BMW, GM end talks about cooperating on fuel cells

That didn't last long. In December, the word was that General Motors and BMW would pair up on fuel cell powerplants. Today, it looks like those talks are over and done with. As BMW spokesman Alexander Bilgeri told Bloomberg, "We are still talking to GM, but no longer on the topic of fuel cells."

It sounds like this change is a consequence of the soon-to-be official partnership between BMW and Toyota for "joint projects in hybrid technology, fuel cells, vehicle electronics" and lightweight technology, according to Der Spiegel. BMW and Toyota argeed – also last December – to collaborate on new green technologies. Given the expense of researching and developing better engines, we're not surprised that these sorts of team-ups get talked about ... and then sometimes fall through.

We should get more information on the BMW/Toyota deal after the two companies hold a joint press conference Thursday, June 29.