Maxwell Technologies and Kromberg & Schubert have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining terms of an alliance to incorporate Maxwell's Boostcap ultracapacitors into a engine starting system for automobiles. Many newer automotive designs place the battery in the trunk area, which requires running a heavy, rigid, expensive, 70-to-90 mm copper cable the length of the car to provide sufficient starting current. However, the new system employing a small ultracapacitor-based power module located near the starter can be charged by a lighter, flexible, less expensive, 16-to-25 mm cable. Kromberg & Schubert founded in 1902 is a supplier of wire harnesses, special cables and wires, plastics, grommets and other electrical and electronic components mainly for the automotive market. Headquartered in Abensberg, Germany, the company has more than 13,000 employees worldwide in 30 locations. Maxwell is a developer and manufacturer of energy storage and power delivery solutions.