InformationWeek has learned that Mercedes-Benz may be forced to cancel or delay the launch of the ML450 hybrid. Cobasys, a joint venture between Chevron and Energy Conversion Devices, was contracted to supply Mercedes with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, a $6 million contract, might be closing shop due to the lack of funding from its partners (Chevron & ECD). The battery supplier lost almost $76 million in 2007, and may lose a similar amount this year.

If Cobasys is unable to supply the batteries, Mercedes will be forced to delay/cancel the launch of the ML4 50 Hybrid, until it finds a suitable supplier, or they might even force Cobasys to manufacture the batteries via litigation.

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Not good news at all.


M

I thought they were doing Lithium Polymer? NiMH is so freaking old now.

Maybe this will get them to make the switch, though I'm sure that will delay it until the next generation ML.

M

What a brilliant idea, let us buy batteries from an oil company..."huh what, you are closing shop? ugh!"

Chevron, lack of funding? Yeah right. Those guys got buck loads of money profiting from the increasing petrol prices.

You don't want LiPo in a car... I use them in remote control helos and cars... it's the Hindenbourg all over again...

Lots of power... lots lots lots of fire hazard....

Wha? An oil company throwing a monkey wrench in the launching of a hybrid vehicle? Nooo.....

I read some where (can't find it right now) that the company was planning on selling the battery department to GM and didn't design any of the battiers they were paid to do by Mercedes. Mercedes has a lawsuit against them for the 6 or 7 million they were paid.