Daimler takes Tesla stake
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
German auto giant Daimler has acquired a 10 percent stake in Tesla Motors of California.
The two companies have already been working closely to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car.
In order to benefit from each other’s know-how, the new investment enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects.
Said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, “As a young and dynamic company, Tesla stands for visionary power and pioneering spirit.
“Together with Daimler’s 120 years of experience in the automotive sector this collaboration is a unique combination of two company’s strengths.
“This marks another important milestone in Daimler’s strategy for sustainable mobility.”
“It is an honour and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Daimler would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk.
“Daimler is also on the leading edge in the field of sustainable mobility.
“This will accelerate bringing our Tesla Model S to production and ensure that it is a superlative vehicle on all levels.”
Later this year production of up to 1,000 units of the second-generation smart fortwo with electric drive will begin.
This year Daimler is also starting small-series production of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with a fuel cell drive system.
And in 2010 the company will introduce its first battery-powered Mercedes-Benz.
137 views
Enjoyed This Post?
