The big two German car makers are getting together to build hybrids.
BMW and DaimlerChrysler will jointly develop hybrid modules for what they call rear-wheel-drive premium segment cars, with the result becoming product within three years.
Essentially, they'll save a lot of time and money doing it together than separately. However, the companies did say that the resulting products will be adapted to the different character of the two brands.
For DaimlerChrysler, Dr Thomas Weber said: "Cooperation in the field of innovative drive systems makes good sense not only from a technical but also from an economic standpoint. It will help to strengthen the competitiveness of two German manufacturers whose requirements in the premium segment are very similar. This is a segment where rapid commercialisation of drive technologies offering high efficiency, performance and comfort is particularly important."
BMW's Dr Klaus Draeger said: "This collaboration will allow us to broaden our technological base in the area of future hybrid drive systems for the premium class and will allow the two companies to pool their innovative resources. The distinct identities of the different brands will not be affected, since the relevant technologies will be tailored to fit the specific character of the different vehicles."
The two started working together on hybrid in 2005 and see this collaboration as expanding their portfolio of alternative drive technologies and rounding out their range of hybrid drive components.
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