German carmaker Daimler, the company behind Mercedes-Benz and Smart, has signed an agreement with Robert Bosch GmbH for a joint 50:50 venture on electric motors.
The agreements, which are still subject to the approval of the anti-trust authorities, will involve the establishment of a new company named EM-motive GmbH, which will develop and produce innovative traction motors for electric vehicles. Its aim is to accelerate the development of the motors with production expected to commence at the start of 2012. They will then be used in electric vehicles for both the Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands, starting with theSmart Fortwo Electric Drive, scheduled to go on sale in early 2012.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the electric motors will be their modular design, which enables them to be applied in a wide variety of vehicles.
Bosch is well-known for its expertise in the development and production of electric motors and is expected to carry out sales to third parties.
Meanwhile, the new company will have its headquarters and manufacturing facilities inHildesheimwith 100 employees expected to start working for the joint venture in the fourth quarter of this year.
