The collaborative relationship between the Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW AG was strengthened last week when Akio Toyota, the president of Toyota and Norbert Reithofer, the chairman of BMW’s board of management, announced a move to strengthen the companies “competitive position in sustainable future technologies”.
Earlier this year, the two automotive giants signed a binding agreement to share research about the next generation of lithium-ion battery cells. The German brand would further supply 1,6 and 2,0-litre turbodiesel engines to Toyota’s European division, Toyota Motors Europe, from 2014 onward.
The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exists on four key areas; joint development of a fuel cell system, the joint development of architecture and components for a future sports car, shared research on lightweight technology and a collaboration on powertrain electrification.
“We aim to further strengthen our competitive position. We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation,” Reithofer said.
“BMW and Toyota respect one another. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW’s strength is in developing sportscars,” Toyoda added.
This will see each company leveraging the other’s strengths. When it comes to environmentally friendly motoring, the pairing is perfect with regard to the advancements BMW has made in lightweight construction and Toyota’s leadership in respect of alternative powertrains.
The most exciting part aspect of the agreement is no doubt the co-development of a future sportscar, something which has lacked in Toyota’s resumé of late (stunning new GT 86 aside), but BMW has no shortage of sportscars across its entire product line. Perhaps there’s a Supra or Celica in Toyota’s future after all…
