OT: GM To Unveil Hybrid Light Truck Today!
This could be potenially huge for VLNC (film/laminate sales). IF they go with the LiPoTek 42-volt system from Delphi.
If you recall from the last cc Lev stated that VLNC can sale film (at a profit, I presume <G>) cheaper than ANYBODY's cost to produce it. Most likely and which Lev has stated, he anticipates Delphi will buy film from Valence.
Recent (and some dated) news to support my speculation:
'99 Detroit trade show
<<"The luxury car you are seeing now will probably be the last to have a
conventional 12-volt electrical system. In a Detroit engineering show, a
Renault Megane appeared with a 36V lithium polymer battery in the trunk,
which American company Delphi had engineered with electronic steering
assistance"
Auto Industry News>>
pacificlithium.com
Standard and Poor's Study- PR, 7-27-00
<<...But Standard & Poor's expects that 42 volts will become a
self-supporting phenomenon. The benefits it provides will become
prerequisites to satisfying market demand for improved comfort and
convenience and regulatory requirements for reduced emissions and fuel
consumption.
While Renault SA recently announced it will rollout a model with a
combination of 14- and 42-volt power, in 2004, with a complete 42-volt
system not expected until 2007, Standard & Poor's predicts that 42 volts
will be first applied within the next two years to vehicles and markets
where the benefits it enables will be of greatest value to the vehicle
owner.>>
biz.yahoo.com
From Worldlyinvestor.com (7-28-00)
'Electrifying Launch'
<<...Delphi is a leader in America in developing the pieces of the 42-colt
electrical systems that are coming to the market soon. According to a
preliminary copy of a report by Standard & Poor's DRI in London, the
``market for the systems, which would improve overall passenger comfort
and safety, will be substantial -- 25% to 35% of the light vehicles
produced in North America, Europe and Japan will have 42-volt systems by
2010.''
Sales start in 2002, with production of 46,000 units, but annual
production will be 2.8 million units in 2006, as current car platforms
are replaced with their more fuel-efficient successors. Delphi's sold
$58 million in telematic products in the quarter, up from $8 million a
year ago...>>
biz.yahoo.com
The largest hurdle overcoming the introduction of Li-poly to the marketplace WAS mass production. Which IMHO, Valence and Delphi solved back in the 97-98 time-frame, which ended their SUCCESSFUL jv.
Hopefully today will see some evidence of this. Although sale of film could be 9-12 months out, that's only if GM's hybrid will be using Li-poly battery, this of course is all MHO. |
