Auto, elec giants sign deal

Volkswagen has signed a deal with Japanese electronics giant Toshiba to boost its speed to market with mass-scale lithium-ion battery systems.

While the German auto giant is working on partnerships left, right and centre in its bid to be first to market with a mass market-viable, no-compromises electric vehicle, the Toshiba deal focuses on high-specific-energy-density battery systems and accompanying power electronics for its upcoming family of small electric cars. It has already signed up Sanyo for help with batteries and electronics for hybrid systems.

CEO Dr Martin Winterkorn (pictured) says the partnership will help with the considerable ground still be covered before the mass-scale technology emerges for such a vehicle. 

"In the field of lithium-ion battery technology in particular -- this is an area in which the Volkswagen Group is working with further potential technological partners alongside Toshiba ", he said.

"Volkswagen is forging ahead with the development of future drive technologies in many different areas.

"In order to further strengthen our position, Volkswagen is investing in the long term and is offering cooperation projects to other companies.”