Toyota Motor Company is expanding its ties with German car manufacturer BMW by teaming up on Hybrid and fuel cell technologies.
The two companies are set to announce the collaboration in Germany later this week and that they are boosting a previously announced agreement involving joint research on next-generation lithium ion batteries. The original tie-up involved technology for electric cars, the new deal will also focus its attention on batteries for hybrid petrol-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.
In return BMW will share information and expertise on lighter weight carbon fibre bodies which cuts down the cars weight leading to better fuel efficiency.
Demand for lower-emission diesel vehicles is set to grow, with further technological advances in the field seen as crucial due to increasing vehicle emissions standards.