Rivals to join forces

WE MAY not be seeing a Falcon with an engine built by Holden at Fishermens Bend any time soon, but the Ford Motor Co and General Motors are discussing a possible collaboration on developing new engines and powertrain technologies.

Sources quoted in a Detroit News report this week said the deal under consideration would give Ford access to GM's plug-in hybrid Volt technology and help GM offset the decision to cut its product development budget.

The report said GM approached Ford more than a month ago about a potential collaboration on powertrain development, and that the Blue Oval's board had approved negotiations.