TOYOTA AND SUZUKI COLLABORATION

The old adage, “two heads are better than one” is certainly true.

Toyota Motor Corporation, (Toyota) and Suzuki Motor Corporation, (Suzuki) have recently announced their agreement to begin considering a concrete collaboration in new fields.

They have been in talks concerning their new, combined venture since February 2017 and it is now set to come to fruition in what would appear to be a very positive meeting of minds and skill sets.

Toyota and Suzuki, in addition to bringing together Toyota’s strengths in electrification technologies and Suzuki’s strengths in technologies for compact vehicles and crossovers, intend to push forward as a stronger, more forceful team.

Moving forward, insofar as Toyota ad Suzuki continue to fairly and freely compete, both companies intend to consider further collaboration to realize a sustainable future mobility society while respecting all applicable laws.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said, “When it comes to vehicle electrification, which is expected to make further inroads, hybrid technologies are seen as playing a huge role in many markets, as from before. Widespread acceptance is necessary for electrified vehicles to be able to contribute to the Earth’s environment. Through our new agreement, we look forward to the wider use of hybrid technologies, not only in India and Europe but around the world. At the same time, we believe that the expansion of our business partnership with Suzuki will – from the mutual supply of vehicles and powertrains to the domains of development and production- will help to give us the cutting edge we would need to survive this once-a-century period of profound transformation. We intend to strengthen the competitiveness of both our companies by applying our strong points and learning from each other.”

Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said, “At the time we announced our scope of cooperation in May last year, I spoke that we will strive for success globally. I have seen progress in the partnership since then and it is my pleasure to be able to make this announcement today regarding the status of partnership on a global basis, including Europe and Africa. In addition, we appreciate the kind offer from Toyota to let us make use of their hybrid technology. We will continue our utmost efforts.”