Japanese Technologies Drive European Automakers' Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Proliferation

Strategic Insights -

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, European automakers unveiled a plethora of hybrid and electric vehicles, many of which are powered by advanced technologies from Japanese companies. Renault SA, a French automaker, highlighted its electric offerings, developed in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co., with plans to launch the electric version of the Renault Kangoo compact hatchback in 2011. Volkswagen AG partnered with Sanyo Electric Co. and Toshiba Corp. to develop battery systems for its electric and hybrid vehicles, showcasing environmentally friendly cars, including a compact electric vehicle and a diesel-electric hybrid. Meanwhile, PSA Peugeot Citroen Group unveiled an electric vehicle under the Peugeot brand, set to launch in 2010, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. provided the base for this vehicle, with PSA targeting 25,000 annual sales in 27 European countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Renault SA's electric offerings, developed in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co., will feature the electric version of the Renault Kangoo compact hatchback in 2011.
  • Volkswagen AG's battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles were developed with Sanyo Electric Co. and Toshiba Corp.
  • PSA Peugeot Citroen Group collaborated with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. to create an electric vehicle under the Peugeot brand, with plans to launch in 2010.
  • The Peugeot electric vehicle is based on Mitsubishi's i-MiEV platform with unique styling for both the outside and inside.
  • Toyota Motor Corp. showcased the plug-in version of its Prius hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with plans to launch in Japan, the U.S., and Europe by the end of 2009.
  • PSA Peugeot Citroen Group aims to sell 25,000 units of the Peugeot electric vehicle annually in 27 European countries.

Statistics:

  • 2011: Chosen as the launch year for the electric version of the Renault Kangoo compact hatchback.
  • 2010: Planned launch year for the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group's electric vehicle under the Peugeot brand.
  • 27: Number of European countries targeted by PSA Peugeot Citroen Group for sales of the Peugeot electric vehicle.
  • 25,000: Targeted annual sales of the Peugeot electric vehicle in 27 European countries.
  • Japan, U.S., and Europe: Regions planned for the launch of Toyota Motor Corp.'s plug-in Prius hybrid by the end of 2009.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, Sept 16
  • Nikkei
  • (Note: Publication dates, if not explicitly provided in the original text, have been omitted for accuracy)