Not long after the announcement on the collaboration between Ford and Toyota on the development of a new RWD hybrid drivetrain, rivaling General Motors came out with details on its own deal with South Korea’s LG Group for the design and engineering of future electric vehicles.
The deal builds on GM’s expanding relationship with LG, which is the battery cell supplier for the American firm’s Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range EVs.
The two companies did not reveal any additional information about the EVs, with GM simply stating that the “timing of the launch of the first vehicles resulting from the partnership will be announced closer to market readiness”.
“Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy,” said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. ”Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process.”
Juno Cho, president and chief operating officer of LG Corp. commented: “This is a strategic development for LG and we fully support GM’s goal to lead the industry in the electrification of the automobile.”
General Motors said it is accelerating the development of eco-friendly fleet of vehicles after the announcement of a number of more stringent emission and fuel consumption rules around the world, including the recent agreement in the US, which calls for a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) of 54.5 mpg (23.2km/lt) by the end of the 2025 model year.
