Suzuki Motor Corporation is set to supply Toyota Motor Corporation with a new battery-electric SUV model, marking a significant expansion in the companies’ ongoing partnership, as reported by PTI on October 30. This collaboration is part of a larger effort to advance electric mobility and address shared goals of reducing carbon emissions.
According to a statement from Suzuki, the new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) model will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant, with production expected to start in early 2025. Maruti Suzuki India, in which Suzuki holds a 58% stake, is preparing to launch the same EV model in India next year.
Key Highlights of the Suzuki-Toyota Collaboration
• Suzuki’s First BEV to Toyota: Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki expressed appreciation for the deepening relationship between the two companies, as they aim to support a carbon-neutral society through electric mobility. Suzuki will provide Toyota with its first-ever BEV for the global market, which is a milestone in their partnership.
• Joint Development of BEV Platform: Toyota President Koji Sato emphasized the significance of leveraging a jointly developed BEV platform, which will support their multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality. The companies plan to bring diverse, eco-friendly vehicle options to customers worldwide.
• Long-Standing Partnership: Since 2016, Suzuki and Toyota have worked together on multiple initiatives, including vehicle manufacturing, EV development, and cross-branding. In 2017, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a business alliance, leading to mutual supply and production of vehicles in Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Notable Collaborations and Models
• Vehicle Cross-Branding in India: Under their partnership, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Toyota Electric SUV in India launched rebadged Suzuki models, including the Suzuki Baleno as the Toyota Glanza and the Suzuki Brezza as the Urban Cruiser, although the latter was later discontinued.
• Joint Production of Grand Vitara and Others: Suzuki’s Suzuki Toyota Partnership Grand Vitara, developed in India, is produced at Toyota’s TKM facility, where it is sold as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Additionally, Toyota markets the Invicto (based on Innova Hycross) and the Ertiga MPV as the Rumion, showcasing the depth of this cross-manufacturing alliance.
• Aiming for Global EV Impact: The new electric SUV collaboration reflects the companies’ efforts to expand electric vehicle options globally, contributing to a more sustainable automotive future across multiple markets.
Why This Matters
As Suzuki and Toyota strengthen their partnership in EVs, they are setting a precedent for the automotive industry by focusing on carbon-neutral goals and shared expertise. By producing and sharing EV technology, they aim to deliver sustainable transportation solutions on a global scale.
This strategic move aligns with India’s growing EV market and the worldwide shift towards cleaner, more efficient mobility. With manufacturing set in India, this venture also supports India’s vision of becoming a key hub for electric vehicle production.
For more information on Suzuki and Toyota’s partnership and the electric vehicle landscape in India, visit the official websites or trusted auto industry news platforms.
+ There are no comments
Add yours