A new jointly-developed sports car is the headline to emerge from the announcement of further collaboration between BMW and Toyota.
Car Showroom was part of the press conference in Tokyo late last year when the two automotive giants announced a joint engine supply initiative with BMW supplying 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engine to Toyota Europe starting in 2014.
Then in March, Toyota and BMW announced collaborative research in next-generation lithium-ion battery cells.
Now the latest announcement, made by Toyota President Akio Toyoda and BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer in Munich, confirms not only the all-new sports car but also collaboration on a fuel cell system, powertrain electrification and development of lightweight technologies.
BMW and Toyota added they both intend to strengthen the long term strategic co-operation – these two automotive powerhouses getting together open many opportunities.
Akio Toyoda said: “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. 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 collaboration.”
