REPORT: Toyota to give hybrid technology to GM? Update, GM says not in discussions
06-01-09 | 10:12 PM
#17
Pole Position
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From: Illinois
Unless you are looking at different battery chemistry where the battery comes from doesn't make quite as much of a difference. Certainly Panasonic had a huge lead on the type of cells required for automotive installations though.
Ford is using the Sanyo batteries. Do a search and you will see. (Here's one of many articles...)
As for why is it better a *lot* has to do with the software controlling the operational parameters (charging/discharging) of the battery. That is where Ford and GM have been learning the past several years. The software controls how quickly to allow the batteries to recharge, what temperature to keep them at, how to optimize things like A/C, regen braking, etc...
Ford is using the Sanyo batteries. Do a search and you will see. (Here's one of many articles...)
As for why is it better a *lot* has to do with the software controlling the operational parameters (charging/discharging) of the battery. That is where Ford and GM have been learning the past several years. The software controls how quickly to allow the batteries to recharge, what temperature to keep them at, how to optimize things like A/C, regen braking, etc...
06-02-09 | 01:02 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
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From: California
The packs Panny supplies to Honda is much, much more crude - think of a old school cell phone or a power drill battery pack on a larger scale. The Honda units use up to 120 NiMH D-cells connected in serial in a plastic "carrier".
06-20-09 | 08:53 AM
#19
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From: Michigan
GM: We're Not in Discussions with Toyota on Licensing Their Synergy Drive
DETROIT — General Motors is not in current discussions with Toyota on licensing the Japanese automaker's hybrid synergy drive, said GM North America President Troy Clarke in a Web chat on the GM FastLane blog on Friday.
Clarke reaffirmed that the automaker is "still in discussions with Toyota on the JV [joint venture] and potential products." On Thursday, GM confirmed that the Pontiac Vibe production at the Fremont, California, NUMMI plant will end in August. The plant is a joint venture between Toyota and GM.
In a wide-ranging Web chat that was punctuated by comments from disgruntled customers and disgruntled GM dealers, Clarke also hinted at the future direction for Buick, one of the four surviving GM brands.
"I will tell you that you will be pleasantly surprised at the product lineup we have for the new Buick," Clarke said. "It will go places product-wise we haven't gone with Buick before."
He confirmed that GM is expected to name a U.S. site for the production of its unnamed future small car by the end of the month.
The high-ranking GM executive also admitted to a case of nerves as GM began its journey into bankruptcy court.
"Truthfully we are changing things faster than I have seen in my entire career," he wrote. "So fast that I will admit it made me nervous at first. What if we make a mistake? But the fact is we aren't making that many mistakes and we are becoming accustomed to the new pace."
Clarke took a pounding in the hour-long session from such consumers as Ron Hunter, who wrote: "I am upset with the New GM (Government Motors). I will never buy GM again. Probably Ford."
Clarke responded: "In all honesty the government support has been helpful in giving us a second chance. Now we need to convince customers to do the same."
Inside Line says: Apparently a GM sibling of the Toyota Prius or a GM hybrid with Toyota underpinnings is not in the cards. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Clarke reaffirmed that the automaker is "still in discussions with Toyota on the JV [joint venture] and potential products." On Thursday, GM confirmed that the Pontiac Vibe production at the Fremont, California, NUMMI plant will end in August. The plant is a joint venture between Toyota and GM.
In a wide-ranging Web chat that was punctuated by comments from disgruntled customers and disgruntled GM dealers, Clarke also hinted at the future direction for Buick, one of the four surviving GM brands.
"I will tell you that you will be pleasantly surprised at the product lineup we have for the new Buick," Clarke said. "It will go places product-wise we haven't gone with Buick before."
He confirmed that GM is expected to name a U.S. site for the production of its unnamed future small car by the end of the month.
The high-ranking GM executive also admitted to a case of nerves as GM began its journey into bankruptcy court.
"Truthfully we are changing things faster than I have seen in my entire career," he wrote. "So fast that I will admit it made me nervous at first. What if we make a mistake? But the fact is we aren't making that many mistakes and we are becoming accustomed to the new pace."
Clarke took a pounding in the hour-long session from such consumers as Ron Hunter, who wrote: "I am upset with the New GM (Government Motors). I will never buy GM again. Probably Ford."
Clarke responded: "In all honesty the government support has been helpful in giving us a second chance. Now we need to convince customers to do the same."
Inside Line says: Apparently a GM sibling of the Toyota Prius or a GM hybrid with Toyota underpinnings is not in the cards. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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