Germany Fertile Ground for Automotive Battery Manufacturers

Berlin (ots) - Automotive batteries is one of the major topics in
the global auto industry. This is because energy storage is crucial
in developing low emission powertrains using hybrid or fully electric
technologies. According to the consultancy Advanced Auto Batteries,
global growth in automotive batteries has increased more than
ten-fold over the last six years and the global market will likely
approach US$1.4 billion by 2010 and $2 billion by 2013. Growth in
hybrids is especially strong in Germany, where registrations
increased 44 percent in 2007. Business opportunities in Germany will
be presented at the Advanced Automotive Battery and Ultracapacitator
Conference, AABC 2008, May 14-16th in Tampa, Florida, USA.

Major German automakers are working to develop new battery-powered
drivetrains for which a reliable and long-lasting means of storing
energy is essential. German OEMs are scheduled to release nine
initial hybrid model series by 2010. These manufacturers encompass
major players such as Daimler, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and
Opel.

Daimler holds 25 patents in lithium-ion battery technologies and
is planning to integrate such batteries into its hybrid S-class
Mercedes models by 2009. The supplier Continental is serving as
Daimler's system integrator and battery supplier.

Other industry leaders such as BASF, Bosch, Evonik, and Volkswagen
have joined forces under the "Lithium Ion Battery LIB 2015"
innovation alliance. They are investing ?360 million in coming years
in research and development of lithium-ion batteries. The German
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is contributing ?60
million toward this effort, as part of the federal government's
"high-tech strategy." Over a ten-year period, the federal government
will provide ?1.1 billion to applied research on automotive
electronics, lithium-ion batteries, lightweight construction, and
other automotive applications.

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has
recently launched a joint initiative among all the participating
branches of industry, research institutes, and the BMBF to develop
industry standards and a common base for future research in
alternative storage systems. Opportunities exist for foreign
investors to establish their own facilities in Germany, partner with
German OEMs or suppliers, and apply for research funding.

Invest in Germany is the inward investment promotion agency of the
Federal Republic of Germany. It provides investors with comprehensive
support from site selection to the implementation of investment
decisions. Invest in Germany can be found at stand 44 during the AABC
2008.

Originaltext: Invest in Germany
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Press-contact:
Eva Henkel
Tel: +49 (0)30 2000 99 173
F: +49 (0)30 2000 99 111
henkel@invest-in-germany.com