Aptera: It's Baaaaaaaaack! (We'll Believe It When...

Ford and GM in talks to co-develop powertrains

 
3 659 views Aug 4, 2008
Follow Viknesh

Ford and GM in talks to co-develop powertrains

Ford and GM in talks to co-develop powertrains

Enlarge Photo
Ford and General Motors are reportedly in talks about co-developing new powertrain technologies as the two Detroit giants struggle to reduce costs in the wake of massive losses this year. According to sources at both companies, GM first approached Ford over a month ago and since that time there have been at least three meetings that have taken place.

Development costs for powertrain technologies and transmissions are huge, and reducing these will go a long way in improving the bottom line for both companies as they attempt to cope with the consumer shift away from trucks and SUVs, reports The Detroit News.

Ford and GM have previously worked together in the development of a six-speed transmission unit that is widely used by both companies, and industry analyst Jim Hall has pointed out that Ford can gain from GM’s knowledge of four-cylinder engines while GM can take advantage of Ford’s experience with turbocharging and direct injection technologies.

One of Ford’s most sought after tenets of any agreement will likely be access to the electric technology powering the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. This would drastically reduce the costs associated with the Volt for GM and provide an additional revenue stream to the ailing Detroit manufacturer.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 8/4/2008 4:22pm PDT

    Smart move, they already developed transmissions together.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By bambam Posted: 8/4/2008 6:52pm PDT

    yeah, GM has the same type of vision and are in the same type of problem. So its not hard to work with them. LOL
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By chris Posted: 8/4/2008 10:12pm PDT

    bambam:

    the problem is: a ridiculously fast change in market value in north america, and those people that are left buying cars are buying small ones. something that the american companies have never managed to make much of a profit off of.

    solution: suck it up and stop losing money.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.