COMPACT car expert Suzuki and global car maker Toyota have been cooperating in various aspects of research and development and manufacturing since 2017, but has yet to develop an actual vehicle since both companies signed a memorandum of understanding for a business alliance.
Toyota’s strength in hybrid and electrification technologies and Suzuki’s strength in development and manufacturing of compact vehicles will finally result in what company officials only identity as “a new SUV model.” This all-new vehicle, developed by Suzuki, will be produced at Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) in India and is eventually destined for a global market. In terms of size and pricing, it is expected to have a major impact on the global compact SUV market.
“We are pleased to announce the new SUV with Suzuki, a company that has a long history of local involvement in the Indian business,” President Akio Toyoda said.
This new vehicle is the result of five years of collaboration in development and production. The timing and launch in India will meet a growing demand for hybrid and electrified vehicles. As production targets will eventually include exporting the new SUV model to markets outside, including Asia and Africa, where ther is also an increasing popularization green, low- or no-emission vehicles.
“Today, the automotive industry is facing various challenges such as electrification and carbon neutrality. By leveraging the respective strengths of Toyota and Suzuki to provide Indian customers with a variety of options, we hope to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and realize a society where ‘no-one is left behind’ and ‘everyone can move freely.’” Toyoda added explaining how bringing together strengths of both Toyota and Suzuki through the collaboration, the two companies will be able to provide a wide variety of vehicle electrification technologies to customers and contribute to the acceleration of electrification and the “realization of a carbon-neutral society in India.”
“Production of the new SUV at TKM is a project that can contribute to the growth of India through providing eco-friendly mobility needed by customers. We recognize that it is a big milestone toward further deepening our collaboration in the future. We appreciate the support from Toyota, and at the same time, will explore new synergy and business opportunities through continuous collaboration,” Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki told the members of the media.
It is expected that the new SUV, though produced in India will quickly find its way to other markets because the two companies are already actively promoting mutual supply of vehicles globally. Suzuki is already cooperating with Indian automobile brand Maruti with the Maruti Suzuki India Limited and the continued collaboration with TKM will market the new model in India as both Suzuki and Toyota models, respectively.
The powertrains that will be used in the new SUV will be a mild-hybrid developed by Suzuki and a more powerful hybrid already available in other Toyota models.
