Automotive Battery Industry Growing, Germany a Key Driver
BERLIN, June 5 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
The automotive battery industry is growing at a rapid rate
despite the economic crisis. The increased focus on hybrid and electric
vehicles has led to battery innovation and market growth. With heavy
investment in research and development, Germany is positioned to be a global
leader in this market segment. Business opportunities in Germany resulting
from this trend will be presented at the Advanced Automotive Battery & EC
Capacitor Conference in Long Beach, California from June 8-12.
The segment has a domestic market volume of roughly USD 900
million, which is expected to grow as high as USD 10-15 billion by 2015,
according to Fraunhofer Magazine. Germany's automobile industry is
accelerating this trend. The major German automakers are working on a variety
of battery-supported transportation solutions: more than ten hybrid and full
electric vehicle models are slated for release by 2010. This includes new
autos from Daimler, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and Opel.
Cooperation in this field offers a number of possibilities for
international partnerships and investment. For example, Daimler has decided
to take a ten percent share of Tesla Motors, a California-based start-up. The
company supplied batteries for the electric versions of Daimler's Smart
vehicles, which will begin production at the end of 2009. Daimler has also
entered into a strategic alliance with the German company Evonik to further
Lithium-ion battery development.
As part of the National Strategy Conference for Electric
Mobility, the German Federal Government recently set the goal of having one
million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on German streets by 2020,
which would make Germany the leading market worldwide. To do this, they plan
to support each step of the process, from battery research to market
implementation.
The industry benefits from political support, due to a number
of factors: Battery-powered cars hold long-term potential to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions, curb global warming, and reduce foreign oil dependency. At
the same time, they reduce noise and pollution in cities and contribute to a
higher quality of life.
Dedication at the political level has been strengthened in
light of the current economic downturn. Within the framework of the German
economic stimulus program, over USD 700 million have been allocated for
research funding in the area of electric mobility. Interest-reduced loans and
grants can be received for developing new battery technology, as well as
other hybrid drives and fuel cell technologies.
Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives on hand at
booth 501/600 to speak with potential investors at this year's Advanced
Automotive Battery & EC Capacitor Conference.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment
promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises
and supports foreign companies seeking to expand into the German market and
assists companies established in Germany looking to enter foreign markets.
All inquiries are treated confidentially.
Media Contact:
Eva Henkel
Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com
Phone: +49(0)30-2000-173
Fax: +49(0)30-2000-111
SOURCE: Germany Trade & Invest
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