Toyota in talks with Daimler to supply parts and technology for hybrid cars
By Andrew, 16 Sep, 2010. 0 Comments
2011 Toyota Prius
Toyota announced today that it is in talks with Daimler, in order to supply parts but also technology for company’s upcoming hybrid vehicles. For many of you folks, this comes as a surprise, as Daimler has been working with Bmw on hybrid development. Daimler also formed a wide-ranging partnership with Renault-Nissan to cooperate on electric cars development. Asked about this, Toyota said that it is opened to sharing its hybrid technology with other manufacturers in order to reduce production costs.
Still, Toyota spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto declined to make any comment regarding negotiations with other companies. Daimler spokesman also declined to comment, but added that this kind of discussions in the industry are considered quite normal.
For those who don’t know, Toyota introduced the first hybrid vehicle, the Prius, 13 years ago and the car is considered to be world’s best selling hybrid car. Daimler is also looking to use Toyota’’s hybrid system in the A-Class model in 2013 or later. Daimler launched its first hybrid car, the S400 Hybrid, last year. The "mild" hybrid technology found on this car was developed jointly with Bmw. [via autonews - sub. required]
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