Volvo launches plug-in hybrid vehicle project

Another example of bone-headed stubbornness. Volvo has access to the hybrid technology that Ford licensed from Toyota. Did they do anything with it (like incorporate it into a hybrid XC90)? NOT. Now, because of all the interest around hybrids, they start a hybrid exercise. Kind of like how they had to be 'encouraged' to develop the XC90 after Ford purchased Volvo.

 

Doesn't GM have an interest in Saab? They could use the Volt technology, why reinvent the wheel? Oh hang on, the volt is only a concept.

 

I remember seeing years ago, a show on the History Channel which showed a Volvo turbine series hybrid delivery truck. I also heard a rumor that Fords hybrid tech originated in Volvo.

It is possible that this venture has backing from the the Swedish government, and thus a domestic only co-op.

 

It originated at Toyota: Ford to Use Toyota's Hybrid Technology - New York Times

I doubt it as the car company participants are subsidiaries of U.S. companies.

 

It's good that they're doing this, but this is a research project, so will be 5 to 10 years before an actual car comes out of it.

 

Ford may have licensed some of Toyota's tech, but it did not originate with Toyota. Ford developed their own system, but Toyota beat them to the patent office. So they reached an agreement on the 21 of 350 Toyota patents Ford's system might infringe upon. Toyota got access to some of Ford's emission and direct injection spark ignition(DISI) technology in exchange of letting Ford have access to the the hybrid tech.

Future Toyota's will have Ford tech in them.
Ford, Toyota Swap License Agreements | Mechanical Engineering | Find Articles at BNET.com
Car Prices and Research - Toyota and Ford Reach Hybrid Technology Agreement


With a Swedish power company, and battery & fuel cell company, it appears to be a Swede only partnership.