“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. Through our new agreement, we look forward to the wider use of hybrid technologies, not only in India and Europe, but around the world,” Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, said.

Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki, said “at the time we announced our scope of cooperation in May last year, I spoke that we will strive for success globally… we appreciate the kind offer from Toyota to let us make use of their hybrid technology”.

As part of the new plans, in Europe, Toyota will adopt the newly developed Suzuki engines for compact vehicles. Such engines will be supported by Denso and Toyota and will be manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland.

Japanese auto majors — Toyata Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation — have decided to strengthen their collaboration in new fields such as hybrid electric vehicles and engines for compact cars, besides manufacturing the Suzuki-developed compact SUV Vitara Brezza at Toyota’s plant in India from 2022.

The two partners have agreed to extend their collaboration to Europe and Africa over and above their partnership in India.

The auto leaders announced that during the first phase, their primary focus would be India. Maruti Suzuki would be sharing its Vitara Brezza platform with Toyota in exchange for Corolla Altis.

Both companies also decided to share the research and development of hybrid and electric cars specially designed for the Indian market.

Suzuki will supply its India-produced vehicles — Baleno, Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga — to Toyota for the African market, the companies said in a joint statement.

Electric vehicle technology is one of the biggest strengths of Toyota. However, Suzuki has an edge in compact vehicles and powertrains. Toyota will supply THS (Total Hybrid System) to Suzuki on a global scale.

The Telegraph