Daimler has announced it is looking for ways to expand its collaboration with California-based Tesla Motors.
"I told my guys, go back to Tesla and look for other opportunities [to work together]," said Bodo Uebber, Daimler's chief financial officer. "We want to look for more cooperation."
Uebber did not specify areas where Daimler and Tesla are looking to cooperate, and he did not reveal whether the German automaker is open to increasing its stake in its American partner. Tesla has not commented on the matter.
Earlier rumors indicated Tesla would help Mercedes develop a battery-powered variant of its mid-size Vito van but the project has been canceled because there is not enough demand for electric commercial vehicles. However, Tesla could help Mercedes-Benz by providing batteries for upcoming plug-in hybrid variants of smaller models like the C-Class.
Daimler first teamed up with Tesla in 2009 when it purchased a 4.3-percent stake in the California startup. Tesla later helped Mercedes engineers design the upcoming Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive, an all-electric people-mover with a maximum range of approximately 115 miles, and it provides smart with the drivetrain that powers the tiny fortwo electric drive.
Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/daimler-looking-to-expand-cooperation-with-tesla.html#ixzz2jPRCYGGh
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