assembly of the 18t trucks for the KEYOU pioneer fleet "PF8", which is scheduled to start in November.

‍The existing cooperation will now be extended to the areas of service, qualification and parts supply to exploit synergies from the different expertise and resources of the two companies. To this end, KEYOU is now also relying on the Paul Group's extensive partner network, which is being trained and made "H₂ ready" by Paul. As is well known, KEYOU offers fleet operators a full service package that not only includes a toll-exempt vehicle with a CO₂-free H₂ engine, but also covers insurance, fuel and a comprehensive service and maintenance program.

"We are looking forward to further intensifying our partnership with KEYOU," said Bernhard Wasner, CEO of the Paul Group. "The company is an important partner for us, as we want to be open to all technologies. In addition to battery-electric and fuel cell-electric trucks, other alternative drive systems also remain relevant. We successfully bundle the similarities between the technologies in our After Sales Services."

‍‍The aim of the even closer partnership in the future is the long-term provision of a comprehensive service network consisting of qualified workshops, a corresponding range of training courses and a seamless supply of spare parts. In addition, the workshops are to be equipped with the special tools required for the conversion via the network.

‍"We have been relying on the comprehensive expertise of the Paul Group for a long time, as they have already been a dependable and competent partner for the construction of our prototype vehicles. The close proximity of our locations has always been an additional advantage for our collaboration," said Markus Schneider, COO at KEYOU." Therefore, it was the logical next step for us to expand our cooperation. The fact that we will also be able to rely on Paul's extensive partner network in future is a great benefit for everyone involved."