Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
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Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
Cobasys isn't delivering the batteries it agreed to build for Mercedes-Benz's planned hybrid SUV, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. alleges in a lawsuit filed last week. That could push Mercedes to delay the launch of its ML450, previously scheduled for late 2009.
The suit also says that Mercedes-Benz "understands that a buyer for Cobasys has now been located, and that a sale of Cobasys is now imminent."
Cobasys, a joint venture between Energy Conversion Devices Inc. and the venture-capital arm of Chevron Corp., builds batteries for General Motors' mild hybrid sedans. Automotive News reported in June that GM was nearing a deal to buy Cobasys, but no agreement has been announced.
The suit also says that Mercedes-Benz "understands that a buyer for Cobasys has now been located, and that a sale of Cobasys is now imminent."
Cobasys, a joint venture between Energy Conversion Devices Inc. and the venture-capital arm of Chevron Corp., builds batteries for General Motors' mild hybrid sedans. Automotive News reported in June that GM was nearing a deal to buy Cobasys, but no agreement has been announced.
Engineering first
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,613
From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
I learned a long time ago how difficult it is to separate incompetence from malice. Cobasys has been their own worst enemy and the original founder who held the patents for NiMH batteries has to be punching the wall in frustration. But the current Cobasys management "couldn't sell water in Hades." Hopefully the new management will 'clean house' and maybe hire back the skilled engineers and technologists the current management no doubt drove away.
I have to share with you' all that the more I've studied NiMH battery technology, the more impressed I am with it. IMHO, a properly designed battery with provisions for water replacement should last 3-4 human generation lifetimes. It really is that good.
Bob Wilson
I have to share with you' all that the more I've studied NiMH battery technology, the more impressed I am with it. IMHO, a properly designed battery with provisions for water replacement should last 3-4 human generation lifetimes. It really is that good.
Bob Wilson
Last edited by bwilson4web; Aug 8, 2008 at 10:46 AM.
Pretty Darn Active Enthusiast
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Posts: 344
Re: Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
Bob, let's say "battery technology and computerized battery management". I know that's what you meant, but they are two distinct fields.
I see from the cited article that Cobasys is in Tuscaloosa. You have any inside news from them?
DAS
I see from the cited article that Cobasys is in Tuscaloosa. You have any inside news from them?
DAS
Hybrid and Ethanol Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,616
From: All over the Central U.S.
Re: Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
I can't find the link at the moment, but a guy in ( Australia? ) says NiMH should last 100 years when properly cared for. He claims to have some military batteries from Vietnam War era that still work fine today. I guess the military had them before the public had them. I was an Infant at the time, but when did NiMH hit the public's hands?
Pretty Darn Active Enthusiast
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Posts: 344
Re: Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
Wiki says public in late 1980's.
In the mid-1960's I was a lad on a beach in Hawaii. I picked up an unexplored military shell that had washed ashore
I found that it was to have been triggered by a battery-like thing in the base that I imagined was activated by salt water. About 5 years later in Popular Science I read about 'brand new salt water activated batteries'. Not so new.
Parents of inquisitive children: watch them at beaches. I was quite lucky not to have hurt myself with the gadget.
DAS
In the mid-1960's I was a lad on a beach in Hawaii. I picked up an unexplored military shell that had washed ashore
I found that it was to have been triggered by a battery-like thing in the base that I imagined was activated by salt water. About 5 years later in Popular Science I read about 'brand new salt water activated batteries'. Not so new.
Parents of inquisitive children: watch them at beaches. I was quite lucky not to have hurt myself with the gadget.
DAS
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Re: Mercedes sues Cobasys over battery deal
It was such a shame to have a delayed launch of the ML450. Well, that was the past. But now the ML450 is in top shape, having high quality and exceptional mercedes parts such as the batteries.
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