The name BYD Auto remains on the radar for green car enthusiasts as it continues its ambitious plans to establish itself a major global car manufacturer – and now the company has reached an understanding with German car making giant Daimler AG.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive technology partnership to develop electric vehicles for the Chinese market. The plan is to develop a new electric vehicle for the specific requirements of Chinese drivers and it will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by the two firms. Furthermore, Daimler and BYD will also establish a common technology centre that will develop, design and test this electric vehicle.
According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG, his company’s know-how in electric vehicle architecture, combined with BYD’s excellence in battery technology and electric drive systems will prove to be a winning combination. He hopes this will give the companies a real platform to grow in what is now the world’s leading automotive market.
Indeed Daimler is no stranger to electric drive vehicles having launched a smart electric drive car already and it also has plans to introduce an all-electric Mercedes-Benz A-Class. BYD meanwhile, introduced the F3DM dual-mode hybrid in December 2008 and will launch a pure electric vehicle, known as the e6, soon.
It is expected that the understanding will stretch to further discussions about additional business opportunities.
