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TMC and Mazda Agree to Hybrid System Technology License

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by ken1784, Mar 29, 2010.

  1. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have reached an agreement on the supply under license of hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius. Leveraging this agreement, Mazda plans to combine the hybrid system with its next-generation SKY* engine that is currently under development, and develop and manufacture a hybrid vehicle in Japan. Mazda is aiming to commence sales of a hybrid vehicle starting in Japan by 2013. Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, TMC began sales of the Prius, the world’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle, in 1997. Since then, over 2.3 million TMC-produced hybrid vehicles have been delivered to customers in over 70 countries and regions. TMC recognizes the importance of benefiting the environment by encouraging the popularization of its eco-friendly technologies, which are represented by its hybrid systems. Accordingly, TMC has announced that it will consider requests from other companies to supply hybrid technology. Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda aims to increase the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally 30 percent by 2015, compared to its 2008 level. In order to offer all of its customers driving pleasure as well as outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance, Mazda is implementing a Building Block Strategy. Under this strategy, Mazda will enhance the core aspects of its vehicles — including engines, transmissions and weight reduction — and then progressively add electric devices such as idling stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems. Through this partnership, each company intends to offer technologies and products with outstanding environmental benefits to as many people as possible. Source
     
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  2. jtrosario

    jtrosario Prius Pioneer

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  3. justlurkin

    justlurkin Señor Member

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    It's a shame Mazda didn't just drop the Ford Fusion Hybrid's powertrain into the Mazda 6 (since the two cars do share the same platform). Otherwise they could have had their hybrid out on the market NOW rather than waiting until 2013!

    And the FFH drivetrain is the same type of Power Split Device system as the Prius..
     
  4. wwest40

    wwest40 Member

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    What will be nice is if Mazda brings to the table the Millenia S, Miller cycle, SuperCharger technique along with the CX-7's DISI (DFI).

    Smaller, HIGHER compression and with a PSD(CVT) SuperCharger. 50MPG highway and 250HP with WOT.
     
  5. robbyr2

    robbyr2 New Member

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    It does make you wonder. Mazda used to have a Tribute Hybrid (looking a lot like the Escape/Mariner). Not any longer...
     
  6. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I know people who are saying they will never drive a hybrid. They might well be stuck for a new car eventually.

    Bring it on guys!!
     
  7. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    This is great. Hopefully, they look into making a hybrid with the Renesis Wankel engine.
     
  8. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Ford used to own 33% Mazda, but no more. It owns 13% now. Legally, Ford does not own Mazda. Just a big stock holder.
    That translates into less tech sharing for the future.
    Mazda has very good cooperation with Toyota. I've found many parts from Toyota's satellite companies (part suppliers). To name a couple, Denso (electronics and navigation) and Aisin (transmission).

    Mazda is a much smaller company than Toyota. This cooperation total makes sense for both sides. Mazda's idle stop is an interesting idea. It reduces vibrations caused by gas engine stops and starts. Mazda's 30% MPG increase goal, however, is not depending on the hybrid tech. It will come from weight reducion (high tencile steel uses) and DI engines. Mazda currently has no good V6 engines. Therefore, it outsourced one from Ford Duratec.
     
  9. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Mazda uses Ford’s hybrid system in its Tribute small sport-utility vehicle, which is based on the Ford Escape and is the only hybrid vehicle in Mazda’s line-up.

    Masaharu Yamaki, Mazda’s executive vice-president, said the group had chosen Toyota’s technology over Ford’s this time around because it planned to make the new hybrid car in Japan.

    “We need to procure components quickly and reliably from domestic suppliers,” he said.
    Unlike the hybrid Tribute, whose drive system is designed and built entirely by Ford, the new Mazda hybrid will feature a drive system that combines Mazda and Toyota technology.

    Specialised parts are likely to be supplied by Toyota-affiliated component makers such as Denso, Japan’s biggest car-parts company.

    FT.com / Companies / Automobiles - Toyota to license hybrid system to Mazda
     
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  10. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    I believe, anyway, it is good for consumers.
    We can select the wide range of good hybrids among Toyota, Ford and Mazda.

    Hope Honda IMA system is more competitive with these based on the THS technology.
    Also, looking forward to seeing good hybrid systems from Europe as well.

    Ken@Japan
     
  11. lunabelgium

    lunabelgium Member

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    We already have a good one - LOL :car: Imperia !
     
  12. austingreen

    austingreen Senior Member

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    Definitely good news. Nissan is also on the THS technology too. I hope this helps share the cost of R&D to make it even better.
     
  13. hampdenwireless

    hampdenwireless Active Member

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    I love the idea of the Wankel engine but all attempts so far have been so so. The MPG of pretty much every modern Wankel has been less then the gas counterpart. Even the Renesis engine gets bad mpg.

    So as much as I love the idea of a Wankel and the Renesis, it would all be better with an advanced gas engine like the Prius.
     
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    It is interesting nobody is licensing Honda's IMA. Is Honda against it?

    Renesis HSD maybe ideal for a light sports car. MG2 would complement it's torque (lack of). Renesis would not have to work so hard and it will be easier on the seal. Hopefully emission will be much lower as well.
     
  15. robbyr2

    robbyr2 New Member

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    MazdaUSA - Wireless Home doesn't show that a hybrid 2010 Tribute is available in the US.
     
  16. austingreen

    austingreen Senior Member

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    BMW, Mercedes, and GM have cooperatively built similar technology that they are using. I don't think the IMA is as complicated as the hsd so why pay honda?

    I like the idea of a renesis plug in hybrid as the engine is so light. For non plug in hybrids I really like the idea of a direct injection miller cycle engine for higher powered applications.
     
  17. justlurkin

    justlurkin Señor Member

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    If you are referring to the joint hybrid project between GM and what was then DaimlerChrysler (with BMW signing onboard later on), that particular project resulted in the 2-Mode transmission. It's actually closer to the HSD than the IMA system, using a power split device (2 electric motors and a planetary gearset) coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission using dual clutches to engage or disengage the PSD. [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Hybrid_Cooperation]Global Hybrid Cooperation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]


    That particular system is godawfully complicated, and apparently has not found widespread use-- Daimler (Mercedes Benz) has decided to go with an IMA-type system in their S400 Hybrid sedan instead (using a lithium-ion battery pack), and I'm not sure if BMW has actually sold very many ActiveHybrid versions of their X6. Of course Chrysler had canned their 2-mode SUVs after only a couple hundred had been built. Only GM has sold any significant numbers in their Tahoe Hybrid and Escalade Hybrids.

    Reading the car magazine articles, it seems to me the mild hybrid system in the Mercedes S400 Hybrid sedan is near identical to IMA, with the flywheel in the transmission replaced with an electrical motor. I'd be surprised if Daimler isn't paying patent royalties to Honda for that.
     
  18. wwest40

    wwest40 Member

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    .....
     
  19. hampdenwireless

    hampdenwireless Active Member

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    Honda Ima just does not cut it anymore. Chevy and others will have better Mpg per weight without it in cars like the cruze. Toyota and Ford have the only real systems right now for smaller cars. Toyota can probably license and produce cheaper then Ford due to Toyota's huge volume advantage.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    off point, but with all this licensing talk, what's the deal with toyota and the american company that keeps sueing them for licensing fees for the hsd technology?