Japanese OEMs Toyota and Suzuki are to consider extending their 15-month-old business partnership to work together on sales, production and technological development, with a focus on India and its export markets.
Ideas to be further evaluated include using Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private (TKM) to produce models developed by Suzuki for sale in India through each of the Toyota and Suzuki brand networks.
The companies will also discuss supplying models developed by Suzuki, including those made by TKM, from India to African and other markets, again with the companies using their own networks to sell the vehicles.
The partners say they will also advance cooperation in logistics and services, while automotive parts supplier Denso Corporation and Toyota will provide Suzuki with technological support for a compact, ultra-high-efficiency powertrain to be developed by Suzuki.
Referring to an Indian government campaign to boost domestic manufacturing, Toyota president Akio Toyoda (pictured) said the carmakers would do their best ensure Indian-made vehicles were cherished in Africa and in many other countries around the world.
Suzuki’s chairman Osamu Suzuki said receiving support for development of a compact, ultra-high-efficiency powertrain is vital for Suzuki, and the company would focus efforts on that development.
The companies’ partnership dates from February 2017 when they signed a memorandum of understanding to explore potential cooperation in products, components, the environment, safety and information technology.
