Strategic Partnership: DEUTZ and Hypercraft join forces for unmanned ground vehicles

• Cooperation for Hypercraft’s unmanned ground vehicle Razorback
• DEUTZ hybrid, battery and energy systems powering Hypercraft’s platforms
• Joint development and commercialization of future platforms and system solutions 

Cologne, September X, 2026 – DEUTZ and Hypercraft Inc. will expand their cooperation in the field of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and mobile drive systems. DEUTZ and the tactical mobility experts based in Provo, Utah, have set out cornerstones of a Strategic Partnership in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Both companies are already working together in testing and validating DEUTZ components and complete drive systems for Hypercraft’s unmanned ground vehicle platform Razorback. DEUTZ already supplies combustion engines for this purpose. In addition, the partners are evaluating the use of complete DEUTZ hybrid systems in Hypercraft’s UGV platforms. 

“Hypercraft and DEUTZ are two companies whose expertise perfectly complement each other. Hypercraft already develops promising new architectures at the intersection between soft- and hardware for ground-based vehicle platforms. DEUTZ contributes extensive experience in the development, industrialization and integration of combustion, hybrid, battery and energy systems. Together, we will develop innovative and reliable solutions for unmanned vehicle platforms,” says Marco Herre, CEO Business Unit Defense at DEUTZ.

As part of the planned cooperation, DEUTZ contributes its expertise as a holistic system provider. This includes the know-how of its NewTech business unit in the fields of hybrid drivetrains, batteries and power electronics, as well as the potential assembly and final acceptance of Hypercraft platforms and systems at a DEUTZ production site – rounded up by its global service network comprising more than 1,000 sites in over 180 countries. 

In return, Hypercraft will contribute know-how and research and development resources relating to its software-defined vehicle architecture, unmanned platforms and system solutions. Furthermore, Hypercraft brings in its military customer network, define operational requirements and test new DEUTZ products for the US market.

“The combination of Hypercraft’s software-defined vehicle architecture and expertise in unmanned platforms with DEUTZ’s experience in drivetrain and energy systems provides a strong foundation for future solutions. We look forward to exploring new opportunities for customers in the United States, Europe and other markets,” says Brian Bowers, CEO at Hypercraft.

With this cooperation, DEUTZ is further expanding its activities in the field of security- and defense-relevant mobility and energy solutions. Going forward, the Defense business unit will become a further cornerstone of the DEUTZ Group alongside the established Energy, Engines and New Tech business units and the service business, which is a key driver of growth across all segments.

The MoU sets out the partners’ joint intentions. Binding activities will be governed by separate agreements. Over the past two years, DEUTZ has acquired several businesses and entered into partnerships that demonstrate how collaboration between industrial companies and emerging technology leaders can work and add value. 

About DEUTZ 

DEUTZ has evolved in recent years from a manufacturer of conventional engines into a system provider for innovative and sustainable mobility and energy solutions. Founded in 1864 in Cologne, where it is still based today, DEUTZ is the world’s oldest engine company. The development, production, and distribution of high-performance drive systems for off-highway applications remains at the heart of its operations. DEUTZ is also playing its part in the transition to more sustainable transportation and power supplies by offering alternative drive solutions and decentralized energy and power generation systems. DEUTZ solutions are used in a wide range of applications, including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment such as forklift trucks and lifting platforms, stationary equipment such as generator sets (gensets), and commercial and rail vehicles. The broad-based product portfolio is complemented by an extensive service offering that encompasses maintenance and repair work, the supply of spare parts, and remanufacturing. This is being continually expanded with the addition of digital, data-driven services. With around 1,250 sales and service locations in nearly 180 countries, DEUTZ offers its customers an integrated range of products and services from a single source. DEUTZ employs around 6,000 people worldwide and generated revenue of just over €2.0 billion in 2025. Further information is available at www.deutz.com.

About Hypercraft
Hypercraft is a Utah-based U.S. technology company building software-defined unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) as adaptable, mission-ready platforms for ground operations. The company specializes in advanced powertrain systems development, its software defined vehicle architecture called CARBON, and comprehensive vehicle development capabilities, from early-stage engineering and prototyping through integration, testing, and production readiness.

By combining intelligent software, scalable propulsion technology, and purpose-built vehicle engineering, Hypercraft creates flexible platforms that can be configured for a wide range of payloads, operating requirements, and mission environments. Its vertically integrated approach enables faster development, greater system adaptability, and optimized vehicle performance. Hypercraft is focused on advancing the next generation of unmanned mobility and delivering capable, reliable ground platforms for demanding real-world operations.