DEARBORN, MI — Siemens VDO Automotive has completed its acquisition of Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s Electric Drive Business located in Dearborn, MI, solidifying the company’s long term commitment to the hybrid electric vehicle market and further electrification of the powertrain.

"This is a great day for Siemens VDO, as the Ballard Electric Drive acquisition is representative of Siemens VDO’s strategy for growing our core competencies in alternative powertrain areas, such as hybrid electronics," said Siemens VDO President and Chief Executive Officer John Sanderson. "By becoming part of Siemens VDO, a recognized world leader in automotive electronics, Ballard and its valuable, highly-skilled employees will be in a position to capitalize on new business opportunities in the $14 billion (by 2015) global hybrid market."

The Ballard Power System Corp. Dearborn-based employees will join Siemens VDO’s Powertrain Electronics and Drivetrain division. The Dearborn location will serve as the organization’s North American center of expertise for the advancement of power electronics, motor design and electrical drive systems for hybrid and fuel cell applications.

“We are very excited to welcome the Ballard Power Systems Corp. team of employees to the Siemens VDO family,” said Sanderson during his first official visit to the Ballard Dearborn office. “We look forward to merging their skills and expertise into a stronger operation for the future.”

With the acquisition, Siemens VDO now has complete access to the 66,000-square-foot research, development and manufacturing operation in Dearborn and will be integrating approximately 80 highly specialized personnel into the organization.