BMW and Toyota have announced an extension of their existing collaboration focused on the development of ecological technologies first launched in December 2011.

Photo: Akio Toyoda and Norbert Reithofer

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG met last week at BMW Group headquarters in Munich to sign a Memorandum of Understanding as well as a Joint Statement.

The companies have agreed for a long-term strategic collaboration in the following fields: joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a future sports vehicle, collaboration on powertrain electrification and joint research and development on lightweight technologies.

Reithofer said: “Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation.”

In March 2012, BMW and Toyota started a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells. The companies also agreed that BMW Group will supply highly-efficient 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe, starting in 2014.

Toyoda commented: “BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW’s strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship.”