BMW, Toyota Come Together for New EV/Hybrid Tech, Sports Cars

Not much is known about the latest partnership, but it aims to focus on lightweighting technology, powertrain electrification and a fuel cell system

The Scion FR-S is the result of a collaboration between
Toyota and Subaru 

BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Car Concept

BMW and Toyota are teaming up for an upcoming sports car as well as electric vehicle (EV) technology development.

Back in March, both automakers entered an agreement to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries. They also agreed that BMW would supply 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre engines to Toyota Motor Europe in 2014. Now, the two have decided to join forces once again for other EV technology and a new sports vehicle.

"We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies," said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the Board of Management for BMW. "We signed an MoU to this effect today. 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."

Not much is known about the latest partnership, but it aims to focus on lightweight technology, powertrain electrification, and a fuel cell system.

"BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars," said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. "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."


Source: Autoblog

Thursday, July 05, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More

Mini issues huge worldwide recall of 235,000 cars

Mini has issued a worldwide recall of 235,000 cars, including 29,868 in the UK, due to a fault with electric water pumps that could be a fire risk in some cases.

Vehicles affected include certain Cooper S and John Cooper Works models built between 2006 and 2011. BMW, Mini's parent company, said in a statement that there have been four cases of fires as a result of the problem, including one that occurred in the UK.

Owners will receive a letter in the next few weeks inviting them to have the water pump replaced at their Mini dealership in a process that is expected to take around an hour and will be free of charge. The company said that the turbocharged engine of the models affected by the fault are equipped with an additional water pump which draws residual heat out of the turbocharger after the engine has been switched off.

"Under high operating temperatures an electro-migration can occur at the circuit board installed in the additional water pump," it added.

"This can lead to a failure of the additional water pump or smoldering and even a fire cannot be excluded."

More than 200,000 Minis are built each year at the company's Oxford plant, where production started in 2001.

BMW said last year that it would build a redesigned Mini at its Cowley factory in Oxford as part of a £500m investment in UK production over the next three years.

China was the Mini's fastest growing market last year, although the US remained the car's largest market.

by - Ben Quinn

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More