Toyota Motor Corp. is considering offering the company's core technology for hybrid vehicles to struggling General Motors Corp. of the United States, it has been learned.
According to sources, Toyota is essentially ready to provide the technology if GM asks it to do so, even if the U.S. firm becomes subject to the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
The technology Toyota is considering providing to GM is patented technology for increasing fuel economy by controlling the movement of the engine and the motor. The technology is used in the Prius and some other Toyota vehicles. Fuel economy using Toyota technology far exceeds that achievable with technology developed by GM.
GM fell behind in the field of environment-friendly cars, which, coupled with spiraling gasoline prices caused by high oil prices in the first half of 2008, resulted in a sharp fall in sales of large gas-guzzling vehicles.
Toyota’ support to GM would make their hybrid technology the de facto world standard. In addition, the move will ease Japan-U.S. tensions in the auto industry. Futhermore Toyota wants to prevent further weakening of the North American market, for the sake of their own sales and that of their parts suppliers who supply also to GM and other manufactures.
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