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GM–Toyota Meeting: No Big Deal
15 May 2005
Despite all the spicy speculation surrounding the meeting between Toyota Motor President Fujio Cho and General Motors Chairman Richard Wagoner Saturday in Tokyo, the outcome was a bit bland.
During the brief meeting, the two (plus Katsuaki Watanabe, soon to be Toyota’s next president) affirmed their “friendly relations.”
Cho said after the meeting that he and Wagoner did not exchange words on any specific area in which the two companies could cooperate.
Even so, Cho added, “We would like to deepen cooperative relations with GM” in a possible joint development and production of fuel cell-powered cars.
But it is unlikely that Toyota would transfer to GM the technology for hybrid vehicles driven by gasoline-electric engines, an area where Toyota has a significant lead, Cho said. (Nikkei)
Cost sharing on fuel cell research, development and production would benefit both companies.
May 15, 2005 in Vehicle Manufacturers | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
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Posted by: odograph | May 15, 2005 at 08:55 AM
And I’m in complete agreement with you on the relative benefit to the two automakers. :-)
And experts say further:
If successful, an H2 economy and associated infrastructure will not be realized for several decades. Because success is not certain, it will be wise to maintain a robust portfolio of energy research and development that includes programs in areas other than H2.
Toyota appears to be acting very wisely.
Posted by: Mike | May 15, 2005 at 09:03 AM
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I know you don't play technology favorites ... that's certainly fair. Green Car Congress should continue to report everyone's technologies and goals. You play a vital role.
But in my role as a kibitzer, I'll say that the pretense of a "hydrogen economy" benefits GM more than it does Toyota. Their fleet mileage, and their hybrid car, are well positioned for a future without any silver bullets.
And the experts say "success is not certain" in efforts to develop inexpensive, hydrogen-powered fuel cells and to create the vast storage and transportation infrastructure needed for the vehicles.
To reiterate my position (before I guzzle gas in a Sunday drive), let the best technology win, and don't trust anyone to pick your winner, especially 30 years out.
If people could really do that, they'd invest in NASDAQ and own the world.