Photo: BMW
The recent trip various BMW officials took to South Korea wasn’t just for the recent opening of the BMW Driving Center just 50 kilometers from Seoul. The Germans also expanded their partnership with South Korean giant, Samsung, in the field of battery cells.
The two companies signed a memorandum in Seoul, the country’s capital, that sees the Korean company supply BMW with batteries for the i3, i8 and future cars as well, as the Germans are preparing to bring out more and more hybrids.
With the new agreement, certain parameters changed, like the quantity that will be delivered over the medium term and further technological development of battery cells.
“Our partnership with Samsung SDI is a good example of successful Korean-German cooperation on innovative technologies. The battery is a key component in every electric vehicle – since it basically determines the range and performance capabilities of the car. In Samsung SDI, we have chosen a supplier that offers us the best-available technology with future-oriented Korean battery expertise,” said Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW, responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.
The two giants have been working together since 2009. Coincidence or not, that’s also when BMW unveiled its VISION concept that would end up being put into production as the i8. Samsung has, since then, offered the Bavarians access to state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology with an environmentally-friendly production process.
“This MoU with the BMW Group demonstrates the trust in Samsung SDI’s future technology and efficient mass production capabilities. Both companies are confident that this extended partnership will secure their leadership in future technologies,” said Sang-Jin Park, CEO of Samsung SDI.
With the new agreement, certain parameters changed, like the quantity that will be delivered over the medium term and further technological development of battery cells.
“Our partnership with Samsung SDI is a good example of successful Korean-German cooperation on innovative technologies. The battery is a key component in every electric vehicle – since it basically determines the range and performance capabilities of the car. In Samsung SDI, we have chosen a supplier that offers us the best-available technology with future-oriented Korean battery expertise,” said Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW, responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.
The two giants have been working together since 2009. Coincidence or not, that’s also when BMW unveiled its VISION concept that would end up being put into production as the i8. Samsung has, since then, offered the Bavarians access to state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology with an environmentally-friendly production process.
“This MoU with the BMW Group demonstrates the trust in Samsung SDI’s future technology and efficient mass production capabilities. Both companies are confident that this extended partnership will secure their leadership in future technologies,” said Sang-Jin Park, CEO of Samsung SDI.
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