Exide Technologies (Princeton, NJ) and Siemens VDO Automotive AG (Munich) announced a collaborative agreement to develop automotive energy-management systems for 14V and 42V automotive electrical and electronic architectures for the global original-equipment manufacturers market.
Through the partnership, Exide Technologies and the Siemens VDO Automotive Carbody Electronics division will co-develop and market products and systems designed to optimize the electrical-energy management in vehicles, such as advanced software and high-tech state-of-charge/state-of-health sensors. The two companies are combining their expertise, research efforts and patented technologies to be first to market with innovative, global solutions for the auto industry's transition to high-demand 42V electrical vehicle systems, which are expected to begin appearing on cars and trucks as early as next year. The companies also will cooperate on dual-voltage configurations for vehicles, combining 42V technology with today's 14V automotive systems.
"The rapid increase in electrical and electronic content in vehicles is not only driving the need for more powerful electrical distribution systems, but also is creating a demand for optimized management of the electrical distribution system, including the battery," said Dr. Franz Wressnigg, chairman and CEO of Siemens VDO Automotive AG. "In our alliance with Exide Technologies, we feel we've found the right partner to help us help our customers find complete solutions."
"The strength of Siemens VDO as a leading global automotive supplier of advanced energy-management systems made them a natural partner for us in terms of leveraging Exide Technologies' strength in energy-storage systems," said Craig H. Muhlhauser, president and CEO of Exide Technologies. "The result will be totally integrated systems for our global automotive OEM customers -- unique and affordable solutions to meet the needs of tomorrow's vehicles and consumers."
