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GM To License Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive? Nope.

GM To License Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive? Nope.

Robert Scardino June 21st, 2009 Robert Scardino By Robert Scardino Author June 21st, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 In a live webchat on Friday, our illustrious Editor-In-Chief, Lyle Dennis, posed a question to GM North America President, Troy Clarke, regarding collaboration with Toyota, given the American automaker's failed economic state.Dennis: What are some possible options under consideration for GM’s involvement in NUMMI, and is GM considering licensing the synergy drive hybrid system from Toyota? Clarke: Lyle, With regard to Nummi we are still in discussions with Toyota on the JV and potential products. We are not in current discussions with Toyota on licensing their synergy drive. I would point out that we are working like crazy on our own hybrid technology. Also, we are really moving fast on the Volt of which you are well aware. NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.) is a Fremont, California based joint venture between GM and Toyota that was formed in the early 1980s. The facility currently produces the compact Toyota Corolla Matrix wagon and its GM wagon sibling, the Pontiac Vibe (although production of the Vibe will end in August). While NUMMI may survive GM's bankruptcy, any thought of GM's products sporting Hybrid Synergy Drive will not.  Reports surfaced late last week that Toyota was considering moving production of the Prius to the NUMMI facility, but Toyota has since denied that. GM licensing Toyota's hybrid technology wouldn't make sense, considering the potential of the General's two-mode system and their commitment to extended range plug-in technology which will be on the streets in the Chevy Volt in late 2010.  Then again, the Corvette ZR1 doesn't make much sense either, but we love it anyway. Sources:  GM Fastlane Blog, GM-Volt.com, NUMMI

Black Chevy Volt 2

Black Chevy Volt 2

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In a live webchat on Friday, our illustrious Editor-In-Chief, Lyle Dennis, posed a question to GM North America President, Troy Clarke, regarding collaboration with Toyota, given the American automaker's failed economic state.Dennis: What are some possible options under consideration for GM’s involvement in NUMMI, and is GM considering licensing the synergy drive hybrid system from Toyota?

Clarke: Lyle, With regard to Nummi we are still in discussions with Toyota on the JV and potential products. We are not in current discussions with Toyota on licensing their synergy drive. I would point out that we are working like crazy on our own hybrid technology. Also, we are really moving fast on the Volt of which you are well aware.

NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.) is a Fremont, California based joint venture between GM and Toyota that was formed in the early 1980s. The facility currently produces the compact Toyota Corolla Matrix wagon and its GM wagon sibling, the Pontiac Vibe (although production of the Vibe will end in August).

While NUMMI may survive GM's bankruptcy, any thought of GM's products sporting Hybrid Synergy Drive will not.  Reports surfaced late last week that Toyota was considering moving production of the Prius to the NUMMI facility, but Toyota has since denied that.

GM licensing Toyota's hybrid technology wouldn't make sense, considering the potential of the General's two-mode system and their commitment to extended range plug-in technology which will be on the streets in the Chevy Volt in late 2010.  Then again, the Corvette ZR1 doesn't make much sense either, but we love it anyway.

Sources:  GM Fastlane Blog, GM-Volt.com, NUMMI

Tags: Manufacturing, bankruptcy, toyota, hybrid, GM

Posted in: News


Comments (3 total)

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  1. By Bob #1, Posted: 6/22/2009

    The Toyota Corolla and Tacoma and Pontiac Vibe are built at NUMMI, NOT the Matrix.

  2. By  Robert Scardino #2, Posted: 6/22/2009

    Right you are Bob. Thanks. I've updated my post accordingly. (Because we have to give Canada credit for something, that's where the Matrix is built...)

  3. By  Wiliam #3, Posted: 9/8/2009

    Chrysler, Ford, and Gm would be wise to take some advice from Toyota as to how to stay afloat in the car market. Also, why is it that the big 3 are always changing the names of their vehicles within years of the introduction of them?
    Would someone share with the big three as to why people buy the Toyota vehicles.
    Here are some reasons to think about!
    Quality, dependability , safety, and the best resale value on the planet. How many of the big three manufactors vehicles really hold their value. The answer is not many.

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