Fiat and Mercedes to partner on hybrids?

A global warming fused partnership?

"Speculation has swirled for weeks that Daimler could seek a partner to work on the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class compact cars, whose importance is being highlighted by the debate on cars' contribution to global warming," notes a recent Reuters article.

Thus, Mercedes is courting the possibility of a partnership with either Fiat or BMW at the moment, and while Fiat has a chance, most think the Mini Cooper makes BMW a more likely partner.

Now, there is no news of collaboration on hybrid cars, but many European automakers, such as Peugeot, have claimed that diesel hybrids might be the only way forward for autos if the EU lives up to its proposed plans to cut CO2 emissions. And, Mercedes does have a number of plans for hybrid vehicles, including diesel hybrids, and a partnership would be a good way to spread the costs of those hybrids.

Speculation aside, I'm not all that familiar with Fiat, but I'd love to get my hands on a Mini hybrid.

BMW's ActiveHybrid set for 2010?

BMW's X6 dual mode hybrid vehicle

Sometime around 2010, BMW will launch the X6 ActiveHybrid that will be built on the same dual mode hybrid powertrain BMW helped develop with GM and Chrysler. BMW expects the hybrid technology to provide a 20 percent increase in fuel economy.

According to Car&Driver, "With the X5 growing in its second generation—7.4 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider, and a couple hundred pounds heavier than the original—to accommodate a third row of seating, perhaps there is room in the BMW SUV lineup for a vehicle catering to those wanting the sporty driving promise of the roundel on the hood and room for four in a stylish, blatantly road-oriented SUV."

Could BMW partner with Toyota on hybrids?

BMW's Hydrogen 7 at NAIAS

Yesterday, I read on article on Car&Driver that has really been bugging me. BMW May Partner With Other Automakers on Tech Development claims that BMW is seeking technology partners to save costs.

Already, BMW has a partnership with GM on hybrid vehicles, and a 4-cylinder engine partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen SA. On its own, BMW has developed clean diesel and is working on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.

So, for what other technology is BMW seeking partners? Or, is BMW not happy with some of its current partnerships?

Now, I am purely speculating, but could it be that Toyota's hybrid powertrain would be a better fit for BMW's vehicles?

I have a lingering feeling that GM optimized it's dual mode hybrid powertrain for larger vehicles, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid. Now, GM could easily prove me wrong with a hybrid car, but why didn't GM plan a dual mode Malibu hybrid launch with its hybrid SUVs? Thus far, hybrid cars are selling far better than hybrid SUVs.

Is GM just SUV crazy, or are there issues with the dual mode hybrid powertrain when it comes to small cars, such as cost-effectiveness versus efficiency?

BMW, Daimler to produce mild hybrids

Going hybrid

BMW and DaimlerChrsyler will co-develop a mild hybrid transmission for rear-wheel-drive cars which will be available within three years, according to Reuters.

Additionally, the two companies will continue their partnership with GM to develop dual mode hybrid vehicles - full hybrid vehicles.

GM is planning to launch the Yukon hybrid and the Escalade hybrid later this year, while DaimlerChrysler is hoping to launch the Durango hybrid and a Mercedes-Benz hybrid soon after GM's hybrid launch.

Hydrogen highway 30 years away?

"BMW says hydrogen-powered cars are 30 years off, at least in terms of being available to the masses—and yes, I know, they just introduced a hydrogen-power 7-Series model. This 30-year prediction is much more pessimistic than the already pessimistic GM's 10-year prediction." (more)

When such a time frame is realized, it seems obvious that everything that can be done today, better be done today. Hybrid cars offer huge gains in efficiency, they can utilize any of the alternative fuels being developed including hydrogen, and hybrids can help develop fuel cells. Or, we can just wait 30 years.