Toyota and BMW confirm technology collaboration

Two automotive giants have penned a mid-to-long term agreement to collaborate on environmentally friendly technologies. BMW Group and Toyota have come together to share their research into next generation lithium-ion battery technology, while also confirming they will also look at other possible collaborative projects.

In addition to this agreement, the two manufacturers have confirmed that BMW Group will supply Toyota with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines for use in the European market from 2014. Through this agreement, Toyota plans to expand its model 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, 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 systems."

Representing Toyota, 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."