Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced a significant step in their ongoing partnership, with plans to supply a battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV model developed by Suzuki to Toyota. This new model is set to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India, with a launch scheduled for spring 2025.
The collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota has its roots in Enshu, located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, where both companies originally shifted their focus from loom manufacturing to automobile production.
Since 2016, when Suzuki’s Chairman Osamu Suzuki and Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda began exploring potential business partnerships, the two companies have engaged in extensive collaboration across various fields. Their joint efforts have spanned vehicle production, mutual supply agreements, and the promotion of electrified vehicles, allowing them to reach markets in Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The latest development marks a notable milestone, as it represents the first BEV produced under the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationship between the two companies. As the global SUV market continues to grow rapidly, the introduction of this BEV model aims to offer consumers an environmentally friendly choice in a popular vehicle segment. With its nimble design, enhanced driving dynamics, and options for all-wheel drive, the new SUV promises to deliver a combination of performance and comfort.
The BEV unit and platform for this model have been jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., leveraging the strengths of each company to create a vehicle that meets the demands of modern drivers. As both companies strive towards a carbon-neutral society, this partnership underscores their dedication to sustainable mobility.
The collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota is not just a recent phenomenon; it reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry where partnerships are becoming essential in addressing technological advancements and market demands. Their alliance began in earnest in 2016, with projects ranging from hybrid vehicle technology sharing to joint ventures in new markets.
In 2018, the two companies took a significant step forward by collaborating on hybrid technology, allowing Suzuki to enhance its own vehicle offerings with Toyota’s advanced systems. This included the development of hybrid variants of popular Suzuki models, which helped expand Toyota’s influence in markets where Suzuki has a strong presence.
In 2021, the partnership was further solidified with the formation of a joint venture called “Toyota Suzuki Motor Corporation,” aimed at promoting electric vehicles and developing new technologies. This initiative has enabled both companies to pool their resources and expertise, accelerating their transition toward electrification.
