Toyota and Suzuki have announced plans for new “joint projects” in the fields of technological development, market development and vehicle production, including supply to African markets.
The two Japanese automakers signed a memorandum of understanding in early 2017, and have now announced the “mutual supply of vehicles” for the Indian market and “other joint efforts”. Meanwhile, the two companies have also broadened the scope of their partnership considerations to include joint efforts related to production and market development.
Toyota and components manufacturer Denso Corporation (in which Toyota owns a share) plan to provide Suzuki with “technological support” for a “compact, ultra-high-efficiency powertrain” that will ultimately be developed by Suzuki, and that the latter describes as “vital to Suzuki”.
In addition, there are plans for Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the brand’s Indian production subsidiary, to produce models developed by Suzuki for sale in India through both the Toyota and Suzuki networks.
Lastly, the two automakers are discussing the supply of models developed by Suzuki, including those to be produced by Toyota Kirloskar Motor, from “India to African and other markets” by Toyota and Suzuki, employing both sales networks to sell such vehicles, and “advancing co-operation in the domains of logistics and services”.
“As members of Indian society, Toyota, along with Suzuki, will do its best to enhance freedom and fun in a future society of mobility and to make ‘Made in India’ vehicles cherished in Africa and in many other countries around the world,” said Toyota president, Akio Toyoda.
Suzuki chairman, Osamu Suzuki, added that he hoped the new joint projects would “contribute to the future success of both companies, not only in India, but also in the global market”.
