In addition to collaborating with Ford for fuel cell development in vehicles, Daimler and Ford have now begun to share their gasoline engine information as well. Daimler is developing a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with Renault for the next-gen smart fortwo and wanted to take a closer look at Ford’s award winning three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. In return, Ford received details from Daimler on their stratified lean-burning gas engines, currently found on the updated E-Class sedan as a four-cylinder.
Does this mean Ford will become the next Chrysler? No, this is not a merger. Don’t expect a high-end Mercedes influenced luxury Lincoln anytime soon.
Engines with EcoBoost technology are able to deliver power and torque similar to what a larger engine displacement would output. EcoBoost engines however have around 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% reduced greenhouse emissions than these same engines.
When asked about Ford’s three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, “we have had some discussions with Ford engineers about this engine,” explained Engine Development Director Roland Kemmler of Mercedes-Benz when speaking with Automotive News Europe, “It’s a very interesting and impressive engine”.
HT: Jerry via Auto News Europe
BDNT is the result of a joint R&D venture between Daimler AG and BYD Company Limited, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. At next year’s Auto China in Beijing, BDNT will be showing off their electric vehicle Design Concept to the public for the first time.
In April 2012, BDNT will be present at the motor show with an own appearance, showcasing BDNT’s green vision, the new brand’s identity, including brand name, logo and positioning as well as the Concept Car’s exterior and interior design. The Concept Car is going to give a first outlook on BDNT’s fully electric vehicle that is scheduled to be launched in 2013.
In the meantime, the Shenzhen-based joint venture is making good progress on the production model of the car. Recently, work on building up the electric vehicle’s first prototypes has started with the target to have them running by springtime next year. The joint venture will use BYD’s excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems and Daimler’s know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety.
Furthermore Daimler’s quality philosophy has been incorporated from a very early stage – not only to safeguard the vehicle’s quality but also to contribute the company’s long-standing expertise with quality management along the supply chain and production processes.
Production of the new generation of compact to mid-size electric vehicles in Shenzhen is going to be closely accompanThe 50:50 R&D Joint Venture between Daimler AG and BYD Company Limited, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT), is going to show a Design Concept of the future joint venture electric vehicle to the public for the first time during next year’s Auto China in Beijing.
The supplier sourcing for the new vehicle is nearly completed. Both partners have decided to sign a number of China-based international as well as local suppliers.
For those of you unfamiliar with BDNT, here is a brief overview.
In 2010, Daimler and BYD signed the contract for a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” (BDNT) that will develop an electric vehicle in and for China. End of February 2011 BDNT has received its business license from Chinese authorities – just a few months after signing the JV contract. The vehicle will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by the joint venture company BDNT.
Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving. With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles. Daimler and BYD are determined not only to participate in this growth of electric mobility in China but to accelerate it even further.