BMW and Toyota signed binding agreements

Render by Mark Farrington

Toyota and BMW signed a deal regarding collaboration on Fuel Cell Systems, Sports Vehicle, Lightweight Technology and Lithium-air Battery Collaboration to Commence.

But what deserves more attention is the creation of a mid-size sports car whose platform is shared by both companies. This might mean, at least for Toyota, the return of the Supra which will be slotted above the GT86.

Both carmakers want the study for such car finished by the end of 2013, meaning we might see some concepts in 2014 and the production version in 2015. Almost certainly that the aspect of the car and the engines will not be shared.

1. Fuel cell system

- The companies are convinced that fuel cell technology is one of the solutions necessary to achieve zero emissions. BMW Group and TMC are to share their technologies and to jointly develop a fundamental fuel-cell vehicle system, including not only a fuel cell stack and system, but also a hydrogen tank, motor and battery, aiming for completion in 2020.

- The companies are to collaborate in jointly developing codes and standards for the hydrogen infrastructure which are necessary for the popularization of fuel cell vehicles.

2. Sports vehicle

- The companies agreed to set-up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle that is to be completed by the end of 2013. The two companies aim to combine each other’s technology and knowledge at a high level to maximise customer satisfaction. Both companies are to share the vision to further collaborate in the field of sports vehicle development.

3. Lightweight technology

- The companies are to jointly develop lightweight technologies for vehicle bodies using cutting-edge materials such as reinforced composites, with an eye to utilize these technologies in cooperation on the joint development of a sports-vehicle platform as well as other BMW and TMC vehicles.

4. Post-lithium-battery technology

- The companies are to begin joint research with a goal to develop a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.