Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles

"We think that this collaboration will allow for development of next-generation batteries to be done faster and to a higher level," Takeshi Uchiyamada said at a press conference in Tokyo. In addition to the research on lithium-ion batteries, BMW and Toyota will discuss other possible environmental-technology projects.
 
The partnership may be beneficial to both partners. It gives BMW a low-risk involvement in battery development with the world leader in hybrid engines while filling a hole in Toyota’s power-train lineup with BMW’s state-of-the-art diesel technology. Toyota will use the 1.6- and 2-liter engines from BMW starting in 2014 in cars sold in Europe, where diesel-powered vehicles make up more than 50% of the market.

BMW Group to Supply 1.6L and 2.0L Fuel Efficient Diesel Engines to Toyota Motor Europe

BMW Group (BMW) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announce that they today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning a mid-to-long-term collaboration on next-generation environment-friendly technologies.

Under the MOU, the two companies agreed on a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies. Furthermore, they have agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.

In addition, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), TMC’s European subsidiary, and BMW have entered into a contract under which BMW is to supply 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to TME starting in 2014. The engines will be installed in certain Toyota-produced vehicles planned for sale in the European market. Through this agreement, Toyota plans to expand its European lineup and sales of fuel-efficient, low CO2-emission diesel-powered vehicles.

Marking the announcement, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: "Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments. Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain system."

Representing TMC, President Akio Toyoda said: "It is a great joy and a thrill to enter into this mid-to-long-term collaborative relationship with BMW, a company with its own culture and history from its many years of car manufacturing in Europe, and a company that makes cars that are fun to drive. In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge – starting with that concerning environmental technologies – to the table and make ever-better cars."

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation TM +0.87% , has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of March 2011, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 50 overseas manufacturing companies in 26 countries and regions. Toyota’s vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. Toyota’s vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions.

www.toyota-global.com