The Detroit News Toyota Motor Corp. and Germany's BMW plan to cooperate on clean- engine technologies, according to Japanese newspaper reports. Toyota would obtain diesel engines from BMW, while providing BMW with hybrid technologies in an exchange that would capitalize on the companies' respective technological strengths. Such a deal also would help Toyota reduce the substantial impact of unfavorable exchange rates on its earnings. The companies declined to comment. Financial analysts said the cooperation between the two carmakers made sense. "We see this as positive for Toyota in that it could lower costs by boosting production of hybrid systems, enhance research and development efficiency ... and boost European sales by expanding Toyota's diesel-engine lineup," said Kohei Takahashi, Tokyo-based analyst at J.P. Morgan. SWAG: A Prius-worthy small BMW diesel? This intercooled and turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre (1995cc) BMW diesel engine produces 115kW of power @ 4000rpm and makes a 330Nm of torque @ 2000rpm. It features BMW's second-generation common-rail technology with variable turbine geometry for improved power delivery across the rev range and electronic engine noise control systems and balancer shafts. BMW claims to have reduced engine vibration and noise to a point that occupants will get the impression that there is a conventional gas engine under the hood. The new 4-cylinder diesel engine provides for greater fuel efficiency and produces less harmful emissions. Info extracted from: Web Wombat
It is sad somehow that already they have dismissed the diesels as 'just for Europe'. I wonder if the hybrids are 'just for CARB states'
Europe is much more likely to pay the diesel premium. In america on toyota's customers may be more willing to pay a hybrid premium. Diesels may make sense on trucks in america. October 2011 Dashboard: Best Month Since March | Hybrid Cars Hybrids sell quite well in my carb state. Toyota has decided to restrict the launch of the prius phv to carb states. There may be lithium in this deal http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-b...n-lithium-ion-battery-development-140145.html bmw currently buys lithium batteries from JCI-saft, toyota through their majority owned subsidiary PEV.
I wonder why they have not noticed the Volt is a hybrid, do you think they will list the PIP as an electric car?
