Press releases | 2019-11-08

Liebherr-Aerospace Signs Agreement with Swiss Partner for the Development of Next Generation Fuel Cell Systems

Liebherr-Aerospace secured a strategic partnership with a Swiss fuel cell powertrain specialist to integrate Liebherr-Aerospace electrical turbochargers on a heavy-duty truck platform. The equipment will be onboard fuel cell systems for application in the food and beverage ground logistics industry for two giant supermarket chains in Europe.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can no longer ignore the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Liebherr-Aerospace has been keen on unlocking the power of green turbochargers since 2001 with a proven track record of success and hundreds of operational vehicles using its motorized turbo-compressors. The compressors' long-life technology uses oil-free dynamic air bearing, powered by high-speed electrical motors.

"Liebherr-Aerospace is poised to be a leader in the quest for carbon savings, as we have been collaborating with major automotive manufacturers to develop and test electrical turbo-compressors with zero emissions for over a decade across the globe. We are extremely proud of all the work we have accomplished towards green initiatives, and looking forward to all the work that is yet to be done. This partnership is another step towards our mission to be a leading provider of cutting edge energy-efficient technology", said Nicolas Bonleux, Chief Commercial Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.

The agreement with the Swiss fuel cell powertrain specialist plays a pivotal role in opening the door to an additional application of Liebherr's turbo-compressors – food and beverage ground commercial transportation – and to strengthening Liebherr's presence in the automotive industry in Europe. The company also seeks to further expand its presence in the maritime, railroad and aerospace arenas as well.

About Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS

Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, Toulouse (France), is one of eleven divisional control companies within the Liebherr Group and coordinates all activities in the aerospace and transportation systems sectors. The division, which employs around 5,800 people, supplies extensive systems and components for manufacturers and operators of aircraft and rail cars.

Furthermore, for more than one decade, Liebherr has been collaborating with major automotive manufacturers to develop the future generation of fuel cell vehicles.

Constant investment into research and development play a key role in Liebherr’s long-term vision and strategy. This allows Liebherr-Aerospace and Transportation Systems to develop technologies that are employed in next generation aircraft and rail vehicles as well as in the automotive industries.