As
expected, BMW and Toyota have officially announced a long-term collaboration on fuel cell development and powertrain electrification. However, the partnership will be more extensive than previously speculated: along with joint research and development on lightweight technologies, the automakers will also jointly develop a sports car.
"BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. That is why we already can take the next step together," said Toyota president Akio Toyoda. "Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells "¦ I believe BMW's strength is developing sports cars. I get so excited thinking about the cars that will result from this relationship."
The agreement marks an expansion of BMW and Toyota's existing co-operation. The companies signed a contract last December for BMW to provide Toyota with small-displacement diesel engines, and they agreed in March to work together on next-generation battery technology.
No details of the sports car, nor a time frame for its completion, were included in the automaker's joint statement.
