OSAKA, Japan, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
Corporation today announced that it will supply lithium-ion battery
cells for Ford Motor Company's hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The upcoming models of the Ford Fusion Hybrid Electric and C-Max
Hybrid Electric as well as the Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi
plug-in hybrids will use Panasonic battery cells in combination
with a gasoline engine.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120224/NY59116-a
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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120224/NY59116-b )
With growing environmental concerns and escalating oil prices,
demand for rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles is
expected to grow rapidly. Panasonic is building up its battery
business to meet such demand. The company is already supplying
nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery cells and systems for hybrid
electric vehicles to a growing number of automotive manufacturers
around the world, including Ford Motor Company as well as
lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids
and electric vehicles.
The lithium-ion battery supply agreement with Ford Motor Company
builds on a long-term partnership between the two companies. SANYO
Electric Co.,Ltd , which was acquired by Panasonic last year, has
been supplying Ni-MH battery systems for the Ford Escape hybrid
vehicle since 2004. The company's battery systems have been
powering the Ford Escape Hybrid, and the company's battery cells
have been powering the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
The partnership now expands to lithium-ion battery cells for the
four Ford hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Battery cells are
delivered in cell stack configuration to increase transportation
efficiency and reliability.
Panasonic continues to accelerate the development and
commercialization of high performance rechargeable batteries for
green vehicles and further expand its rechargeable battery business
globally, thereby contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of
automotive activity worldwide.
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and
manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer,
business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded
consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion
yen (US$105 billion) for the
year ended March 31, 2011. The
company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka,
Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more
information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the
company's website at http://panasonic.net.
SOURCE Panasonic