Industry titans from opposite ends of the spectrum, many wouldn't have considered a need for the "Ultimate Driving Machine" that is BMW to form a partnership with the conservatively "beige" Toyota Motor Company. However, BMW and Toyota obviously know what's better for the companies better than we do.
Partnership discussions were initially announced last December. Now, a press conference in Munich between BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer and Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda reaffirms the partnership. According to the conference, the automakers will initiate the joint research and development for a fuel cell system, powertrain electrification, lightweight technologies, and even future vehicle architectures.
Rather than compromise their own brand by adopting one another's culture, Reithofer stresses that both Toyota and BMW aspire to be the best at everything they do and the partnership is founded upon a win-win philosophy. Moreover, Reithofer says that both Toyota and BMW are engineering-driven companies that share an identical strategic vision for the future of sustainable mobility.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer said, "We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies. We signed an MoU to this effect toda. 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."
Akio Toyoda adds, "BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. That is why we already can take the next step together. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells... I believe BMW's strength is developing sports cars. I get so excited thinking about the cars that will result from this relationship."
A fascinating statement, Akio Toyoda seems to be hinting on a possible plan for a co-developed alternative energy sports car.
We say, "Bring it on!"
