A123 Systems Secures Three Production Contracts for Lithium Ion Engine Start Battery

A123 Systems

, today announced production contracts for the company's 12V Engine Start Battery with three leading European automakers, including McLaren Automotive for the MP4-12C and a major German OEM that will use the battery in a 2013 model year passenger vehicle. A123's Engine Start Battery is designed as a replacement for absorbent glass mat (

) and other lead acid batteries, providing a lighter-weight, longer-lasting solution for micro-hybrid functionality that enhances vehicle performance, improves fuel economy and lowers total cost of ownership. A123 is also developing next-generation designs that are intended to further reduce the cost of its Engine Start Battery to make it applicable to a wider range of vehicle applications.