Car giants set sights on EV’s, automated tech
Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda, left, and Mazda Motor Corp. President Masamichi Kogai.
Toyota and Mazda are looking at working on electric vehicles and automated cars a part of a partnership that has been steadily growing.
The two carmakers are already working on some projects together, most notably the creation of the Yaris Sedan, based on the Mazda2.
Toyota and Mazda would be working on electric vehicles (EV) and drivetrains in addition to automated vehicle technologies, according to Automotive News.
The partnership could reportedly involve up to 10 different areas of expertise.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that while both companies plan on a mass producing battery powered cars in the future, neither is optimistic that the new machines will be profitable.
More joint work between Toyota and Mazda would add to a trend of Japan’s largest carmakers consolidating the industry by way of acquisition or alliance.
Toyota bought out the rest of minicar maker Daihatsu earlier this year and is exploring a research and development partnership with Suzuki.
A fuel economy scandal also led Nissan to buy a stake in Mitsubishi in a transaction completed last month.
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