REPORT: Toyota to give hybrid technology to GM? Update, GM says not in discussions
05-26-09, 06:33 AM
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REPORT: Toyota to give hybrid technology to GM? Update, GM says not in discussions
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on May 26th 2009 at 7:50AM
Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05...hnology-to-gm/
According to a report in Japan's Daily Yomiuri newspaper, Toyota is willing to give General Motors access to its hybrid technology, free of charge. Why in the world would they do that, you ask? Apparently, Toyota doesn't want to see the crucial American market weaken any further and would benefit from the exchange by having its Hybrid Synergy Drive become the standard hybrid technology all over the world.
It's also believed that this gesture could help smooth over tensions between Americans and Japan as the U.S. automakers have been hit harder in the economic crisis. Further, the report suggests that Toyota believes GM has fallen too far behind on hybrid technology after spending the past few years working feverishly on hydrogen fuel cells.
So, is there any truth to this rumor? Don't bet on it. General Motors has already developed multiple hybrid powertrain technologies, including the sophisticated 2-Mode system that was jointly designed with Daimler, BMW and Chrysler. Plus, as you're surely aware by now, GM has put all of its eggs in the Voltec range-extended electric vehicle basket and believes this is the best way moving to power its vehicles in the short term.
It's also believed that this gesture could help smooth over tensions between Americans and Japan as the U.S. automakers have been hit harder in the economic crisis. Further, the report suggests that Toyota believes GM has fallen too far behind on hybrid technology after spending the past few years working feverishly on hydrogen fuel cells.
So, is there any truth to this rumor? Don't bet on it. General Motors has already developed multiple hybrid powertrain technologies, including the sophisticated 2-Mode system that was jointly designed with Daimler, BMW and Chrysler. Plus, as you're surely aware by now, GM has put all of its eggs in the Voltec range-extended electric vehicle basket and believes this is the best way moving to power its vehicles in the short term.
05-26-09, 07:32 AM
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won't matter either way. there won't be anyone competent left at gm to leverage the technology.
05-26-09, 08:22 AM
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Toyota has said for YEARS they fear the decline of the Americna industry and they want to help if possible. The thing is there seems to be no American backlash b/c Americans are sick and tired of the GM/Chrysler sob stories and now we have given tax payer money (AGAIN).
There is no "buy American" sentiment similar to what happened in the early 1990s.
There is no "buy American" sentiment similar to what happened in the early 1990s.
05-26-09, 03:34 PM
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The thing is there seems to be no American backlash b/c Americans are sick and tired of the GM/Chrysler sob stories and now we have given tax payer money (AGAIN).
There is no "buy American" sentiment similar to what happened in the early 1990s.
There is no "buy American" sentiment similar to what happened in the early 1990s.
The talent also hasn't left (yet?). Where are really good engineers going to go? How many lead engineers for a product, powertrain or significant modules for Japanese brands are from the U.S.? How about European? Some of these people don't have anywhere good to go so they will hang out until it is clearer whether GM can survive at all.
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05-26-09, 06:31 PM
#8
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I'm sure Government Motors will take any kind of handout...they already got a $20 billion handout...
05-26-09, 10:01 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
Toyota via Panasonic is already making GM's battery packs in the Tahoe/Suburban hybrids and their bretheren, as well as for the Allison E-Drive hybrid system for buses.
05-31-09, 12:24 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
GM, though, has an ace-in-the-hole. Its extended-range Chevy Volt, as far as hybrids go, is more advanced than anything Toyota has done yet (though, admittedly, Toyota is working on even more advanced Prius models, beyond the new 2010 model, as we speak). Perhaps GM should let Toyota share in some of its own technology.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-31-09 at 12:28 PM.
05-31-09, 12:28 PM
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A bit overstating case don't you think? Linking this to the comment above I think GM actually has more "all electric" knowledge in house right now than Toyota does. They have been working on electrics and all electric drivetrains for a long time. So though the costs may be high the knowledge has been paid for.
The talent also hasn't left (yet?). Where are really good engineers going to go? How many lead engineers for a product, powertrain or significant modules for Japanese brands are from the U.S.? How about European? Some of these people don't have anywhere good to go so they will hang out until it is clearer whether GM can survive at all.
05-31-09, 08:14 PM
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There have been numerous statements, here and in the media, disputing where Ford's hybrid tech came from. I have yet to hear a conclusive answer if the system is from Toyota or not.