Toyota Motor is expanding a tie-up with Germany’s BMW on hybrid and fuel-cell vehicle technology as the global automakers push further into the “green” market, a report said Monday.
The two firms’ top executives will announce in Germany this week that they are boosting a previously announced agreement involving joint research on next-generation lithium ion batteries, the Nikkei business daily said.
The initial tie-up involved technology for electric cars, and the broadened deal will focus on batteries for hybrid gasoline-electric and fuel-cell vehicles, it said.
It marks the first time that Japan’s top automaker will supply its fuel-cell technology, which relies on hydrogen to supply a vehicle’s battery, to a rival, it said.
Toyota did not immediately respond to requests to confirm the report.
BMW, meanwhile, will provide its expertise on light car bodies made from carbon fibre to Toyota, as cutting a car’s weight leads to better fuel efficiency, the Nikkei said.
Under the earlier deal announced last year, the German automaker also agreed to provide diesel engines for Toyota as the Japanese firm looks to boost sales in Europe, where more than half of passenger cars are diesel powered.
Demand for lower-emission diesel vehicles is forecast to grow, with further technological advances in the field seen as crucial due to toughening vehicle emissions standards.
Audi AG (NSU) provided more vehicles in comparison with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)’s namesake brand via the very first 2 months of 2014 to nab the worldwide lead in high-class profits.
Audi sold 242,400 cars in February, 383 more than the BMW brand name, based on information from the German automakers. Likewise last year, Audi trailed BMW, which has been No. one in the section for nine consecutive years, by 429 vehicles.
The Volkswagen AG (VOW) brand’s gains signal a tightening up race for the heading of the world’s greatest manufacturer of first-class cars. Mercedes-Benz, the international No. 3, continues to grow at a faster tempo in latest months compared to its two superior contenders. Almost all 3 vow to maintain the luxurious revenue crown towards the end of the decade.
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