Toyota, Suzuki expand scope of collaboration to Africa, Europe

Auto majors even plan joint development of model

Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation on Wednesday announced the strengthening of their collaboration, including manufacturing of 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.

Supplying Ciaz, Ertiga

As part of “considering a concrete collaboration in new fields,” Suzuki would supply Ciaz sedan and Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle to Toyota in India in addition to the already agreed supplies of premium hatchback Baleno and compact SUV Vitara Brezza.

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

Toyota on the other hand, will provide Suzuki its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technologies in India through local procurement of HEV systems, engines, and batteries, while also supplying THS (Toyota Hybrid System) to Suzuki in the global markets.

Commenting on the India-specific collaboration, the two companies said the partnership would focus on the fields of technological development and production leveraging on each other’s strengths. Moreover, drawing upon Suzuki’s expertise in developing vehicles in India, Toyota and Suzuki plan joint development of a Toyota C-segment MPV and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supply (of the same) to Suzuki.