Many car companies have formed or are considering forming partnerships with other car makers to offset the costs of research and development.
The market is now demanding vehicles with better fuel economy while emitting less CO2. This is pressuring auto makers to put more funds into research and development.
Daimler is looking for R&D partners for its Mercedes-Benz division. In 2007, the companyspent about 4.1 billion euros (around 6.5 billion dollars) on R&D. Between 2008 and 2010 it estimates it will spend over 22 billion dollars.
It has been in talks to several companies about a partnership but it is under “no pressure” to sign contracts.