BMW and Toyota today have signed a new agreement that will see the global giants share engine and hybrid technologies in the 'mid-to-long term'. As part of the agreement BMW will supply Toyota with its 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesel engines from 2014. The engines will be installed in certain Toyota cars in the European line-up as part of Toyota's plans to expand its sales of fuel-efficient, low CO2-emission diesel-powered vehicles.
For its part Toyota will bring its knowledge and expertise with hybrid technologies into a collaborative think-tank that will research the next generation of lithium-ion battery technologies. The duo have also agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.
Announced at a joint press conference 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. 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 systems."
Representing TMC, President Akio Toyoda said: "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."