Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and BMW Group have signed binding agreements to pursue their strategic long-term co-operation in the field of sustainable mobility. The companies will collaborate for the joint development of a fuel cell system, architecture and components for a sports vehicle and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. Research will also be conducted to develop lithium-air batteries which are a post-lithium-battery solution.

Toyota and BMW to jointly develop Fuel Cell Technology

Toyota and BMW are convinced that fuel cell technology is one of the solutions necessary to achieve zero emissions. Both Toyota and BMW will share their technologies to jointly develop a fundamental fuel-cell vehicle system including a fuel cell stack and system, hydrogen tank, motor and battery. Completion of the project is slated for 2020. The companies will jointly assess hydrogen infrastructure development and create codes and standards necessary for the popularisation of fuel cell vehicles.

BMW and TMC to share sports vehicle platform

BMW and Toyota have agreed to set-up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-sized sports vehicle that is to be completed by the end of 2013. Both companies will combine technologies and knowledge at a high level to maximise customer satisfaction. Both companies are to share the vision to further collaborate in the field of sports vehicle development.

Lightweighttechnology?? for BMW and Toyota vehicles

BMW and TMC will jointly develop lightweight technologies for vehicle bodies using cutting-edge materials such as reinforced composites and will use these technologies in the development of a sports vehicle platform as well other BMW and TMC vehicles.

BMW and TMC to improve Post-lithium-battery technology

Both companies will jointly develop a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG said, “TMC and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of future sustainable mobility. In light of the technological changes ahead, the entire automotive industry faces tremendous challenges, which we also regard as an opportunity. This collaboration is an important building block in keeping both companies on a successful course in the future.”

Akio Toyoda, President of TMC said, “It is just over a year since we signed our collaborative MoU, and with each day as our relationship strengthens, we feel acutely that we are making steadfast progress. Now, we are entering the phase that promises the fruit. While placing importance on what we learn from the joint development, we will work hard together in reaching our common goal of making ever-better cars.”

BMW Group and TMC first agreed to form a medium-to-long-term collaborative relationship for developing next-generation environment-friendly vehicles and technologies in December 2011, at which time the two companies also signed a contract under which BMW Group is to supply highly efficient diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe. BMW Group and TMC, as long-term strategic partners, have since continued their joint efforts to realize sustainable mobility for the future.