Automotive Battery Industry Growing, Germany a Key Driver

Berlin (ots) - 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.

Originaltext: Germany Trade and Invest
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Media Contact:
Eva Henkel
Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com
Phone: +49 (0)30-2000-173
Fax: +49 (0)30-2000-111