EV collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota • EVreporter

Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced plans to deepen their collaboration in the supply of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Suzuki will provide Toyota with a BEV SUV model, which is set to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India starting in 2025.

Both companies, originating from Enshu in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, have a shared history of transitioning from loom production to automobiles. Since 2016, under the guidance of leaders Osamu Suzuki and Akio Toyoda, they have expanded their collaboration to cover various areas, including vehicle production and mutual supply of electrified vehicles. This partnership has allowed them to reach markets in Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

This new SUV is the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) resulting from the companies’ original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationship between Suzuki and Toyota, and it will be launched globally. Through this BEV introduction, the companies aim to support their carbon-neutral goals. The model is designed as an SUV and provides a cruising range along with a cabin for passenger comfort. It features an optional four-wheel drive (4WD) system that can enhance drivability on rough roads and improve overall performance.

The BEV unit and platform were developed collaboratively by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Corporation, utilizing the strengths of each company.

Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki‘s commented, “Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way. While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations toward solving social issues, including the realization of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”

Toyota President Koji Sato‘s Stated, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide. We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”

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