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Key Partnerships in Alternative...

Key Partnerships in Alternative Automobile Fuel Technology

As fuel prices go up, the demand for alternative fuel technologies take centre stage. Additionally, there is the increasing need to cut down carbon emissions too. Global car makers have always tried to bring the latest technologies in alternative methods of powering a car. While mainstream car makers have joined hands with electric car makers to pick their technology, and in turn the electric car makers have benefited from their mass production strategies. Let's take a look at some of the green partnerships of late.

Ford Motors and Magna International

In January 2009, Ford Motors entered into a strategic alliance with Canada based global auto supplier Magna International to manufacture battery electric vehicles that do not a drop of fuel. Ford, in joint partnership with Magna, plans to launch BEVs, a plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles in the market by the end of 2011. Magna has a wide range of capabilities including design, development and manufacture of automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and the engineering and assembly of complete vehicles.

Volkswagen AG and BYD

In May 2009, Volkswagen AG and Chinese automaker BYD jointly signed a memorandum of understanding which would allow them to work together in the area of electric mobility and vehicles that use lithium-ion batteries. This alliance would help the German car maker expand its successful 'BlueMotion Technologies'. Potential partners, such as the BYD, in China would help Volkswagen expand its business in the Chinese market.

Daimler and Tesla

In May 2009, German automotive giant Daimler bought a 10 per cent stake in Californian start-up Tesla Motors, an electric carmaker. This move came soon after Daimler partnered with Tesla in January to manufacture battery packs and chargers for electric cars. Tesla is well known for its Roadster, a zero-emission sports car that can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in four seconds and hit speeds of 130 mph. The Roadster was launched during 2006 and costs around $109,000.

General Motors and Reva

General Motors and India based electric car company Reva formed an alliance to develop an alliance to manufacture electric cars for the Indian market. Things were going fine till Reva decided to sell majority of its stocks to another Indian car maker, Mahindra and Mahindra. Unfortunately, GM had to severe its ties with the Indian electric car maker and shelved the plan. The two companies were working on developing an electric version of the new Chevrolet Spark. But unfortnately the allience broke after Mahindra and Mahindra bought majority stake in the Reva Electric Car Company.

Volkswagen and Suzuki

Volkswagen reached a common understanding to establish a close longterm strategic partnership with Japanese car maker, Suzuki Motor Corporation in December 2009. Volkswagen bought 19.9 percent stake in Suzuki for 222.5 billion yen ($2.5 billion) in Suzuki and also revealed the plans to develop hybrids and electric vehicles together under both car brands. By joining hands with VW, Suzuki has got access to the R&D of the German car maker. In exchange, Volkswagen can get a tip or two on how to make small cars at a significant margin.

Daimler and BYD

In March 2010, Daimler signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BYD, the Chinese automobile and battery maker, to manufacture electric cars for China, the world's largest auto market. The electric vehicle will be likely marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD. Additionally, a common technology centre will also be established in China to develop, design and test this electric vehicle.

Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot

March 2010 witnessed the alliance of Japanese car maker, Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, and PSA Peugeot Citroen. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) states the strategic collaboration on electric vehicles based on a vehicle which is currently under development by MMC in Japan. This new matrimony would be beneficial to both the parties since it is expected to ease and accelerate the introduction of their electric vehicles in the European market.

Renault - Nissan and Daimler AG

In April 2010, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan alliance announced that the three auto manufacturers would collaborate on future products and exchange shares in the other companies. The wide ranging strategic cooperation includes plans to co-develop a combined platform that will be used as basis for the next generations of the Renault Twingo and Smart cars. The collaboration also includes opportunities to co-develop technologies relating to electric vehicles and batteries.

Toyota and Tesla

Toyota and Tesla linked arms in May 2010, when the Japanese car maker bought a $50 million stake in Californian electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc. The two car makers will cooperate in developing electric cars, production systems & engineering support. Under the agreement, Tesla will build its electric car, the Model S sedan, and future vehicles in a factory where Toyota until last month had manufactured the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles.

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