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      03-19-2019, 09:56 AM   #92
Efthreeoh
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mecheng77 View Post
Wow, I can't believe how ignorant some people are. Look at the facts: electric cars are relatively new to both BMW and Mercedes and it requires immense capital, and expertise to develop. Why not share some of those costs, especially considering the end product will be a more competent design. Toyota and Tesla have made large inroads so they are playing somewhat of a catch up game and teaming up makes sense. Competition is fierce and the amount of design points they need to take into consideration is insane.

People that are worried that it will lose its character are off kilter. They are not sharing suspension or styling design. It is an electric car, there is no inline 6 noise they need to maintain. Think strategically.
Ford, Chrysler, and BMW worked under a joint venture partnership to develop an EV hybrid automatic transmission (similar in design to Honda's IMA concept) for large SUVs. The partnership IRAD was partially funded by the US Government. The transmission was used in Ford's and BMW hybrid SUVs. The newly-released 10-speed auto used in Ford's and GM's current large SUVs was co-developed by both companies. It is not uncommon for co-development of major subassemblies within the industry.
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