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Bosch & Samsung SDI Plan Joint Venture To Develop & Manufacture Lithium-Ion Batteries

June 17, 2008 by Jeff Shepard

Robert Bosch GmbH and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. have decided to set up a joint venture to develop, manufacture, and sell lithium-ion batteries. It is planned that the joint venture, which is to be named "SB LiMotive Co. Ltd." and to be headquartered in Korea, will start operations in September 2008. The shareholding of Robert Bosch GmbH will be 50% and that of Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. 50% – both companies will be equally represented on the board of management and on the board of directors. The foundation of the joint venture is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

The companies plan to collaborate in the development, manufacture, and worldwide sale of lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications. In connection with its hybrid project unit, Bosch states that it has already built up comprehensive expertise in areas such as power electronics, battery management, electric motors, transmissions, or dc-dc converters. The main focus of Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. is the further development of lithium-ion batteries, which it already produces for a large number of manufacturers of laptops, mobile phones, and power tools.