Toyota, Suzuki Agree to Begin Discussion on Joint Projects for Auto Manufacturing in India

Auto majors Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) on Friday said they have agreed to start discussion on new joint projects in the fields of technological development, vehicle production, and market development.

After having concluded a memorandum of understanding towards business partnership on February 6, 2017, Toyota and Suzuki have been pursuing concrete forms of cooperation and have announced the mutual supply of vehicles for the Indian market and other joint efforts. Meanwhile, the two companies have also been broadening the scope of their partnership considerations to include joint efforts related to production and market development, they said in a joint press statement.

Discussion topics
According to the statement, Denso Corporation and Toyota to provide Suzuki with technological support for a compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain to be developed by Suzuki.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (TKM) to produce models developed by Suzuki for sale in India through each of the Toyota and Suzuki brand network.

Supply of models developed by Suzuki, including those to be produced by TKM (as mentioned above), from India to African and other markets by Toyota and Suzuki, employing each of the Toyota and Suzuki sales networks to sell such vehicles, and advancing cooperation in the domains of logistics and services.

Details related to the above are to be discussed going forward.
“Suzuki was the first (among Japanese companies) to enter India, and, together with the people of India, has been a presence for pulling forward India’s automotive society. Such represents the spirit of “Let’s do it” that I mentioned when announcing the conclusion of our memorandum of understanding on beginning concrete examinations for business partnership. Or, as I like to say, Suzuki is a company that puts into practice being “The Best in Town,” Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota said.

As members of Indian society, Toyota, along with Suzuki, will do its best to enhance freedom and fun in a future society of mobility and to make “Make in India” vehicles cherished in Africa and in many other countries around the world, he said.

“At the time we announced the partnership, I said: Under the leadership of President Akio Toyoda, Toyota was enthusiastic throughout our discussions regarding partnership sought by Suzuki, which was concerned about the development of advanced technologies. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation,” Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said.

Immediately afterwards, Toyota arranged a series of intensive and meaningful discussions, he said.
“Now, we will receive support for the development of a compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain that is vital to Suzuki, and we will focus our utmost efforts on development,” Suzuki added.