DaimlerChrysler Looking for Partners for Mild Hybrids

20 September 2005

Reuters. DaimlerChrysler is holding talks with other automakers and suppliers to find partners for its work on mild hybrids.

The automaker introduced two mild hybrid prototypes at the Frankfurt IAA: a gasoline direct injection mild hybrid, and a diesel mild hybrid augmented with SCR emissions reduction. (Earlier post.)

The mild hybrid project would be separate from DaimlerChrysler’s alliance with GM and BMW on the development of the full two-mode hybrid system, and could lead to production versions of both gasoline and diesel vehicles, according to Dr. Tomas Weber.

As the Frankfurt car show proved, we are basically at the center of many discussions. One sees that Mercedes-Benz is setting some of the trends, so by definition we are highly interesting conversation partners for those in the supplier industry who deal with this area but manufacturers are speaking to us as well.

—Dr. Weber

Weber also noted that the company expects diesels to take a 10% share of the US market before hybrids do, and projected hybrid demand in Europe as representing just a few percentage points even in years ahead.