Car Manufacturer News
Are BMW and Tesla Joining Forces?
Rumors are flying in the automotive industry after BMW management recently met with executives from Tesla Motors. The meeting was convened for the two companies to discuss how they can better promote the adoption and use of electric cars around the world.
The two companies discussed various ways to get consumers more interested in cars that run off pure electricity. So far, many car shoppers have been put off by the driving range of electric cars, plus the time involved in charging them. Representatives from the two automakers declined to comment in detail about what went on during the talks or reveal which executives were involved.
When Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that his company would be opening up its patents to other car companies, he at the same time revealed that he had been actively engaging with other automakers like BMW to find ways to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. Part of the focus of Tesla is helping other companies figure out how to better utilize the public car charging stations that already exist in countries like Germany and the United Kingdom.
There is already a bond formed between Tesla and Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benzes and other models. The German automaker owns a 4.3 percent stake in Tesla, plus has sourced motors and batteries from the American company for the new Smart ForTwo electric as well as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV.
Not every automaker is feeling the love for Tesla these days. The relationship with Japanese automotive giant Toyota soured after the two companies collaborated on the motors and batteries for the RAV4 EV. Some Toyota executives have even gone so far as to state that electric cars aren’t the future, contending that hydrogen is what will wean everyone off fossil fuels. Currently, Toyota holds a 2.4 percent stake in Tesla Motors.
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