Bmw to end hybrid partnership with Daimler

Trouble is brewing over the hybrid partnership between BMW and Daimler, according to a report from the Germany publication, Auto Motor & Sport. The two car companies, which have been partners for the past several years, were bent on improving vehicle safety technology and have so far, given rise to the two-mode hybrid.

A BMW spokesperson admits that there are ongoing talks with other carmakers that might a yield a better solution for BMW. Daimler reportedly still wants the partnership to continue due to the cost savings it can deliver in the coming years as hybrids expand through the Mercedes-Benz lineup, including the S400 and ML450 hybrids.
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sector - 7/14/2009 4:24:17 PM

-1 Boost

I suggest they stay together and double their efforts, as Lexus is so far ahead of them :)

theoptimisticpessimist - 7/14/2009 4:29:53 PM

+1 Boost

So far ahead of what? oh yeah market share loss.

sector - 7/14/2009 4:52:47 PM

-1 Boost

"So far ahead of what?"

Let's do a recount:

Lexus/Toyota hybrid models: 7

MB hybrid models: 0

BMW hybrid models: 0

So in summary, 7 > 0 + 0 = 0

Anthony - 7/15/2009 1:25:40 AM

+2 Boost

I don't see Toyota scrambling to enter into a partnership with their biggest competition to produce more diesels. I do see Mercedes and BMW in an apparently failing partnership with their biggest competition to produce hybrids.

NItePhire - 7/14/2009 4:30:07 PM

+2 Boost

They Daimler could always partner with someone that isnt in the Hybrid game that deep right now. Mazda comes to mind. They only have one and it aint even theirs. Mazda could use the dual mode hybrid to great effect in their CX9/7 and sedans.

dumpsty - 7/14/2009 10:57:14 PM

+1 Boost

Dual-mode <=> 2-mode

The hybrid-transmission partnership is GM, DaimlerChrysler (now Daimler & Chrysler), and BMW.

The 2-mode hybrid transmission has proven effective with GMs large trucks and SUV, and now in its mid-sized SUVs. Basically, the system works with the heavier vehicles. M-B would benefit from this system by using it in the GL, GLK, ML, R, and S-class vehicles & pair it with a torquey diesel for maximum push and fuel efficiency.

I would be nice to see the hybrid transmission end up in a large Toyota truck or SUV so the industry could really give it an "unbiased" look.