BMW Group and PSA Expand Cooperation to Hybrid Systems for Front Wheel Drive Vehicles
19 October 2010
Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand their companies’ cooperation by including hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles. The components are to be used in front-wheel-drive vehicles with electrified drive trains.
Joint development and production of components as well as joint purchasing will leverage significant economies of scale for both partners. It will also allow them to standardize key elements for the electrification of vehicles.
BMW currently offers the ActiveHybrid X6 two-mode hybrid (earlier post) and the ActiveHybrid 750i mild hybrid, both rear-wheel drive. PSA currently is introducing products based on its Hybrid4 architecture (earlier post), and all-wheel drive system that uses an engine powering the front wheels and a motor powering the rear.
The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën have been successfully cooperating on engines for several years. In February 2010, the two companies agreed to develop the next generation of their jointly designed 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which will also meet EU 6 requirements. The joint engine is currently built into a number of MINI, Peugeot and Citroën brand models.
This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility.
—Norbert Reithofer
We are pleased to broaden our long-standing cooperation based on the strong relationship that exists between our two companies. Combining both partners’ expertise in hybrid technologies will clearly create competitive advantage.
—Philippe Varin
Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the agreement.
Almost 14 years behind Toyota, will those two catch up with the leader by 2020 or so?
Wish them well.
Posted by: HarveyD | 19 October 2010 at 09:56 AM
I'll say this anytime I think Citroen is listening. Please, please, please, please, please build the Metropolis. If you're listening Porsche, buy the Metropolis from Citroen and use the design to make the Panamara beautiful.
Posted by: joewilder | 19 October 2010 at 02:59 PM
The only thing to go wrong here is that they might revert to the annoying practice of making every single model or brand's parts 'different'.
cad, robots and the internet allow a proliferation of 'virtual?'real, one off machines, but mechanics (or should that be transport techs? don't have access to those same tools to cost effectively repair them.
The wast in scrapping otherwise serviceable equipment is not acceptable.
The same fast development capability can still be put to good use in R&D. Maybe offering 'in development rides to car co employees a a wage ' fringe benefit?
The participating employees could then be up skilled so being a greater asset to the Co.
Hopefully the Co could process the information gathered to maintain better product line and customer satisfaction and loyalty.
With a fast changing IT world, there is every scope for improvement through innovation.
Posted by: Arnold | 20 October 2010 at 01:25 AM