Hino Motors, Toyota Motor Corp.'s group truck manufacturer, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus of Germany agreed Thursday to form a partnership on the technologies behind hybrids, electric cars, autonomous driving and connectivity. Each company will maintain independence under the deal, but executive teams will work together to map out cooperation on innovative technology and leveraging their market positions. The arrival of the digital age and robotics in the auto industry is pressuring automakers around the world to deliver vehicles that connect to the net or avoid crashes automatically. Partnerships can save on costs and boost competitiveness. Automakers are also trying to respond to a global push to reduce global warming and pollution by developing cleaner powertrains.