An article in the business section of my newspaper, written by the AP, says that Toyota and BMW have agreed to collaborate on research for the next generation of lithium-ion technology. Norbert Reithofer, BMW's chairman was quoted as saying: "We are now joining forces to further develop environmentally friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments"
The article goes on to say: Toyota has struggled to find a good lithium-ion battery for its green cars and it is using technology from Japanese electronics maker Sanyo in its latest plug-in hybrid, for which Toyota has recently started taking orders. Toyota had worked with Panasonic on a battery before the electronics maker acquired Sanyo, partly to get better lithium-ion technology.
Toyota Executive VP Takeshi Uchiyamada told reporters at a Tokyo news conference "This collaboration will allow for the development of the next-generation battery faster and at a higher level". "Toyota and BMW have been engaged in extended discussions on technology and plan to collaborate on other medium-term and long-term projects", he said