Report: insiders expect Samsung SDI to supply battery packs for BMW’s X5 plug-in hybrid
01 March 2015
Yonhap reported that local industry indsiders and market research firm IHS expect Samsung SDI to provide battery packs for BMW’s upcoming X5 plug-in hybrid SUV. The report comes several months after BMW Group commissioned two new production lines for electric drive components—high voltage battery packs and electric motors—at its Dingolfing plant. The launch of the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid is slated for this year, with more models with this technology to follow. (Earlier post.)
According to the Yonhap report, IHS speculated that the recent purchase of Magna Steyr’s battery pack division opened the door for the South Korean company to strengthen its corporate ties with BMW. (Earlier post.) In July 2014, BMW and Samsung SDI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their supply relationship for battery cells for electro-mobility. Samsung SDI will supply the BMW Group with battery cells for the BMW i3, BMW i8 and additional hybrid models over the coming years. (Earlier post.)
IHS said that under the agreement, Samsung SDI is expected to increase shipments of battery cells by at least 20-30 percent until 2016.
Samsung SDI said that because it ships products under an original equipment manufacturers arrangement, it cannot confirm specific deals.
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