Hybrid vehicle leaders Toyota and Ford have just announced a new partnership that will lead to the development of advanced hybrid trucks and SUVs. Although the two automakers have worked independently on their own rear-wheel drive hybrid systems, they will collaborate in an effort to bring greater efficiency to truck and SUV customers without sacrificing capability.
Not only will Ford and Toyota collaborate on next-generation hybrid powertrain systems, but the automakers will also work to standardize telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally.
“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”
While both companies have worked tirelessly on separate rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems, Toyota and Ford were surprised to find common ground when the two began discussing this potential collaboration. Ultimately, the partnership will yield an array of benefits for consumers.
“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”
After sharing common technology and components, the automakers will each be responsible for individually integrating the system into their own vehicles. When combined with new telematics standards, future pickups and SUVs not only promise to be more efficient, but they’ll also deliver a more secure and more convenient in-car experience.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.”
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