GM, Ford discuss powertrain development tie-up

[Mr. Wyndham]

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp and Ford Motor Co are discussing a possible collaboration to develop new engines and powertrain technologies as the automakers look to cut research and development costs, the Detroit News reported on Monday.

A deal would give Ford access to GM's plug-in hybrid Volt technology and help GM offset the decision to cut its product development budget, the paper quoted sources at the two companies as saying.

Saddled with losses amid a sharp drop in sales of once-profitable pickups and SUVs, the struggling automakers are aiming to slash costs across their entire business operations including product development.

The report said GM approached Ford about a potential tie-up on po wertrain development more than a month ago, and Ford's board approved negotiations with GM on the matter last month.

Representatives at the two companies were not immediately available for comment.

Developing an entirely new engine can cost $1 billion while a new transmission could cost about $800 million, the report said.

GM and Ford had also previously collaborated on the development of a fuel-saving six-speed transmission.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reute...47240420080804

VERY good news, imo. The two companies can cut costs, AND deliever unbelieveably superior products to help them both combat the imports.
I look forward to seeing what they come up with; both companies do different things very well!!

[headpunter]

good find

Kinda funny how everyone always wants to collaborate with GM. Mercedes and Chrysler did the same thing with the new(ish) 6speed auto trans

[Kyle2k]

I hope that doesn't mean "in a nutshell- that GM gives Ford the Volt technology and lets Ford do all the developing for engines" because, frankly GM makes much better engines.

[stovt001]

I'm all for sharing more common engines, but I hope performance powertrains remain proprietary for competitive purposes.

[CamaroSpike23]

for some reason all i can think GFM....







General Ford Motors.... (cue imperial march music)

[Congoman775]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/f...e-development/

im not sure if i want this to happen or not...

but there is alot to concider.

both companies arent doing so hott, and us Americans have to stick together

plus id love the camaro to have the dual-clutch tranny that Ford is spending all its money on right now

[Kyle2k]

I'm so gonna get flamed for this Uhm...lol, I think Ford would be a better branch of GM than Pontiac.

[Congoman775]

Originally Posted by Kyle2k

I'm so gonna get flamed for this Uhm...lol, I think Ford would be a better branch of GM than Pontiac.

well the mustang probaly moves close to the total amount of units moved by pontiac... those rental car agencies just cant get enough!!

[2KZ28_For_Now]

Originally Posted by headpunter

good find

Kinda funny how everyone always wants to collaborate with GM. Mercedes and Chrysler did the same thing with the new(ish) 6speed auto trans

Exactly. Many people don't realize that the "magnaride" magnetic shocks that Ferrari use were developed by GM (Or Delphi, a subsidiary, IIRC). These are the same shocks being used on the ZR1 Vette.

As for the collaboration, anything that keeps both brands alive and out of bankruptcy, I consider a positive. The "car wars" need to be sustained for as long as possible.

[Congoman775]

hopefully GM gets something good out of the deal. *Cough Cough* Camaro w/ Dual Clutch and 415 hp v6 eco boost...

[TAG UR IT]

I personally think this is GREAT news. I mean....we're talking about our american auto manufacturers here. Why in the world are we letting all these foreign car companies take over???

We are not enemies of Ford!

We don't hate them!!!

They might be competition, but competition against someone in your own homeland is just one more competitor. I say they team up to save the cash, share like we are all taught to do when growing up, and then completely take over the global auto industry.....muah-ha-ha-ha-

[MAC]

well considering the Ford dealership where we bought the taurus we have, is making us pay for a *NEW TRANSMISSION THAT THEY INSTALLED*, and that had *FAULTY PARTS* and *STILL DOESNT WORK*...I really dislike the thought of such an irresponsible company teaming up with a brand that has done such a great job with their business and is only getting better as the years go by.
Lets hope Ford doesn't butt in with the camaro, or we might end up with another Pinto fiasco.

I'm sorry to be so hateful about it, but ford is such a shitty company, look at how bad of performance engine the 05 model mustangs got...its rediculous that you have to get a V8 mustang, just to compete with the new V6 camaro...even with the new ones coming out I believe that to be true as well, correct me if i'm wrong...

what are they trying to do here?...what possibly does ford have, to offer GM?...
nothing really worth while...

[MCPOAJ]

ya know personnally it's a good IDEA wrong company... the american motor companies need help and when the word for comes to mind i think break down i mean come on i've seen 08 fusions ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD yes they were broken down OH last night there was a broken pontiac on a ford tow truck at autozone and the FORD was the one with the hood open... wtf is that

[Kyle2k]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

and then completely take over the global auto industry.....muah-ha-ha-ha-

So Brain, what are we gonna do tonight?