General Motors and Toyota are reportedly in discussions about a joint venture that would see the two automakers building fuel cell systems for hydrogen-powered cars.
GM and Toyota have been collaborating on research for such technology for about six years. The two manufacturers have been in discussions about the project since October.
Toyota President Fujio Cho and General Motors Chairman Richard Wagoner will be meeting this Saturday in Tokyo, and may announce more details of the project.
There has been no deal set in stone yet, but John O’Dell of the LA Times points out that California is a potential location for the project’s operations, and the two companies have already began calling the venture Project Apollo. A Reuters article says:
Cooperation between the world’s two largest automakers would send a signal to governments, the energy industry and suppliers that the fuel cell vehicles will become a reality, said Lindsay Brooke, a senior analyst with automotive consultants CSM Worldwide.
“What they’re talking about has the potential to raise the agenda further,” Brooke said.
GM and Toyota already operate a big auto assembly plant together in the Bay Area called New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. Both companies have already done some fuel cell work in California.
GM has said for a long time that it will have a fuel cell vehicle ready for the market by 2010. The vehicles have the potential to cut down air pollution as well as ease concern about energy prices.
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
