Age old rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have decided that co-operation is the only way forward and have signed an agreement to co-develop new hybrid engine technology. The move, which is the motoring equivalent of the Spartans and the Persians sitting down for tea and biscuits, instead of knocking seven bells out of each other at Thermopale, comes as the German car industry is under fire for its poor CO2 performance. The EU has been rapping the knuckles of most European-based car companies for failing to hti the volountary 140g/km CO2 limit for 2008, and is threatening to legislate for a compulsory 120g/km limit for 2012.
Such a move would seriously dent the profits and sales at both companies, so hybrid technology is a quick and efficient way of cutting their CO2 footprints. Especially at a time when both jabve just launched new seven-seat SUVs. The first fruits of the tie-up will most likely be 'soft' hybrid systems, that are essentially small electric motors that boost power for short periods and allow the fuel engines to be shut down when standing in traffic, before progressing to 'full' hybrid systems like Toyota and Lexus' HSD set-up
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