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The
U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on Friday listed 25
companies in the probe, including BMW, Honda Motor Co Ltd,
Toyota Motor Corp, along with Japanese parts suppliers Aisin
Seiki Co Ltd and Denso Corp.
The probe was initiated by patent holding firm Intellectual
Ventures II, which in March filed a complaint alleging that
thermoplastic parts used in motors, water pumps, electronic
power steering units and other powertrain parts made by or used
in vehicles sold by the companies infringe on its patents.
Used in parts which come in contact with high-temperature auto
components, thermoplastics are more lightweight and durable
compared with other materials used in vehicle powertrains,
helping to increase efficiency and improve fuel economy.
The complaint affects vehicle models sold in the United States
including the 2016 Toyota Camry, 2017 Honda Accord and the 2016
BMW 228i, according to the patent company.
The USITC said it would set a target date to complete its
investigation within 45 days of starting the probe.
Shares in Honda and Toyota were little changed during the Tokyo
session on Monday.
A Toyota spokeswoman declined to comment on the issue, while
officials in Japan at BMW, Honda, Aisin and Denso were not
immediately available for comment.
(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
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