BMW CEO sees Toyota alliance going beyond 2025

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse on Thursday said he would seek to better relation with Toyota and wants the current alliance between the German and Japanese automaker centred on fuel cells and convertibles, going beyond 2025.

“In the next decades, we would do well to strengthen bonds,” Zipse informed the Automobilwoche Kongress on Thursday.

The alliance which presently includes a cooperation deal on fuel cell cars and joint development of a sports-car should continue beyond 2025, Zipse said.

Fuel cell cars, which are powered by hydrogen, may experience an advantage from a concerted push by policymakers, to industrialize the production of hydrogen, Zipse said.

Separately, Zipse said BMW is looking for ways to save expenses by slimming down its portfolio of models.

“Coupés, convertibles and roadsters, we will see what will be left,” Zipse said, commenting about one of the areas where BMW is evaluating its product offering.