BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have collaborated to work on a hybrid system for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
This isn’t the first time the two companies have joined forces. Together they developed a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (Currently used in Minis, Peugeots, and Citroens), and agreed in February 2010 to work on a Euro 6 compliant replacement.
BMW and PSA believe that the collaboration will benefit them, as they will split R&D, production and parts costs. Not much details have been given on the project however. We just know from this that we should expect a FWD hybrid from the two companies in the coming years.
Press Release
BMW Group and PSA expand cooperation to hybrid systems
18.10.2010 | Press Release
Development of hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles
Cooperation will leverage significant economies of scale
Munich, Paris. The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën intend to expand their successful cooperation by including hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
A memorandum of understanding to this effect has been signed by Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën.
The components are to be used in front-wheel-drive vehicles with electrified drive trains. Joint development and production of components as well as joint purchasing will leverage significant economies of scale for both partners. It will also allow them to standardise key elements for the electrification of vehicles.
“This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility,” said Reithofer.
“We are pleased to broaden our long-standing cooperation based on the strong relationship that exists between our two companies,” added Philippe Varin. “Combining both partners’ expertise in hybrid technologies will clearly create competitive advantage.”
Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the agreement.
The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën have been successfully cooperating on engines for several years. In February 2010, the two companies agreed to develop the next generation of their jointly designed 4-cylinder petrol engine, which will also meet EU 6 requirements. The joint engine is currently built into a number of MINI, Peugeot and Citroën brand models.
Source: BMW