Business & Money
Photo: DPA

Volkswagen to develop electric cars with Toshiba

Published: 13 Feb 09 12:11 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/money/20090213-17417.html

Volkswagen and the Japanese electronics group Toshiba have unveiled an accord to jointly develop electric drive units that VW says will allow it to become the first manufacturer of an affordable, mass-produced electric vehicle.

The two groups have signed a letter of intent and are also planning the development of battery systems for the next generation of electric vehicles, a statement said.

The drive units and "accompanying power electronics" would be used in VW's planned New Small Family of vehicles that are still in the concept stage, it added. VW said it aimed to be the first manufacturer to provide "an emissions-free, affordable and safe large-scale production electric vehicle."

Such a car would not be available right away however, and VW chairman Martin Winterkorn was quoted as saying that "a considerable amount of research and development work still has to be carried out until we can produce the electric vehicle."

Research into lithium-ion battery technology was now being done by VW and "further potential technological partners alongside Toshiba," he added. But Winterkorn called the partnership with Toshiba "a major step forward toward the development of series production electric vehicles for our customers."

Toshiba president Atsutoshi Nishida said that "the combined know-how of the two international technology groups Volkswagen and Toshiba will be an important step towards the drive technologies of tomorrow."

Zero-emission cars are a major goal for auto manufacturers, and all major brands are working towards it. After lagging behind for some time, the Germans have presented several projects, with Daimler and VW planning some offers for 2010 and BMW testing electric systems with its Mini brand of cars.

Specialists estimate however that the first mass-production of electric cars is still 10-20 years away.

Some kind of model should nonetheless be available by 2012, when increasingly strict carbon emissions limits set by the European Union are due to take effect.

AFP (news@thelocal.de)

Fark It! Digg This Facebook  Share everywhere
Send to a friend Printable version Twitter This
Business & Money headlines
Photo: DPA

China claims Germany's export crown

China overtook Germany last year to become the world's leading exporter as German trade suffered its sharpest slump since 1950, figures from Germany's Federal Statistics Office showed on Tuesday. READ »

Photo: DPA

SAP shares slump amid leadership shake-up

Shares in German-based SAP, the world's largest professional software group, slumped Monday after the company said Leo Apotheker would step down as chief executive officer to be replaced by two company insiders. READ »

Photo: DPA

Watchdog eyes Opel state help

The European Union’s competition watchdog vowed on Sunday to keep a tight rein on how state aid is given to ailing carmaker Opel, as the firm’s parent company prepares its pitch for help from countries including Germany. READ »

Photo: DPA

Bonuses are back for Opel managers

Top managers at the beleaguered carmaker Opel will once again be eligible for bonuses, sparking anger from company workers facing layoffs, the head of the staff association said Saturday. READ »

Henry Ford in Cologne in 1930. Photo: DPA

40 millionth Ford rolls from production line

The 40 millionth Ford “Made in Germany” rolled from the US carmaker’s plant in Cologne on Friday – some 85 years after starting production in the country. READ (5 COMMENTS) »

Photo: DPA

New data stokes fears of uncertain economic recovery

Fears that uncertain recovery in Europe's biggest economy could stall were stoked Friday when data showed that German industrial production suffered a sharp setback in December. READ »

Photo: DPA

Deutsche Bahn closes deal on British train network

Germany's state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn said Thursday it had won a contract to operate a regional train network in the northeast of Britain. READ (2 COMMENTS) »

Photo: DPA

Deutsche Bank rebounds with strong 2009 profits

Germany's biggest lender, Deutsche Bank, bounced back last year with a robust net profit of €5 billion following a loss of €3.9 billion in 2008. READ (2 COMMENTS) »

Photo: DPA

Hartz IV welfare benefits considered too low

A solid majority of Germans believe welfare benefits are too low in their country, according to a survey published on Wednesday. READ (12 COMMENTS) »

Photo: DPA

Public workers strike across Germany

Public workers’ union Verdi called temporary labour strikes across Germany on Wednesday, cutting service to transportation networks, waste disposal, hospitals, child care centres and municipal administrative offices. READ (11 COMMENTS) »

More Business & Money

See all ads | Join the Marketplace

Jobs in Germany, in English

548 jobs in Germany, in English
374 new jobs this week
54 new jobs today

ALL JOBS »

More business news from Germany

Latest Business & Money news from Sweden
News from the Goethe-Institut
News from DeutschlandOnline
Sales managers - country wide
The Local is seeking talented and experienced media sales professionals for our online advertising sales in Germany
FULL JOB DETAILS
Best Foreign exchange rates dealing - all major currencies
Foreign Currency Direct voted as offering the best exchange rates. All currency exchange transactions are managed by Ben Amrany. We guarantee that readers of The Local/Toytown receive a 5 star service
FULL DETAILS HERE>>>
JOB: Nursery Teacher / Early Years Educator
Wolfsburg nursery, specialising in an Early Years Programme, seeks English speaking nursery teacher
FULL JOB DETAILS
JOB: Admin and academic positions
GBCM is currently seeking experienced and ambitious full/part-time staff in the academic field as well as a flexible office manager for roles in an international environment
FULL JOB DETAILS
Advertising 2.0
MARKETPLACE - promote your business to half a million targeted readers a month on The Local. Find great products and services in Germany or tell The Local's readers about your own business.
CLICK HERE>>>

The Local Europe GmbH
Linienstrasse 214
10119 Berlin
Germany