DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Co. and Korean battery maker LG Group said Thursday they will jointly design and engineer electric vehicles under a new agreement.
LG already supplies lithium-ion batteries for the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera, which are electric cars with small backup gas engines. LG also supplied the batteries for a test fleet of electric Chevrolet Cruze small cars. Under the new agreement, engineers from both companies will work together on parts as well as vehicle structures and designs.
The agreement doesn't affect another pact GM signed earlier this month with A123 Systems Inc. to produce batteries for future electric vehicles.
"Many solutions for tomorrow's transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy," GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky said in a statement. "Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process."