BYD looking for more partnerships with Ford, unnamed European automaker?
The bubble of anonymity surrounding BYD outside of its home in China might be about to burst. Last week, we learned that Volkswagen had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese automaker (first hinted at a month ago) to work together "in the area of electric mobility." Turns out that Ford and an as-yet-unnamed European automaker are also pursuing "similar arrangements" with BYD. Warren Buffet must be smiling, since BYD's stock price has more than doubled this year, according to Auto Observer.
Now, who might the unnamed automaker be? There aren't any obvious choices. Daimler just announced a partnership with Tesla, but did say that Tesla would not be its only electric vehicle partner. BMW uses AC Propulsion packs in the MINI E. Opel (GM) is using batteries from South Korean company LG Chem for the Chevy Volt (and Ampera). Renault (and Nissan) seem to be all set with their various partnerships and Better Place. Fiat? Citroën?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David 5:10PM (5/28/2009)
It seems rather odd that Ford would want a partnership with BYD, as they have already paid Magna to develop an electric Ford Focus. Unless they want to explore a few more options...
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Chris M 6:39PM (5/28/2009)
Neither Tesla or AC Propulsion or Magna makes battery cells, their expertise is assembling cells made by others into a battery pack, and in the electric motor and control circuitry. So, it is possible the BYD might make battery cells for those companies.
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Derek 12:55PM (7/06/2009)
Who else in China / Taiwan are at the level of BYD?
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Derek 1:07PM (7/06/2009)
BYD seems to be getting all the attention, who else in China / Taiwan is at the same level?
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