Robert Bosch GmbH and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. are planning a 50-50 joint venture to develop, manufacture, and sell lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications. The joint venture, SB LiMotive Co. Ltd., will be headquartered in Korea and will start operations in September 2008.

In connection with its hybrid project unit, Bosch has expertise in power electronics, battery management, electric motors, transmissions, and DC/DC converters. Samsung SDI currently produces Li-ion for laptops, mobile phones, and power tools.