BMW M3 carbon-fiber roof

BMW M3 carbon-fiber roof

As we first reported back in April of last year, German auto giant Daimler and Japanese carbon specialist Toray will be forming a partnership to speed the development and manufacture of lightweight carbon fiber components for cars.

This week the two firms have announced plans to form a joint venture by March. The newly formed company, of which Daimler will own 44.9 percent, Toray 50.1 percent and the remaining 5.0 percent going to outside investors, will be based in France and manufacture and sell completed carbon fiber components for cars.  

This will be the first time that Toray, the world’s biggest supplier of carbon fiber with a 34 percent global market share, will be producing components for cars. The company has previously supplied raw carbon fiber yarn to other automakers including Ferrari, Lexus and Toyota.

One of the first recipients of the joint ventures new carbon fiber components will be the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class due next year.

[Reuters via GreenCarReports]