Daimler and Bosch form electric traction motors joint venture; motor to debut in new smart fortwo electric drive in 2012
14 July 2011
Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH have signed agreements on the establishment of a 50:50 joint venture for electric motors. These agreements are still subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities. The new company, which is to be set up under the name EM-motive GmbH, will develop and produce innovative traction motors for electric vehicles.
Daimler and Bosch intend to accelerate the development of premium traction motors for electric vehicles powered by battery, fuel cell, or range extender. Preparation for establishing of the JV have already begun, and the production of motors is due to commence at the start of 2012. From that same year, the traction motors will be used in the electric vehicles of both the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands, starting with the new generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, which is to go on sale in early 2012.
The distinctive feature of the electric motors produced by EM-motive GmbH will be their modular design, enabling them to be applied in a wide variety of all-electric vehicles.
The joint venture will supply both parent companies with electric motors for electric vehicles. Sales to third parties will be carried out by Bosch. According to current plans, the joint venture will have produced more than one million electric motors in all by 2020.
As a leading supplier to the automotive industry, Bosch has a high level of expertise and decades of experience in both the development and production of electric motors. For its part, the automotive manufacturer Daimler can draw on more than 20 years of experience in the field of electromobility, particularly in fuel cells and batteries.
The company will have its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Hildesheim. The joint venture’s engineering site will be located close to the parent companies in the Stuttgart area. Some 100 employees are expected to start working for the joint venture in the fourth quarter of this year. EM-motive GmbH will be headed up by two directors of equal rank, one from each partner company.
Like lithium-ion batteries, electric motors are key components for our electric vehicles. It is extremely important that competence in this field is maintained in Germany. In joining forces with Bosch, we have now teamed up with a long-standing partner, and are confident that this move will lead to outstanding results.
—Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, Vice President e-drive & Future Mobility in Group Research & Advanced Engineering and Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG
This alliance is an investment in securing the future of the European automotive industry.
—Wolf-Henning Scheider, the member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH responsible for the Chassis Systems Control, Electrical Drives, and Starter Motors and Generators divisions
I think there is a place for these cars and it's in the city. The present car with the ICE engine is rather disappointing as the engine and transmission are not reliable...with a move to becoming a BEV, I believe they can become a little jewel.
Posted by: Lad | 14 July 2011 at 08:18 AM
Traction motors and large alternators will be in greater demand going forward. All parts suppliers should consider their position in the market.
Posted by: SJC | 14 July 2011 at 09:52 AM