A bold move: Daimler and Bosch plan to cooperate in the development and production of electric motors for all-electric vehicles in Europe. This is certainly good for Daimler where know-how in this area is scarce. Bosch on the other hand can but hope that its other customers don't see a conflict of interest.
The companies have signed a letter of intent and begun negotiations to establish a 50:50 joint venture, which is likely to be concluded in the first half of 2011. In pooling their competencies, manufacturer and supplier aim to accelerate development advances in electric machines as well as to benefit from synergies. According to their letter of intent, joint production should start in 2012. It is envisioned that the electric motors developed will be used in Mercedes-Benz and smart electric vehicles from 2012. Subsequent sales to other automakers are to be handled by Robert Bosch GmbH. The joint activities are planned to be located in the greater Stuttgart area and in Hildesheim.
The Bosch Group has a high level of competence in developing and producing electric motors, which it is already manufacturing in series in Hildesheim. Daimler’s strengths regarding electric vehicles are more in the field of the interaction between motor and battery. Joint development could lead to a better understanding of how results can be best achieved in this field for both companies.
The Bosch Group has a high level of competence in developing and producing electric motors, which it is already manufacturing in series in Hildesheim. Daimler’s strengths regarding electric vehicles are more in the field of the interaction between motor and battery. Joint development could lead to a better understanding of how results can be best achieved in this field for both companies.
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