Toyota and Mazda agree to share technology
Manufacturer partnerships, crucial in fighting rising development costs, gained added impetus with the announcement that Toyota and Mazda had agreed to share resources and technology. Toyota is already involved with BMW for upcoming Z4 and Supra but the partnership between the two Japanese companies includes sharing of fuel cell and plug-in technology while Mazda will return the favour with their high compression Skyactiv engines.
This is not the first time the brands have been involved with each other. Toyota’s Scion iA closely shadows a Mazda 2 and the next Toyota Yaris is believed to share similar componentry.
Speaking to Japanese media, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said: “We are excited to be working with Mazda. This partnership is based on a shared vision and mutual respect. We’ll respect each other’s people, technologies and cultures and will lead each other towards a better future. I would like our joint initiatives to send a message to the word, that we are committed to making cars more enjoyable over the next century.”
Mazda boss Masamichi Kogai added: “I am certain that it will also enable us to offer our customers greater value. I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well.”
