The Automotive Family Tree is about to get more complicated. With EV’s (electric vehicles) getting more and more popular thing to do, I’d expect more joint venture’s in the future. Daimler has a joint venture with BYD to build a research and technology center to develop EV’s.

In other news, looks like Ford is thinking about closing out Mercury. The plan would be submitted to Ford’s board in July.

Source:wsj.com
autoweek.com

Time to update the Automotive Family Tree. But this time I’m not adding a new connection as much as updating logos. Dodge is doing some shuffling of brand names. Ram, used in the current Dodge logo, will be used on the trucks and trucks only as the “Ram” brand, using the old logo. Dodge on the other hand is changing the logo for its more sporty, youth-oriented brand. The new Dodge logo will spell out Dodge in a new script with red slashes from the SRT performance brand. However, on the car itself, it will just spell out Dodge.

Check back soon at automotivefamilytree.com for the new logo’s.

Source:autoweek.com

Looks like I need to update the Automotive Family Tree. Toyota and Tesla will become partners to produce electric vehicles, with the possibility of Toyota following in Daimler lead and owning a stake of Tesla after it goes public.

A few more details about the deal:
1. Toyota to make a sub-$30,000 EV with Tesla’s unique powertrain design.
2. Tesla will build its Model S sedan at the NUMMI plant that Toyota once owned with GM.
3. A $50 million investment when it goes public, maybe.

Source:autoweek.com

Does this mean the writing is on the wall? Hybrid’s are here to stay! BMW has plans to take the ActiveHybrid concept into full production as early as next year is it’s 5 Series, but also in it’s 3 Series.

The X6 SUV is the only full hybrid in the BMW’s line-up. The 7-Series hybrid, called ActiveHybrid 7, is due out soon, but it’s a mild hybrid, meaning it’s not capable of being powered on electric power alone.

Source:autoweek.com

That’s the question I’m putting out there…

I’m considering making an iPhone App for the Automotive Family Tree site. I’d make it free (with ads, someone has to pay the bills), but would it be worth my time and effort to make?

Please email me with any comments on this at toomanycars@suddenlink.net.

Thanks,
Andy

I finally had some time to update the Automotive Family Tree. There might be a bug or two as I updated it. Please send me an email if you find one.
Automotive Family Tree

Thanks,
Andy

Busy week for the Automotive Family Tree updates. Autoweek is reporting that Daimler AG and Renault SA have agreed on share resources on a wide range of products for Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault and Nissan. The three primary areas of connection are small-car and light-commercial vehicle platforms, small gasoline and diesel engines and electric drive systems. And to make sure there is cooperation between the two brands, Daimler and Renault will enter into an equity swap, about 3% for each company.

BMW looking into collaboration with Daimler early 2009, but differences in engineering philosophy broke off the talks. However it seems BMW is now looking at working with the other large French connection, PSA (Peugeot and Citron).

Source:autoweek.com

Time to draw another connection in my Automotive Family Tree. Looks like Mazda is going to lease hybrid drivetrain technology from Toyota Motor Corp. Now what makes this an interesting tell is the longtime partnership of Ford Motor Co. Over the recent years Ford has started to sell its stake in Mazda, from 33% down to 13%. Makes you wonder if Mazda is trying to stretch out more on its own?

Anyway, look for Mazda to use the third-generation Toyota Prius electric-hybrid powertrain system.

Source:autonews.com (subscription maybe required)

*NOTE: File this under “When did I miss this?”, Toyota also supplies hybrid system used in the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan.

Time to update the Automotive Family Tree. Ford has reached an agreement to sell Volvo to Geely for about $1.8 billion (with a B). The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010. Ford will continue to supply powertrains, stamping and other parts to Volvo. Ford will get most in of the trade in cash.

One good thing out of the trade could be the return of the R performance, according to Doug Speck, Volvo’s North American CEO. Current R badge is an appearance package.

Source:Autoweek.com

File this one under the obscure sports car manufacturer, but I like to keep my readers informed. British sports car manufacturer Farbio was bought by Ginetta, another British sports car manufacturer. What was once known as the Farbio GTS, with 410bhp supercharged fun, is now going to be rebadged as the Ginetta F400. It will still be made in Bath, UK while Ginetta own G40 and G50 cars will continue to be built in Leeds.

Source:topgear.com