BMW and Toyota have deepened their collaboration with the signing of binding agreements to jointly development a new sports car, fuel cell systems and lightweight technologies.

They will also start collaborative research on lithium-air batteries, a post-lithium-battery solution.

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The two carmakers are looking into a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle, a study that will report back by the end of the year. Both are also convinced that fuel cell technology is vital in the search for zero emissions.

BMW and Toyota will share their technologies to jointly develop a fuel-cell vehicle system, including not only a fuel cell stack, but also a hydrogen tank, motor and battery, aiming for completion in 2020.

On lightweight technology they plan to develop reinforced composites with an eye to potentially using these on a jointly developed sports vehicle platform and others.

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said: “TMC and the BMW group share the same strategic vision of future sustainable mobility. In light of the technological changes ahead, the entire automotive industry faces tremendous challenges which we also regard as an opportunity. This collaboration is an important building block in keeping both companies on a successful course in the future.”

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Toyota president Akio Toyoda, added: “It is just over a year since we signed our collaborative MoU and, with each day as our relationship strengthens, we feel acutely that we are making steadfast progress. Now, we are entering the phase that promises the fruit. While placing importance on what we learn from the joint development, we will work hard together in reaching our common goal of making ever-better cars.”

BMW Group and TMC first agreed to form a medium-to-long-term collaborative relationship for developing next-generation environment-friendly vehicles and technologies in December 2011.

They signed a contract under which BMW supplies diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe.