As the world takes a drift towards faster developing hybrid powerplants, several automotive giants are compelled to borrow technology from other brands. The German automaker, BMW and South Korean Hyundai have emerged as leading pioneer in innovative power plant technology; and the two brands have reportedly joined hands in a new engine development.
The German automaker, BMW is not new to joint technology and has previously worked in collaboration with several automotive brands. It is currently working on hybrid power plants for compact cars with PSA-Peugeot Citroen, developing lithium-ion batteries for Toyota and co-engineering hydrogen fuel-cell fuel-efficient cars with GM. In the new tie-up with Hyundai, a source told Reuters, the two automakers will invest partly for the development of a new engine and other technology.
The information was revealed by an inside source who said the “comprehensive alliance” are only in the early stages of development. Also revealed by Germany’s Automobil Produktion, BMW and Hyundai are jointly investing an sum of $1.3 billion and $2.6 billion on the development of a new engine series. Furthermore, the report suggested that Hyundai senior managers, including Chung Eui-sun, the son of Hyundai chairman Chung Mong-koo, flew to meet the BMW officials at the German automaker’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, recently.
On being asked, the Hyundai spokesman denied any such tie up, while BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said that they already have plenty of deals signed with other brands and there is no room for a new project.
Hyundai is not far behind in driveline technology and has showcased brilliant engineering skills with the Tau series of V8 engines and new six-speed and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
We had previously bought you the news of BMW working on a new architecture for the three, four and six-cylinder engines and new tie-up with Hyundai could see a bouquet of powerplants in featured in future cars.